Dana Point, Calif.
Dana Point Events include Festival of Whales, Grand Prix of Cycling, Winter Festival and the Blues Festival at Doheny Beach.
Richard Henry Dana, a ship-traveling fur trader for whom the city was named, called Dana Point the "The only romantic spot on the coast." Dana landed there during the 1830's and described the charm of the steep cliff cove in his renowned book, "Two Years Before the Mast", written in 1840. In the days of the square rigged sailing ships, the rugged cove was known as Bahia Capistrano and served as the primary port between San Diego and Santa Barbara. It is only natural that this scenic cove has become one of the most beautiful recreational harbors on the West Coast.
Today Dana Point is known for its luxury accommodations with ocean settings at the four-star Marriott's Laguna Cliffs; five diamond Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel; and five diamond St. Regis Monarch Beach. Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel is actually in Dana Point and features a beach at its "feet". The resort sits on a cliff and guests can enjoy public, family-oriented Salt Creek Beach below the hotel, which offers golf cart rides down to the beach for those who don't want to walk.
Dana Point Harbor & Marina, the pleasure point for fun in Dana Point, is divided into two basins, the East Basin and West Basin. For tourists, be sure to take an ocean excursion such as a whale watching tour where you'll see more than just whales.
Officially dedicated in 1971, the two harbor marinas operate as a separate marinas, holding a total of 2,500 slips combined. Fifty quest slips for visiting sailors and anglers make it easy to moor and spend some time dining, dancing, romancing, and whatever tickles the fancy of those who travel the Pacific Ocean. A 10 lane launch ramp, dry boat storage hoist, fishing pier, shipyard, marine fuel dock, three yacht clubs and a commercial sports fishing operation which also offers whale watching trips during the migration season all carry the traditions that would make Richard Henry Dana proud of the city that bears his name!
In fact you can see a portrayal of this larger than life figure in the harbor. A bronze statue on a raised base shows a muscular, handsome man overlooking the harbor from the public park where picnic tables provide the perfect spot for family outings, or maybe just a quiet place to read a book. The brig "Pilgrim" is a full-sized replica of the square rigged vessel Richard Henry Dana sailed into this very harbor cove. Richard Henry Dana Jr. (1815-1882), was an educated and worldly man. He got his law degree at Harvard, was a skilled seaman, and author. Dana documented his voyage from Boston around Cape Horn to California on the merchant ship, Pilgrim, and his trip will forever be remembered by those who take the time to explore how Dana Point got its name.
Mariner's Village with shops and dining, Orange County Marine Institute at the far west end of Dana Point Harbor with a laboratory and display tanks, and a 70-foot research vessel "Sea Explorer", are some of the attractions in Dana Point Harbor, where parking is free.
There are countless things to see and do, including many exciting festivals and events throughout the year. Dana Point lives up to its name and the proclamation that it is a romantic spot, though many beg to differ with Dana's claim that it is the ONLY romantic place!
Getting there: Dana Point Harbor is a County Park located within the City of Dana Point. Dana Point Harbor is located on Capistrano Bay in Dana Point, California. To reach the harbor take the 5 Freeway or 405 Freeway to Dana Point and exit at Camino de las Ramblas/Pacific Coast Highway. Follow the signs to the harbor. danapointharbor.com, see map
