This California Beach Town Is the 'Whale-watching Capital of the World'-and the Holidays Are the Perfect Time to Visit

""During the holidays, Dana Point feels especially magical with harbor lights, festive events, and perfect weather for exploring," Vickie McMurchie, president of the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, tells Travel + Leisure. "And no matter the season, our location between Los Angeles and San Diego makes Dana Point an ideal home base. It's one of those rare places where you truly get the best of both worlds-a relaxing, small-town coastal vibe with big opportunities for adventure.""

""Beginning in November, the shops, restaurants, and walking paths around the town's marina light up with hundreds of thousands of twinkling bulbs for the annual Happy Harbor Days display. "Our harbor light displays illuminate the waterfront through early January, creating one of the most festive coastal experiences in Southern California," says McMurchie. Beyond simply strolling around, you can admire the show aboard a holiday lights cruise, taking place on select dates during December.""

Dana Point sits on steep bluffs just south of Laguna Beach along the Pacific Coast Highway and descends to sandy Doheny Beach, known from "Surfin' U.S.A." Dana Point is dubbed the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World and combines abundant marine life with a vibrant surfing culture. The holiday season brings mild weather, festive harbor lights, and events beginning in November, including the Happy Harbor Days display and holiday lights cruises. The town provides a relaxed small-town coastal vibe with easy access to Los Angeles and San Diego and offers plentiful restaurants and accommodations for weekend getaways.

Read at Travel + Leisure