Some of My Favorite Dana Point Photo Locations

Sponsored by Best Western.

Some of my favorite parts of our Dana Point visit were the coastal views and the time we spent enjoying golden-hour light. We mixed sunset photography with harbor walks, beach outings and time at the hotel, without trying to make every moment another stop on an itinerary.

Favorite photo locations and coastal views

Strands Vista Park

Strands Vista Park was a beautiful place to spend sunset, and we made some of my favorite photographs from the visit there. Give yourself time to enjoy the changing light rather than arriving only for one quick frame. City park information.

Harbor Point Conservation Park

We took a short loop walk here and enjoyed the views over the cliff sides. Looking out from above gives the coast a different perspective from being down on the beach. Stay on marked paths and check current access and hours, since the Headlands trail schedule can change. Current city trail alert.

Dana Point Harbor

We browsed the shops and walked around the waterfront. The boats and harbor setting make a nice contrast to the open coastline, and it was an easy part of the day to enjoy without rushing.

The harbor island waterfront

We also spent time walking and hanging out around the harbor island area. It belongs here as another waterfront perspective from our visit, without needing to make it a separate big excursion.

Beach time near the hotel

We used a nearby pedestrian bridge over the coast highway and train tracks to reach the beach, then walked back to the hotel to wash up. Use designated pedestrian access and check current conditions rather than crossing traffic or tracks yourself.

Where we stayed and a few other stops

Best Western Plus Dana Point Inn-by-the-Sea

We loved spending time at the hotel and having breakfast on the deck overlooking the ocean. The view looks across the highway and railway toward the beach; it is not direct access from the hotel onto the sand. Check your exact room category if the view matters. Hotel information.

Orange County Creamery

Orange County Creamery was a tasty stop we really enjoyed between exploring and relaxing. It fit the slower pace of this trip. Orange County Creamery.

A coastal drive toward Laguna

We drove toward Laguna, spent time at different beaches and stopped at a Mexican restaurant we loved. Keep that part flexible: a little food, a little exploring and time for golden hour, rather than a packed checklist.