Explore Dana Point with Coastal Explorer USA
Discover Dana Point’s coastline through hands‑on coastal tours led by Coastal Explorer USA. Walk tidepools & coastal trails, spot wildlife, paddleboard, and hear local stories you won’t find in any guidebook.
Choose Your Adventure
Each tour offers a unique perspective on Dana Point’s history, nature, and hidden treasures
Coastal Hike & Ecology Tour
- 1.5 - 2 Hours
- 2 - 3 miles
- Easy to Moderate
(All ages) Experience the coastline at your own pace. Explore the shore and coastal headlands, tide pools, learn about the coastal landscape and marine life, and uncovering beach secrets.
- Kelp & Shoreline
- Coastal Geography
- Beach Ecology
- Headlands
- Scenic Photos
- Tidepool (tide depending)
- Sand Crab Roundup (for the kids)
5K History
- 2 Hours
- 3.1 miles
- Moderate
A perfect blend of fitness and history. Jog with us 3.1 miles while stopping along the way to learn about Dana Point’s rich past, from Native American heritage to maritime legends. Plus, get insider tips on the best local restaurants, surf spots, and hidden gems to enhance your Dana Point experience.
Must be 14 years or older to participate
- Historic Harbor Highlights
- Coastal highlights
- Local Maritime Legends
- Native American History
Tidepool Exploration
- 2 Hours
- 1 mile
- Moderate
Discover the tidepools and learn about coastal ecology, the geology of the headlands and most importantly, discover all the hidden marine life living just below the water in the intertidal zone. This tour does require walking on rocks and uneaven surfaces
- Marine life
- Holding Hermit Crabs and Sea Snails
- Rocks &coastal ecology
- Dana Point history & legend
"Three Caves" Exploration
- 2.5 Hours
- 2 miles
- Moderate to Chalenging
Discover the secret caves and coves that only locals know about. This adventurous tour combines trail running with cave exploration and historical storytelling. Learn where to find the best local experiences, from dining to outdoor adventures.
- Hidden coastal caves
- Tidepool Explortion
- Pirate Legend
- Geological Formations
Hidden Beach & Sea Lions
- 3 Hours
- 2.5 miles
- Moderate
Trek to a secluded beach with sweeping views of dramatic rock formations and sea lion colonies. Learn about marine life and coastal conservation, plus get local insights on the best Dana Point activities, restaurants, and services.
- Sea lion viewing
- Marine biology insights
- Rock formations
- Exclusive beach access
Paddleboarding
- 2 Hours
- 2.5 miles
- Moderate
(Ages 8+) Experience Dana Point Harbor from the water on a calm, scenic paddleboarding adventure. Perfect for beginners (with no experience) and families, this guided session takes you throughout the quiet coves and hidden corners of the harbor. A peaceful, confidence‑building way to enjoy one of Southern California’s most beautiful coastal settings.
- Explore the harbor
- Core and strength building
- Coastal wildlife
- Meditative
Private & Custom Tours with Coastal Explorer USA
Planning a group outing, corporate team building, or special event? I can create a custom tour tailored to your group’s interests and fitness level.
Whats Included
- Customized route and topics
- Flexible pace and distance
- Private group experience
- Local insider tips
- Group size up to 15 people
Perfect For
- Corporate team building
- Friends visiting for a wedding
- Family gatherings
- Special occasions
- Running clubs
- Customized experiences
- Important Information
- Tours run 2-4 miles depending on the route
- All fitness levels okay – for some activities, the ability to run or jog some or most of the distance is required
- Wear comfortable running/walking shoes and bring water
- Tours run rain or shine – check weather and dress appropriately
- All tours include local tips: best restaurants, surf schools, eBike rentals, and more!
Experience Dana Point Like Never Before
Combining fitness, education, and adventure on one of the West Coast’s most beautiful beaches
About Coastal Explorer USA
Coastal Explorer USA was created to share the beauty, history, and natural wonder of Southern California’s coastline through hands‑on, memorable experiences. Led by longtime local guide and educator Julian Miller, our programs blend outdoor adventure with meaningful learning — whether you’re exploring tide pools, hiking the Dana Point Headlands, or paddling through the calm waters of the harbor.
With years of experience designing coastal education programs for schools, families, and community groups, we focus on creating welcoming, accessible adventures for all ages. Every outing is built around safety, curiosity, and connection — to the ocean, to local wildlife, and to the stories that make this coastline special.
From first‑time explorers to seasoned adventurers, our goal is simple:
help you experience Dana Point in a way that’s fun, engaging, and unforgettable.
From the Field: The Coastal Explorer Tour Log
A Behind‑the‑Scenes Look at Our Tours & Adventures
Our Tour Log brings you along for the journey—tidepooling at low tide, spotting dolphins offshore, hiking the Dana Point Headlands, and guiding guests through unforgettable coastal science experiences. We also share the rich history of Dana Point, the local legends that give this coastline its character, and the unique encounters that unfold here every day. Each post highlights a recent adventure, the wildlife we observed, the stories behind the landscape, and the lessons learned along the way. Dive into the latest entries and explore the coast through our eyes.
Contact Coastal Explorer USA
Ready to explore Dana Point’s hidden history? Got some comments or questions? We would love to hear from you
