dana point, california travel guide

DANA POINT, CALIFORNIA TRAVEL GUIDE
Here’s your one-stop shop for everything you need to know
prior to venturing out on your trip to Dana Point, CA. The
city is about half-way between San Diego and Los Angeles.
It boasts several miles of coastal bluffs and rolling hills
descending into the Pacific Ocean. With API’s Dana Point,
California Travel Guide, you’ll get an inside look at the
beaches, other local attractions, and eateries this harbor
oasis has to offer.
Whale Watching All Year
When you visit Dana Point, take advantage of one of nature’s
most beautiful and breathtaking sights! Board an excursion on
Capt. Dave’s hi-tech sailing catamaran with 2 underwater
viewing pods, language and communication-amplifying
hydrophone, and a mini onboard whale museum.
The boat tours usually include sightings of dolphins and
gray whales between December and early May on their
migration to Alaska. Between May and December,
boaters usually see dolphins, blue whales, and fin
whales, as well as occasional sightings of orca (killer)
whales, humpback whales, and sperm whales.
Capt. Dave’s Dolphin Safari
24440 Dana Point Harbor Drive
Dana Point, CA 92629
For reservations, call
(949) 488-2828
http://www.dolphinsafari.com/index.html
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LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
OCEAN INSTITUTE
“Experience is the Teacher” is the motto of Dana Point’s Ocean. The institute
is known for its hands-on approach to marine science and environmental
education, and is proud of its 61 award-winning immersion style programs.
The Ocean Institute has provided a wide variety of these top-rated programs
for more than 30 years, providing a launching pad for environmental
preservation and engagement.
Ocean Institute
24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive
Dana Point, CA 92629
(949) 496-2274
www.ocean-institute.org
 R/V Sea Explorer
All aboard the Ocean Institute’s 70-ft research vessel dedicated to
environmental education. The R/V Sea Explorer is a floating lab
equipped with onboard computers, satellite technology, video
microscopes, and more. Every day, this craft interacts with some aspect
of the marine environment, and chronicles at least one account, one
fascinating interaction with an organism living in the ocean. The R/V Sea
Explorer’s extended bow provides spectacular views of dolphins,
whales, and sea lions. Cruise options include the Bioluminescence
Cruise, a nocturnal trip highlighting animals and plants that glow in the
dark. An exciting daytime adventure cruise is the Marine Mammal tour.
 Tall Ships at the Ocean Institute
The Ocean Institute maintains 2 tall ships, the 130-ft Pilgrim, and the 118-ft Spirit of Dana Point. These are
accurate replicas of schooners of the 18th century during the American Revolution. The Pilgrim was used in the
1997 film Amistad, a historical drama directed by Steven Spielberg set in 1839. The Institute hosts several sailing
adventures throughout the year, including whale adventures and coastal
odysseys. You’ll explore humans’ evolving relationship with the ocean
and marine mammals, and discover the remarkable history of the West
Coast. Join the crew to help raise the sails, handle lines, and steer the
ships, or simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the breathtaking majesty of
sailing aboard a tall ship. Light refreshments are included.
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MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
Mission San Juan Capistrano was founded more than 200 years
ago and is considered the birthplace of Orange County. It is the
seventh of 21 missions statewide, and one of the few with a
remaining chapel tower. The mission was originally built by
Spanish Padres and Indians, and was a center for agriculture,
education, and religion. Today it is celebrated as a monument to
California’s multicultural history and traditions, embracing its
American Indian, Spanish, Mexican, and European heritages.
The grounds include 10 acres of lush and scenic gardens and
fountains, tucked away in a location providing visitors respite
from a busy world.
Mission San Juan Capistrano
26801 Ortega Hwy
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 234-1300
http://www.missionsjc.com/
BEACHES
 Dana Point Marine Life Refuge
Engage in a rare peek of rocky intertidal habitats that include sea
anemones, star fish, and octopus, among other fish at low tide.
Dolphins commonly play just off shore. The marine life refuge
extends from Strands Beach to the far west side of Dana Point
Harbor. Walk along the rocky beach and explore sea caves, ancient
earthquake faults, and an abundance of wildlife at the public tide pool
exhibit.
Dana Point Marine Life Refuge
Dana Point, CA 92629
(949) 248-3500
www.orangecountycoastlife.com/attractions/refuge-dana-point-marine-life.html
 Salt Creek State Beach
This stunning beach is located just below the Ritz-Carlton Hotel and offers miles of white sand and breathtaking
high waves. You’ll view some of the best surfing in Southern California, attracting surfers at every ability level.
Naturally, several surfing competitions are held at Salt Creek each year. Just above the beach, visitors will enjoy a
7-acre park adorning the bluff, including barbecue grills, benches, and picnic tables. You’ll view a spectacular
panorama of the area, possibly glimpsing gray whales.
Salt Creek State Beach
33333 S. Pacific Coast Hwy
Dana Point, CA 92629
(949) 923-2280
www.orangecountycoastlife.com/beaches/salt-creek-state-beach.html
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 Capistrano Beach
This is a gem for children and adults alike, located about 2 miles off the
Dana Point Harbor. It provides 7 volleyball courts, a lighted basketball
court, and fire rings. Selling more than snacks and cold drinks, the
concession stands rent out beach supplies such as surf boards, roller
blades, bicycles, and fishing gear. Enjoy the bonfires at night, including
beach parties and music.
Capistrano Beach
35005 Beach Road
Capo Beach, CA 92675
(949) 923-2280
http://ocparks.com/beaches/capistrano/
 Doheny State Beach
Stroll along more than one mile of coast with some of the best swimming and surfing in California. During low
tide, explore an array of marine life along the shore. Doheny features volleyball courts and 5 acres of lawn that
include 121 campsites and a picnic area with 170 picnic tables and 99 barbecue grills. As a part of the California
State Parks system, Doheny is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of the park’s beaches,
facilities, and marine refuge, along with its historical, cultural, and social significance.
