October in Dana Point has a particular magic. The coastal air turns crisp, the boats bob in the marina, and the whole harbor seems to slow down and invite families to wander. Here is a guide to the season, with dates, tips, ideas for filling the gaps between the big events, and everything families need to know about parking.
The Big Days
Dogapalooza: Saturday, October 17, 10am to 4pm
This is the one to circle first. The second annual Dogapalooza takes over Bump Out Park with a free splash zone, a harbor pack walk, dog yoga with iHeart Yoga, and a costume contest with prizes. Kids can get stuck into the photo ops and craft station, and grown ups can browse local pet friendly vendors, grab something from the food trucks or sip at the beer and wine garden hosted by Frisby Cellars. Admission is free, and the day supports the Pet Project Foundation. Well behaved pups on leashes are welcome, but a dog is not required for a good time. Plenty of families come just for the puppy spotting.
Live Music on the Wharf: Saturday, October 24, 1pm to 4pm
Local favorite Zach Churchill brings an afternoon of laid back acoustic music to the Wharf, with retail exclusive offers on the side. It suits families who like their entertainment low key. Spread out, let the kids wiggle, and make an afternoon of it with a snack and a browse of the shops.
Little Folk Club: Friday, October 30, 10am
For the very small, this kid friendly live music series at Bump Out Park is a charmer, and the perfect way to kick off Halloween weekend with a little creativity. Last year’s Halloween edition included a costume parade and free entry, so tiny pirates, pumpkins and princesses should come dressed up.
The Last Boo rah at Frisby Cellars: Saturday, October 31, 5pm to 9pm
A DJ, a costume contest and plenty of spooky waterfront atmosphere make this a fun Halloween finale, though it leans toward a grown up crowd. Families with older kids can ask the venue about how kid friendly the early evening will be.
Dana Point Turkey Trot: Thursday, November 26, from 7am
The 49th annual Turkey Trot is one of the harbor’s best loved traditions, held on Thanksgiving Day. The 10K sets off at 7am, the 5Ks follow at 8:30, 9:30 and 10, and the Kids’ 1 Mile Gobble Wobble starts at 10:30am. Costumes are encouraged, and there is a health and fitness expo to explore. It is a lovely way to earn the pie.
Everyday Fun at the Harbor
Wednesday Farmers Market
Every Wednesday from 9am to 1pm, a certified farmers market sets up beside the parking structure. Shoppers can pick up local produce, artisan goods and seasonal specialties, and the kids can choose a pastry while the grown ups fill the tote bag.
Wharf Food Pop Ups
On select Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 1pm to 7pm, rotating pop ups from The Parlor and Culture Pizza Co. serve fresh bites right on the Wharf. Pizza and a waterfront view is a hard combination to beat.
Duffy Electric Boats
For families who want to be the captain, Dana Wharf rents easy to operate electric Duffy boats daily. They are perfect for a picnic on the water.
Harbor Wine Cruise
Grown ups looking for a date night can join a sunset cruise aboard the Dana Pride on select Fridays and Sundays through October, and on Fridays only in November, at 5:30pm. It includes a curated tasting and live music, so it is one for the adults.
Ocean Adventures and Beyond
The Ocean Institute
This waterfront education center is a family favorite. On weekends it opens to the public from 10am to 3pm, and it stays closed on weekdays because school groups take over. Inside, curious kids can explore aquariums, touch tanks and marine exhibits, and families can book whale and marine life cruises or tall ship sails for an extra fee. It also lists younger visitor programs such as Tiny Tots, so check its calendar. Plan on two to three hours, longer with a cruise.
Whale and Dolphin Watching
Dana Point calls itself the Whale and Dolphin Watching Capital of the World, and Dana Wharf runs whale and dolphin tours daily. Sightings are never guaranteed, so pack patience and layers, because it is always colder on the water.
Baby Beach and Doheny State Beach
Baby Beach, tucked beside the Ocean Institute, is a gentle patch of harbor sand that suits small children, and free parking is available nearby. Doheny State Beach, a short walk from the harbor shops, is the first state beach in California’s state park system, which makes it ideal for picnics and sandcastles. On select October afternoons, Doho Cafe at Doheny hosts live music from 4pm to 6pm.
Lantern Bay Park and the Headlands
When the kids need a different kind of space, Lantern Bay Park offers views, a playground and a bocce ball court, and the Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area has easy coastal hiking.
Parking: The Full Rundown
Parking is simpler than it sounds, and the best news is that the first four hours are free.
The New Parking Structure
The brand new structure sits at 799 Harbor Way, at the corner of Golden Lantern and Dana Point Harbor Drive. It is open to the public and gives each vehicle four free hours, subject to availability. After that, each additional hour costs $6, up to a daily maximum of $24. A lost ticket also costs $24. Families planning an event and a long wander should keep an eye on the clock. Customers of Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching, and of Catalina Express, are required to park on the third level of the structure, and surface lot parking is not allowed for them. Those customers should contact the companies directly for details.
Electric Vehicle Charging
ChargePoint charging stations are available to guests on the first floor of the structure. Charging is first come, first served and subject to availability. Vehicles that stay longer than three hours in a designated EV stall face a $5 surcharge, so set a reminder and move the car in time.
Surface Lot Retail Parking
Patrons of the harbor’s restaurants and shops can use the areas marked Retail Parking, Customer Only. Spaces are first come, first served and free while visitors are patronizing harbor businesses, for a maximum of four hours. This parking is at Mariner’s Village, reached via Golden Lantern or Casitas Place. Overnight parking is strictly prohibited in all surface lots, and vehicles in violation can be towed.
Free Options
These are highly recommended for cyclists, dog walkers and families on a budget. Free street parking can be found along Dana Point Harbor Drive east of Casitas Place and along Golden Lantern to the north of the harbor. Free public parking is also available along Dana Way, near Dana Point Yacht Club, at Baby Beach and off Cove Road.
Paid Options Near the Wharf
Visitors who want to be closest to the Wharf, or who need evening parking, have two choices. Puerto Place, next to Doheny State Beach, charges an hourly rate, and drivers should pay at a pay station before leaving the vehicle. The Embarcadero charges a flat rate of $15, payable on entry.
Plan Your Day
For a high energy Saturday, start at Dogapalooza on October 17, then walk to Baby Beach and the Ocean Institute, which is open that day until 3pm. For a gentler outing, try a Wednesday morning at the farmers market, followed by a boardwalk stroll, all within the four free hours. For a Halloween weekend, begin with the Little Folk Club on Friday morning and spend Saturday at the beach.
Pack layers, sunscreen and a reusable water bottle, because the harbor can be breezy and sunny in the same hour. A stroller or wagon helps, since the boardwalk is flat.
A Sneak Peek at the Holidays
Families planning ahead can pencil in the Boat Parade of Lights, which runs December 11 to 13, with the parade starting at 6:30pm each night. Decorated boats circle the harbor, and families can watch from the boardwalk or book a parade cruise with Dana Wharf.
