Dana Point California
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Dana Point Harbor
This town was named after the author Richard Henry Dana, who wrote "Two Years Before The Mast". Back in 1835 when Dana was here, the harbor was a major port, the biggest between Santa Barbara and San Diego. The point itself is at the northwest end of the harbor and is a huge mound with 200 foot cliffs seen for miles around.
In 1970 the new harbor was completed, along with a long jetty, creating a calm, safe haven for the pleasure boats.
The natural cove has two marinas: the west marina and east marina. At the west end is the Ocean Institute, Baby's Beach and the
Dana Point Yacht Club
There is a boardwalk along the marina with outdoor tables. Grab a bite at Coffee Importers & Deli (wraps, bagels, soup, coffee) or the Scoop Deck & Espresso Bar (ice cream, coffee, pastries) and sit and enjoy the waterfront atmosphere.
Grassy areas and picnic benches are found throughout the harbor, so you can sit, enjoy a picnic and watch the boats glide in and out of the channel. Parking is free, but some of the lots are for boat owners and their guests only.
Click here to learn more about the Dana Point Marina.
Views And Blufftop Strolls
Dana Point Harbor is backed by some seriously steep bluffs. At the top are several spots with great views:
- Heritage Park Dana Point
- Lantern Bay Park -- grassy park east of Heritage Park. Basketball, picnic areas and bbq grills, restrooms, path. Enter from Street of the Park Lantern or take stairs from Street of the Golden Lantern.
- Ken Sampson Lookout -- Lovely views of the harbor from benches. Find it on Street of the Blue Lantern near the Blue Lantern Inn. Nearby is the Blufftop Trail wihich goes along the cliffs between Street of the Amber Lantern Street of the Violet Lantern.
- Hilltop Park -- Find steep steps across from the Charthouse on Street of the Green Lantern.
- Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center -- At end of the Street of the Green Lantern. There's a small parking lot, or street parking. The center is slated to open sometime in 2010, and there is a posted map of the Dana Point Preserve Trail which goes out around the natural preserve up on the Dana Point headlands. Ocean views galore.
- Take a wildlife cruise from the Ocean Institute.
Also, the Ocean Institute Dana Point California is a great place to bring the kids to learn about the marine environment. - Rent a personal watercraft.
Try Capo Beach Watercraft Rentals at 949-661-1690 or the Dana Point Jet Ski and Kayak Center (also has the paddleboards) at 949-661-4947. The Embarcadero Marina has sailboats and electric Duffys for rent and also offers sailing lessons. Call 949-496-6177. Click here for Dana Point kayak. - Charter a sailboat or yacht.
Try Spirit Sailing Charters at 949-922-2759/949-378-2023, Captain Dave's Safari at 949-488-2828, The Schooner Curlew at 949-496-5794, Dana Wharf Sportfishing at 949-496-5794, or Aventura Sailing Association at 949-493-9493. - Head for Catalina Island.
The Catalina Express leaves 3 times a day on weekends and takes about an hour. - Take a harbor cruise.
Try Dana Wharf sportfishing Captain Dave's Whale & Dolphin Safaris at 949-922-2759, or The Schooner Curlew (offers champagne sunset cruises) at 949-922-2759. - Go fishing.
For more information, click on Dana Point fishing or Dana Point sportfishing. - Take a whale watching cruise.
To see a short video and find out more, click on whale watching cruises.
The Beaches of Dana Point California
Within the harbor itself is Baby's Beach, a calm little beach where you can swim or launch a kayak or paddle board. Being so sheltered, the water quality may be dubious, so don't let the little ones ingest it. Salt Creek Beach is to the north of Dana Point, while Doheny State Beach is to the southeast of the Dana Point Harbor.
Head a little further down Pacific Coast Highway and you will see Capistrano Beach Park on the right and several hotels and motels on the left, facing the ocean. The beach is sandy and has a metered parking lot. There are also picnic tables, restrooms and basketball courts. A stand, when open, rents out bicycles, umbrellas and beach chairs.
Things To Do On The Water
Love watersports? There are so many options! Here are a few:
Events In Dana Point California
The annual Festival of Whales is held over two weekends in March. It includes loads of fun activities for the whole family, from a parade with floats, a street faire, an outrigger canoe race, a Woodie exhibition, Nash Metropolitans, hot rods, a horseshoe tournament, guided family tidepool hikes, an art show, sailboat rides, clinics on stand-up paddleboards, live music, an outdoor movie, sand sculpting exhibit, kid fishing clinics, a regatta of junior sailors, a rubber ducky race, and a whole lot more! Free shuttles make it easier to get around. Find out specifics at
www.dpfestivalofwhales.com.
The Dana Point California Wine Festival is held in April at Doheny State Beach.
The Doheny Blues Festival is held in late May.
The Dana Point Harbor Annual Boat Show is in June.
In July is the annual 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza. Fireworks are shot off from a barge and can be seen from Doheny Beach, Dana Point Harbor and up on Heritage Park.
The Dana Point Tall Ships Festival, which is the largest gathering of tall ships on the west coast, is held each September.
In December is the annual Dana Point Boat Parade of Lights where about 100 boats colorfully lit parade through the harbor.
Where To Stay In Dana Point California
See our luxury Dana Point Resort list, which includes the Ritz Carlton Dana Point, or go to our more comprehensive Dana Point Hotel Directory.
The Dana Point Marina Inn is located right in the East Marina, while the Dana Point Harbor Inn is across the street from the harbor entrance and Doheny State Beach.
Where To Eat In Dana Point California
Click on Dana Point Restaurants to see a sampling of what's available in the area, whether you're looking for waterfront dining or a cuppa joe.
The Chart House Dana Point is up on a hill overlooking the harbor.
Getting There
To get to Dana Point California, take the I-5 south from Los Angeles or north from San Diego, get off on the Beach Cities Exit or CA-1. That'll lead you to Pacific Coast Highway and Street of the Golden Lantern. Go left and follow the signs to the harbor and you're there!
Find cheap flights to California
The nearest major airport is 25 miles away at John Wayne airport in Santa Ana, which serves Orange County. Also, if you're coming by train, Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner stops in nearby San Juan Capistrano on its way between San Diego and San Luis Obispo. Additionally, Metrolink trains can be picked up in San Juan Capistrano on their way between Oceanside and Los Angeles Union Station.
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