century tall ship replica, the Pilgrim, docked a short walk from the main building. During the brig Pilgrim’s open house hours, visitors can tour the ship on their own. Another option is to take the Seafarer’s Guided Expedition, a 30- to 45-minute tour with the crew of the 130-foot historic sailboat. It’s all hands on deck for cargo moving, the raising of the staysail, knot tying and manning the gunnery. In addition to its permanent exhibits, the
Ocean Institute hosts year-round events. It’s always worth checking out the Institute’s web- site ahead of time to learn about its rotating programs and special events. Behind the Ocean Institute is the 8-acre
Marine Protected Area and its tide pools. Here’s a chance for parents to let their children explore a rocky terrain that naturally traps marine life as the tides ebb and flow. It’s only a few steps down to find the quaint, sandy cove with soar- ing cliffs on one side, ocean on the other and a crescent of sand in between. Beyond the beach, a rocky promontory stretches out along the shoreline, and a walk along the cliff’s base can serve as a mini-adventure. Shoes — or at least secure sandals — are advisable for trekking over the uneven cobble. A neighbor to the Ocean Institute is Baby
Beach, a draw for families because of its wave- free waters, ample picnic space, barbecues and easily accessible restrooms. Toddlers have no difficulty in the water. For older children seeking more of a challenge, stand-up paddleboards and kayaks can be rented from Westwind Sailing at the OC Sailing and Event Center. The smooth and shallow waters of Baby Beach make it an ideal area to learn new water sports. Splurge on sweets and enjoy ice cream at
Dana Point Harbor at The Coffee Importers’ Scoop Deck where they serve up everything from a single-scoop cone and soft-serve yogurt to hot fudge sundaes. They offer plenty of flavors to please every palate. Enjoy the treat while watching the boats come into and out of the Harbor. Nearby on Dana Point Harbor Drive is It’s All About the Cake, a bakery with confections galore. Customers will find an array of treats like cupcakes, cookies and more. Dana Point Harbor is also the launching point
for whale watching adventures, a sure family hit. Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari and Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching both offer trips daily to view sea life at its best. The sightings vary by month but California sea lions and several species of dolphin can be spotted year round. A highlight of any excursion is the sighting of one of the planet’s most majestic creatures: the whale. Off the coast of Southern California, the blue whale tends to migrate from May to October and the gray whale from De- cember to about April and sightings correspond accordingly. Humpback whales, killer whales and other sea creatures also make cameo ap- pearances, though less frequently than their ocean friends. Another way to explore Dana Point is on two
DANA POINT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Whale watching aboard Dana Wharf’s Dana Pride. Photo: Andrea Swayne
wheels, and visitors can rent bicycles at Doheny State Beach or at the DoubleTree Suites on Pacific Coast Highway. Bicycles are available by the hour, half-day or full day. After cycling, the brood can hang out and explore the 62 acres of Doheny State Beach, its 1.2-mile shoreline, picnic areas, volleyball courts and even the snack shack. Better yet, stay for a while and reserve a campsite at one of California’s most popular state beaches. Sand, sun and fun make Dana Point an ideal destination for families.
Romantic Dana Point
Richard Henry Dana, Jr. understood an abiding truth about the area long before hoteliers and restaurateurs came to share his sentiment. The Boston sailor described the area, once known as Capistrano Bay, as “the only romantic spot in California.” It’s not hard to see why romantics ever
DANA POINT FOR COUPLES
Take a Hike in the Headlands Plan a Picnic Get a Couple’s Massage Dine in a Romantic Setting Share Desserts
since gravitate to Dana Point’s coastal bluffs to enjoy unparalleled sunsets and walk hand-in- hand along its sandy shores. Whether kindling a relationship, celebrating nuptials or renew- ing long-held vows, Dana Point serves as the perfect setting. Get out and get going with a morning hike in the Dana Point Headlands, which features multiple trails of varying difficulty. The Head- lands are comprised of about 60 acres of unde- veloped and preserved coastal environment, stretching from Dana Point Harbor north to Dana Strand Beach. The trails along this coastal promontory are open to the public daily from 7 a.m. to sunset. Nature lovers will appreciate the native plants, sounds of the ocean below and the panoramic views. Take it easy and stroll along the trails that connect from Hilltop Park to Harbor Point Park to the Dana Point Preserve and Dana Strand Beach. Or, better yet, issue a couple’s challenge and get the heart pump- ing on the switchback trail that heads down to Strand Beach. No matter the pace, hikers should be sure to stop off at the outlooks along the way. The strategically placed benches are convenient points to take in the beauty and grandeur of the area. The nearly 30-acre portion of the Headlands known as the Dana Point Preserve is owned and managed by the Center for Natural Land Management, a nonprofit that ensures the protection of the wildlife. A stop at the Dana Point Nature Interpretive
Salt Creek Grille. Photo: Rod Foster
Center is always in order, and visitors receive a primer on the local plants, such as the Coastal Sagebrush and Flat Topped Buckwheat, and na- tive critters like the Pacific Pocket Mouse or the California Gnatcatcher. The trails and Headlands form one of Southern California’s last remaining unspoiled swaths of coastal land. The Center is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Within the Center, trail users will find standing exhibits about the Headlands and displays that rotate from time to time. There’s a reason Heritage Park is a popular wedding venue in Dana Point. The views down
DESTINATION Dana Point 29
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