Capistrano Beach

If you happen to be in Dana Point for the Christmas holidays, don't miss out on this unique parade in which boaters decorate their boats for the holidays. The parade beckons boaters from all over Orange County, who decorate their vessels and aspire for awards like Judges Choice, Best Theme, Best Use of Lights, Best Animation, Most Colorful, Most Original, Best Sailboat, Best Powerboat, and the Perpetual Trophy for the Yacht Club with the Most Entries.

This petting zoo is great fun for the little ones. Enclosures filled with bunnies and guinea pigs, feeding goats or riding horses and ponies: endless fun is guaranteed.

Dana Wharf was the first whale watching company in Orange County and has been offering tours since the Harbor opened in 1971. The fleet includes a 63 -foot calm ocean Catamaran, and the 95-foot Dana Pride. Cruises are narrated by expert captains with sightings guaranteed.

Tours leave from Dana Point Harbor every day and last two and a half hours. Captain Dave, a marine naturalist, lead the tours himself. His expertise combined with boats equipped with underwater viewing pods make this a one-of-a-kind experience.

The mission, one of many built throughout the state of California, was constructed over 200 years ago by Spanish Padres and Native Americans. It is considered not only as the birthplace of Orange County, but also monument to its diverse cultural heritage. It is also known as the "Jewel of the Missions."

Capistrano Beach marks the southernmost end of the Pacific Coast Highway, or, officially, California State Route 1. This 655-mile-long highway provides a scenic drive along the Pacific coast.

Enjoy a day on the water! Dana Point Harbor is a popular destination for those who enjoy kayaking, jet skiing, outrigger canoes, and the new Stand Up Paddleboards.

Jet skis and kayaks are available for rental here year-round at Capo Beach Watercraft Rentals. They allow for rental of 1-3 Passenger Jet Skiis, SeaDoos, and kayaks to start your Capo Beach vacation the right way.

There are three locations for world-class golfing in Dana Point: San Juan Hills Golf Club 32120 San Juan Creek Road San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 +1 949 493 1167 www.sanjuanhillsgolf.com Monarch Beach Golf Links 50 Monarch Beach Resort N Dana Point, CA 92629 +1 949 240 8247 www.monarchbeachgolf.com Talega Golf Club 990 Avenida Talega San Clemente, CA 92673 +1 949 369 6226 www.talegagolfclub.com

There are a number of parks in Dana Point, each offering its own unique set of amenities.