Dana
Point Harbor and Ocean Institute
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Dana
Point was known to the captains of sailing ships
as Bahia Capstraino and was the major port between
San Diego
and Santa
Barbara. Up until the construction of the harbor began in
the late 1960s Dana point was a favorite surfing destination.
With the building of the rock breakwater jetties surfing
at the point ended and thousands of leisure boats moved in.
.Dana Point Harbor was officially dedicated on July 31, 1971.
Today
the
marina has 2,500 slips for vessels, fishing pier, shipyard,
fuel dock, three yacht clubs and a commercial sports fishing
operation. Numerous restaurants and stores cater to the people
who visit Mariner's Village or the Dana Wharf areas.The Dana
Point Ocean Institute provides an educational experience
for both children and adults and has a 70 foot research vessel
Sea Explorer provides daily cruises to study and observe
marine life offshore.The Marine Institute also displays the
brig "Pilgrim" which is a full-sized replica of
the square rigged vessel on which Richard Henry Dana sailed
into Bahia Capstraino .
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Things
to do and see in Dana Point: Whale
watching boats
depart daily during the gray whale season (December
through April) and all year long sports fishing day trips
are offered. Catalina Express boats leave for Catalina
Island three times a day on weekends.
Early March the annual Festival of Whales is held
at Dana Point Harbor which is is one of Southern California’s
largest festivals drawing over 100,000 visitors each year.
Christmas at the harbor is celebrated with a huge boat parade
of lights. Within walking distance of Dana Point Harbor is
Doheny
Beach a favorite beach for surfing, swimming and beach
camping. A short drive away is Mission
San Capistrano the Jewel of the California missions.
Dana Point Harbor is a year round Southern California destination
perfect for a day trip. Dana Point is a great place to base
your Southern California vacation. Dana
Point hotels overlook
the harbor and have views of the entire coast.
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Dana
Point Harbor is located about halfway between Los Angeles
and San Diego on the Southern
Orange County.
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