Dana Point Sea Caves

This summer is all about discovering the many sea caves along our beautiful coastline, and today we discovered the Dana Point Sea Caves. I have heard of these sea caves and had always wondered where they were located. Since I knew, they were somewhere around The Ocean Institute, the kids and I set out for the day to find out their exact location.

Things we learned!
The sea caves are only accessible during low tide (check surfline.com). There is a “small” path to the sea caves, but you’ll want to make sure your kids are wearing water shoes or tennis shoes. My kids were in flip flops, and we had a lot of stubbed toes during our adventure. There is also not a lot of shade along the walk so bring a hat and apply plenty of sunscreen.

Beautiful Dana Point Waters

Small narrow path that leads to the sea caves

Walking along the path towards the sea caves in Dana Point

First.
Park in the parking lot surrounding The Ocean Institute. Most of the parking is free and easy to find a good spot on the weekdays.

Entering the large sea cave

The tide pools in Dana Point

Second
Walk behind the ocean institute to the beach that backs the center. You’ll want to walk down the “caged” staircase and then make a right along the beach towards the rocks.

Inside one of the smaller sea caves

Happy Face Rock

Third
Explore! It will take you about 15 minutes (depending on the age of your kids and how much they are distracted by the beautiful rocks) to find the first cave. The first cave is the largest, and so much fun for the kids to explore.

The large sea cave

Exploring the tide pools

Be careful of lobster cages w/ sharp edges found on rocks

Fourth
We packed a small picnic lunch/blanket and had lunch inside of the sea cave. It was so relaxing for me as a mom to enjoy my lunch while the kids explored the cave, rocks, and tide pools. It is an ultimate win-win for moms.

The ocean is full of love

Fifth
You can continue down the rocky path to find many more smaller sea caves and more tide pools. At the end of the path is a resident homeless man that lives in the last cave, and I don’t recommend going all the way to the end of the rocky path.

Homeless man in last cave

Finally. End the day by letting your kids splash in the waves at the beach or build a sandcastle together. It is the perfect way to spend your summer day together with your kids in Orange County. You’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable day filled with many memories.

We will continue to search for more sea caves this summer..so keep reading the blog and follow our adventures on Instagram!