Dana Point Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Dana Point is conveniently accessible via Interstate 5, approximately 60 miles south of Los Angeles and 65 miles north of San Diego. From John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, the drive takes roughly 25 minutes, while Long Beach Airport is about 45 minutes away. The Orange County Transit Authority operates bus routes connecting Dana Point to neighboring coastal communities and transportation hubs. If arriving by car, the harbor area offers ample parking facilities with both short-term and all-day options available. Rideshare services are also readily available throughout the area, making connections to the ferry terminal straightforward.

Nestled along the stunning Orange County coastline, Dana Point offers a perfect blend of maritime charm and coastal luxury. This picturesque harbor town serves as a vital ferry gateway to Catalina Island while boasting impressive cliff-top views of the Pacific Ocean. Visitors to Dana Point will find themselves immersed in a relaxed seaside atmosphere where marine adventures, elegant dining, and golden beaches create an authentic Southern California experience.

Dana Point enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild temperatures year-round, though summer (June-August) brings the warmest weather with averages in the mid-70s°F. September and October offer what locals consider the perfect combination: warm waters, sunny days, and fewer crowds once summer tourists have departed. Winter months (December-February) remain mild but can bring occasional rain, though this rarely disrupts ferry operations. The annual Festival of Whales in March celebrates the gray whale migration and draws significant visitors, while the Tall Ships Festival in September transforms the harbor into a maritime spectacle. Ferry service to Catalina Island operates year-round, with increased frequency during summer months.

Dana Point serves as a premier gateway to Catalina Island, with regular ferry service taking approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach Avalon, the island's charming main town. The island offers visitors pristine beaches, excellent snorkeling, and a car-free environment perfect for relaxation. During certain seasons, whale watching excursions from Dana Point provide opportunities to witness the magnificent gray whale migration, with boats venturing into prime viewing waters in just 15-20 minutes. Newport Beach is also accessible via seasonal harbor cruises, allowing travelers to experience different coastal communities without changing accommodations. The ferry journey itself provides spectacular coastal views and frequent dolphin sightings, making the transportation part of the adventure.

Dana Point Harbor invites visitors to explore its two marinas housing over 2,500 vessels, with waterfront paths offering spectacular views and access to Baby Beach, a calm swimming area perfect for families. The Ocean Institute provides hands-on marine science exhibits and educational tall ship tours that highlight the area's maritime heritage. Culinary enthusiasts will appreciate harborside restaurants like Waterman's Harbor and Wind & Sea, where fresh seafood is served with panoramic ocean views. Just minutes from the harbor, Salt Creek Beach and Strand Beach showcase the stunning coastline that made Dana Point famous, with opportunities for surfing, paddleboarding, and tide pool exploration. The Lantern District, Dana Point's revitalized downtown area, features boutique shopping and local cafés within walking distance of the harbor.

Dana Point was named after Richard Henry Dana Jr., who described it as 'the most romantic spot on the California coast' in his 1840 seafaring classic 'Two Years Before the Mast.' The harbor is home to the Pilgrim, a full-sized replica of the merchant ship that brought Dana to California, now serving as a living history museum. Before becoming a premier coastal destination, Dana Point was known as 'Killer Dana' for its legendary surf break, which disappeared after the harbor's construction in the 1960s. The city hosts the world's first whale festival, celebrating its unique position along the Pacific migration route where gray whales travel closer to shore than anywhere else on their journey.