Things to do in Dana Point

2026 Americas 50 - Night Attractions

CA-1

CA-1 is a highly iconic coastal self-drive route on the West Coast of the United States, stretching over 1,000 km along the Pacific coastline and connecting coastal towns from the San Francisco Bay Area, Monterey, Big Sur, San Simeon, and Morro Bay all the way to Los Angeles. Its highlight is concentrated in the Big Sur section between Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and San Simeon: the road winds along steep cliffs, with the surging Pacific Ocean on one side and mountains and redwood forests on the other. There are many scenic parking areas along the way where you can pull over at any time to enjoy the sea breeze and watch the waves crash against the cliffs. There are several highly recognizable scenes along this section: the Bixby Bridge, which spans the canyon, is an elegantly designed concrete arch bridge, and there are almost always vehicles parked at the bridgehead for photos; McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park drops directly from the cliff top onto the beach in the cove, making it a rare beach waterfall in California; the sand at Pfeiffer Beach has a faint purple hue due to the weathering of manganese garnet in the cliffs; further south in the San Simeon area, groups of northern elephant seals can be seen sunbathing on the beach year-round, and you can also visit Hearst Castle on the mountain nearby. The Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey at the northern end and the town of Carmel-By-The-Sea also have their own unique charm.

Laguna Beaches

Laguna Beachesare located in the southern part of Orange County, California, United States, and are an artistic attraction nestled between hills and the sea. The coastal area features numerous scenic coves and beaches, among which Main Beach is a representative public space in the city. They boast gentle, expansive sandy beaches, and the wide coastline is perfect for walking, relaxing, and enjoying the ocean views. A boardwalk connects the beach areas, where visitors can stroll in the sea breeze, watch beach volleyball games, and soak up the relaxed holiday atmosphere unique to the California coast. On sunny days, sunbathers and visitors gather here, bringing the beach to life. With their sunny beaches, magnificent ocean views, deep-rooted artistic traditions, and rich ecological experiences, they showcase the unique charm of a Southern California coastal city.

2026 Global 100 - Family-friendly Attractions

Disneyland Park California

Starting May 16, 2025, Disneyland Resort will launch a year-long 70th anniversary celebration! Centered around the theme "Celebrate Happy," the resort will unveil exclusive global experiences to honor seven decades of magic and joy. The parks will be adorned with 70th anniversary-themed décor, while Mickey Mouse and friends debut special outfits. Interactive surprises await at select attractions. Limited-time ticket offers include 3-day and new 4-day tickets (upgradeable for park-hopper and Lightning Lane Multi Pass). The celebration runs through summer 2026—plan your visit now to experience Disney's "Rainbow of Happiness"! In 1955, Walt, the father of Disney, built California Disneyland in Los Angeles, which is the world's first original Disney theme park. The park is located within the California Disney Resort. There are two main parks: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. The two parks are adjacent to each other. Visitors can visit both parks at one time and experience the joyful magic of Disney World. Come and enter the land of fairy tales and meet classic characters such as Mickey, Minnie, Disney princesses, Avengers, and Star Wars heroes. △ Step into fairy-tale worlds filled with Character sightings, attractions and more! △ Enjoy a leisurely stroll through small-town America—you'll love the turn-of-the-century charm! △ Explore this out-of-this-world land, where you can live your adventure in a galaxy far, far away!

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Disneyland Resort California

Disneyland Resort California is an entertainment resort in Anaheim, California, USA. It is owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company through its experiences division, featuring two theme parks (Disneyland and Disney California Adventure), three hotels, and the Disney Downtown shopping, dining, and entertainment district. Disneyland Park features Sleeping Beauty Castle as its landmark, with scenes from the fairy tale displayed inside. The Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge area recreates the streets of Batuu from the movies, where visitors can board the Millennium Falcon. Classic attractions like Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, and Haunted Mansion in New Orleans Square have been operating for decades, with daytime parades often winding through the park. At Disney California Adventure Park, Cars Land is modeled after the desert town from the movie, with Radiator Springs Racers remaining a perennial favorite. The Avengers Campus offers thrilling experiences like Guardians of the Galaxy - Mission: Breakout! and an interactive shooting adventure with Spider-Man. Over at Pixar Pier, the Incredicoaster races along the bay. At night, Disneyland lights up the sky with castle fireworks, while Disney California Adventure dazzles with a grand water and light show on the lake. Given the resort's size and long queues for popular attractions, two full days are recommended to fully explore both parks—hit the top rides early, then explore at leisure. Keep an eye out for hidden Mickey easter eggs scattered throughout the parks, as spotting them adds to the fun. After the parks close, head to Downtown Disney for dining and shopping to cap off your day. Disneyland was the company's first theme park, and also a theme park built by Walt Disney, which opened on July 17, 1955. Disney California Adventure Park is a theme park based on Disney's interpretation of California, which opened on February 8, 2001.

2026 Global 100 - Family-friendly Attractions

Disney California Adventure Park

This is a Disney adventure park themed around California. Originally conceived as "experiencing all of California in one day," the park's entrance once featured a replica of the Golden Gate Bridge, vividly showcasing the state's captivating culture and rich history—the very essence the "paradise park" aimed to convey. Disney California Adventure Park opened on February 8, 2001. Originally the parking lot for Disneyland, it has since evolved into a vibrant theme park featuring rides, shopping, and dining. From Cars Land and Buena Vista Street to Pixar Pier, Avengers Campus, and San Fransokyo Square, the park has continuously expanded over the years, with even more exciting additions planned for the future.

Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching Dana Point

San Clemente Pier

Doheny State Beach

Mission San Juan Capistrano

Aliso Beach

Aliso Beach is popular with surfers and skateboarders, and features a playground and fire pits, making it suitable for family gatherings.