Doheny State Beach
25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive
Dana Point, CA 92629
(949) 496-6172
http://www.dohenystatebeach.org/
RESTAURANTS
 Cannons Seafood Grill
Located on a cliff overlooking the Dana Point Harbor, Cannons has
provided guests with top fare since 1972. The menu includes
traditional and bold offerings with cutting edge flavors. You will
always be assured of the quality of the ingredients, dish presentation,
and flavor. A celebrated specialty is the fresh Skuna Bay salmon,
“craft-raised” and topped with tarragon cream sauce, accompanied
with fresh seasonal vegetables and scalloped potatoes. Don’t miss the
daily happy hour from 4:30- 6:30 pm.
Cannons Seafood Grill
34344 Street of the Green Lantern
Dana Point, CA 92629
(949) 496-6146
http://cannonsrestaurant.com/
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 Casanova Italian Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge
Casanova offers authentic Venetian cuisine in an intimate ambience featuring
terracotta tiles and beautiful images of Venice. Delight in the linguini alla
pescatora, long flat pasta with fresh fish of the day, shrimp, calamari, mussels,
and clams, immersed in a light tomato sauce. Or try a go-to dish, the pork chop
sorrentina, a grilled chop baked in fresh mozzarella, basil, and chopped
tomatoes. Choose from the specialty wine list, including house favorites, such as
the Pinot Grigio, Danzante Veneto and the Chianti Classico, Tiziano Riserva, Toscana. Daily happy hour runs
from 3:30-6 pm.
Casanova Restaurant
33585 Del Obispo St. C and D
Dana Point, CA 92629
(949) 496-0992
http://www.casanovaristorante.com/index.html
 RJ’s Cafe
This breakfast and lunch restaurant offers an inviting atmosphere,
boasting a Tahitian-style décor. Dishes provide large portions at
reasonable prices. And, don’t be surprised if the restaurant owner comes
to your table to tell you one of his jokes. Start off your day with one of
RJ’s specialties, the eggs Milanese. This dish includes sliced tomatoes
sauteed in olive oil with garlic and fresh herbs, topped with parmesan
cheese and two eggs over medium, also served with home-style potatoes
and toast. At lunch, sample an RJ favorite, the turkey feta, which
includes roast turkey, feta cheese, red onion, lettuce, and tomato.
RJ’s Cafe
25001 Dana Point Harbor Drive
Dana Point, CA 92629
(949) 218-5757
http://www.rjscafe.com/index.html
 The Shwack Beach Grill
A relative newbie to the Dana Point dining scene, The Shwack opened its doors in July 2011. Open for breakfast,
lunch, and dinner, diners rave that this casual coastal burger joint has great burgers at good prices. A surfboard
decor naturally attracts residents and visitors alike. In addition to hormone-free and antibiotic-free burgers, The
Shwack also features house-made healthy beach food. Sample the Shwack burger, featuring a one-third pound
hand-shaped patty topped with lettuce, tomato, marinated red onion, and Shwack sauce on a fresh-baked bun. A
tasty alternative is the surf n’ turf, 6 oz of filet tender and 4 large shrimp seared in chipotle butter. This dish is
served with confetti rice and choice of broccoli or Asian slaw. Don’t miss the everyday happy hour from 4-6 pm.
The Shwack Beach Grill
24502 Del Prado
Dana Point, CA 92629
(949) 218-2731
http://www.theshwack.com/location.html
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 Peking Dragon Chinese Restaurant
This family-owned restaurant takes pride in creating authentic
Mandarin Szechuan-style dishes from award-winning and favorite
family recipes. Stop in for one of the lunch specials, and sample
the kung-pao chicken, diced tender chicken marinated with fine
chili peppers, vegetables, and peanuts. Or try the Peking Dragon
beef, sliced, tender beef marinated with hot garlic sauce and
cooked with chopped green onion. Peking Dragon also offers an
extensive wine selection.
Peking Dragon Chinese Restaurant
34171 Pacific Coast Hwy
Dana Point, CA 92629
(949) 493-9499
http://www.pekingdragonrestaurant.com/index.html
 Salt Creek Grille
This area hot spot features patio cabanas and evening-long
drink specials. The inside is equally inviting, featuring a
spacious Craftsman-style lodge atmosphere. The
restaurant’s steaks and burgers are Brandt Natural Beef,
known for its taste, texture, and tenderness. Indulge in a
Grille Specialties menu item and treat yourself to the
porterhouse stroganoff, sliced natural filet and New York
steak, caramelized onions, and mushrooms over
pappardelle pasta, with cabernet demi-glace and sour
cream. Happy hour runs 4-6:30 pm daily.
Salt Creek Grille
32802 Pacific Coast Hwy
Dana Point, CA 92629
(949) 661-7799
http://www.saltcreekgrille.com/dana_point/index.asp?mid=1
 Harpoon Henry’s Seafood Restaurant
At Harpoon Henry’s, you’ll have a room with a view whether
you dine indoors or out on the harbor-side outdoor patio.
Diners receive the latest in California beach cuisine and the
best in dining service, ambiance, and cuisine. Can’t get
enough of a good thing? Order the seafood combination and
enjoy coconut shrimp, mahi-mahi macadamia, & pan-seared
scallops. Enjoy the Monday-Friday happy hour from 4-7 pm.
Harpoon Henry’s Seafood Restaurant
34555 Golden Lantern St.
Dana Point, CA 92629
(949) 493-2933
www.windandsearestaurants.com/harpoonhenrys/home.htm
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