Places to Go

While there are a number of things to do at the harbor – kayaking, tide pool exploring, bike riding, fishing, swimming, jet-skiing and boating – many go to relax by the water, shop, dine or watch the sun rise and set.

Doheny State Beach is located next to an interpretive center. You will find a large lawn area perfect for Frisbees, football or volleyball. Amenities include fire pits, a snack bar and parking.

The Ocean Institute has become nationally known for its hands-on marine science, environmental education and maritime history programs. More than 110,000 K-12 students and 8,000 teachers annually participate in the Institute's 61 award-winning, immersion style programs. To learn about oceanography, science, and California history, students voyage onto the ocean, study in labs and live aboard tall ships or in the chaparral, where they can feel and taste the salty sea spray, sort through live specimens, observe migrating whales, collect scientific data and investigate the culture and world around them.

Salt Creek Park provides access to public beaches. The park offers a parking facility, sandy beaches, rocky outcroppings and sheer cliffs. Salt Creek Beach is a popular surfing location. Swimming, bodysurfing, sunbathing and tide pool exploration are other fun beach activities.