The Dana Point Waterfall, have you heard about it? If not, you aren't alone! It's often referred to as a "secret" waterfall because it's not a waterfall that you can see on any normal day. But when it is flowing, it's quite a sight!
The Dana Point Waterfall only flows on rainy days. And when I say "rainy day"...it has to be raining pretty hard! Like almost pouring. There has to be enough water to flow off the side of this hill. You won't see it like this unless its actively raining!
{Thank to Ciaran Blumenfeld for these beautiful Dana Point Waterfall photos.}
This is what it looked liked when we went to see it during a moderate rain. See...no waterfall on these bluffs.
That's why the Dana Point Waterfall is referred to as "hidden or secret" to those who know about it.
Where is the Dana Point Waterfall?
The Dana Point Waterfall is both easy and hard to find. I say that because when it's not flowing, it's not easy to spot. Like NOT visible. But when it's flowing, it surely makes its appearance. So crazy that this huge waterfall just pops up out of nowhere!
To find it, head down to the city of Dana Point, CA and go toward Dana Point Harbor. The location of the Dana Point Waterfall is just north of here. If you are headed north on Dana Point Harbor Drive, it will be on your right side just north of the wharf. Make sure to be looking on the opposite side of the street than the ocean.
This is the view of the ocean side of the street. You can see the restrooms on the right and to the left a ways down is the Dana Point Harbor & Wharf. The waterfall is across the street from this spot.
And this is standing in the waterfall area looking toward the north direction of Dana Point Harbor Drive.
The official address of the Dana Point Waterfall
24413 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629
You turn onto Dana Point Drive from Pacific Coast Highway and drive down till you see the elusive waterfalls on your right. Remember, make sure you only go during a heavy rainfall.
Click here for the Google Map of the Dana Point seasonal waterfall location.
Where to park
You can park along the street and easily walk over to the waterfall location. It's also walking distance from the Dana Harbor Wharf and the Ocean Institute.
Dana Point Waterfall Photos
The view as you're walking up to the falls from the street. Remember - There needs to be active heavy rain for the waterfall to be flowing.
As you get closer, a pool of water is gathering below in front of the waterfall. If it's been raining for hours, the pool will be larger. The pool will be smaller and mostly flowing into the storm drain if it has only been rainy for an hour or so. And since these Dana Point Falls are basically runoff from the cliffs, there will most likely be a lot of debris swirling about.
Please be careful, this area can get flooded, and often times, dangerous. The city will often put up barriers and chain link fences around the area to keep onlookers out.
And that is the Dana Point Waterfall!
Flanked in palm trees in it's own little oasis!
So next time it's raining hard in Dana Point, drive by and see if you can spot this Dana Point, CA hidden gem.
Made the drive all the way down just to see this spectacular waterfall? Head over to the Ocean Institute and check out the excellent museum exhibits, or to Dana Point Harbor Village and grab a bite to eat, or enjoy a cup of coffee while looking out to thee ocean. You may even spot a dolphin or sea otter.
Want to Visit Another Hidden Orange County Gem?
This is one of my favorites. Check out Victoria Beach in Laguna Beach and see what OC locals call the Pirate Tower...and my kids call Rapunzel's Castle.
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