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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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Dana
Point Harbor and Marina
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Dana
Point was known to early sailing 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.
Whale watching and sports
fishing are two popular activties departing from Dana
Point Harbor. Catalina
Express from offers round trips to Catalina Island.
It takes are approximately one hour to reach the island
from Dana Point. |
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.
Baby Beach (kids beach) is
loacted in Dana Point Harbor and is perfect for small children.
The beach is protected by the break so there are no waves.
There is a roped off area where the water is a max of three
feet deep. Baby beach is loacted at Dana Cove Park.
Start your trip to Dana Point Harbor by visiting the Ken
Sampson Overview at the end of Blue Lantern Street. From
this vantage point you can see the harbor below and on a
clear day all the way to San Clemente. Dana Point Harbor
is a year round destination perfect for a day trip. |
Dana
Point Headlands are being develpoed into a custom beach
front neighorbood called The Strand. The 121 acre site includes
the 6-acre Strand Beach and the historic “Dana Point”
landform—a landmark visible 30 miles up and down the
coast.
This area of the Orange County coast is the last undeveloped
ocean front property of its kind in Southern California.
The project includes a 90-room luxury resort and spa site
that overlooks Dana Point Harbor and 118 custom homesites
white ocean views.
Dana Point Harbor is located about halfway between Los Angeles
and San Diego on the Southern Orange County. |
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Doheny
Beach popular for day use and over
night camping trips. |
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