Families are swapping theme parks for coastal getaways in Dana Point

More families are choosing outdoor, memory-making trips over crowded amusement parks, and Dana Point is positioning itself as a Southern California hub for that shift. Hilton Garden Inn Dana Point Doheny Beach is pitching its beachfront location as a base for whale watching, reunions, weddings and other milestone celebrations.

Why it matters: - Family travel is shifting toward outdoor recreation and educational experiences. - More than 80% of parents are interested in vacations centered on those activities, according to the Family Travel Association. - Dana Point is benefiting as travelers look for shared experiences that feel more personal than theme park trips.

What happened: - Travelers are increasingly choosing coastal escapes for whale watching, beach walks and ocean activities instead of spending days in amusement park lines. - Dana Point is being promoted as one of Southern California's top destinations for that trend. - Hilton Garden Inn Dana Point Doheny Beach says its location supports both family vacations and special occasions. - The hotel is just minutes from Dana Point Harbor and across from Doheny State Beach.

The details: - Dana Point is the first Whale Heritage Site in the Americas. - The community is recognized for sustainable whale watching, marine conservation and year-round viewing of whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. - Families are also using coastal trips to mark reunions, anniversaries, milestone birthdays and small wedding weekends. - Many of those celebrations are stretching into full weekend experiences with outdoor activities, local dining and time by the coast. - Hilton Garden Inn Dana Point Doheny Beach is a four-story, 198-room hotel. - Guest rooms include 55-inch Smart TVs, mini refrigerators, microwaves, ergonomic workspaces and complimentary Wi-Fi. - Hotel amenities include an outdoor heated pool, a 24-hour fitness center, on-site breakfast and dinner, self-parking and a 24-hour business center. - The property offers more than 8,800 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor event space. - Event spaces include the Doheny Ballroom, breakout meeting rooms and outdoor venues for weddings, receptions, corporate meetings, family reunions, milestone celebrations and social gatherings. - The hotel also offers customizable catering and modern audiovisual capabilities. - The property is located steps from the beach and near whale watching excursions, waterfront restaurants and nearby event venues.

Between the lines: - Dana Point is marketing itself as a destination where leisure travel and life events can overlap. - The trend favors destinations that combine recreation, education and convenience in one place. - The hotel is aiming to capture both weekend leisure travelers and groups planning celebrations.

What's next: - Families planning reunions, weddings and milestone events are likely to keep looking for destinations that offer built-in activities beyond the main gathering. - Dana Point and the Hilton Garden Inn property are positioned to benefit if coastal group travel keeps replacing more traditional amusement park vacations. - The hotel is also promoting its social media presence on Instagram and Facebook.

The bottom line: - Dana Point is leaning into a broader shift in family travel: fewer lines, more shared experiences, and a stronger focus on coastal memories.