Dana Point
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Dana Point Community Information

"Dana Point is a city located in southern Orange County, California. The population was 35,110 at the 2000 census. As one of the few harbors along the Orange County coast, and with ready access via State Route 1, it is a popular local destination for surfing and is home to a legendary surf break called Killer Dana.

The city was named after the headland of Dana Point, which was in turn named for Richard Henry Dana, Jr., author of Two Years Before the Mast, which included a description of the area. Dana describes the locale, including neighboring San Juan Capistrano, as "the only romantic spot in California." Although Dana describes the anchorage as poor, it is the best available in the vicinity, and is now a developed harbor containing a museum replica of his ship, the Pilgrim. This area is designated California Historical Landmark #189.

History

In 1923, Los Angeles Times publisher Harry Chandler and General M.H. Sherman, Director of the Pacific Electric Railway Company, created a major real estate group to develop what is known today as the Hollywood Hills, Sidney H. Woodruff, already a prominent Los Angeles homebuilder, was hired to lead the project. In 1926, Woodruff, Chandler, and Sherman created the Dana Point Syndicate. They invited other heavy hitters, company presidents, movie producers, and real estate investors, to join them in purchasing 1,388 acres of land, some of which includes the Headlands of today. Promising tree-lined, paved streets, electricity, telephones, sidewalks, water mains, storm drains, sewers, and other amenities, Woodruff built 35 homes and a number of commercial buildings. His crowning structure was to be the Dana Point Inn, a Mediterranean-like resort hotel. After a celebratory groundbreaking in 1930, a three-story foundation was poured and a 135-foot elevator shaft was dug. Unfortunately, the Depression caused construction to halt. Although Woodruff continuously sought financial support through the years, this project was abandoned in 1939. Subsequently, he sold the remaining holdings of the Dana Point Syndicate. Thirty-four of the original Woodruff residences are still occupied."

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dana_Point


"Attractions & Points of Interest

Dana Point Harbor

Dana Point Harbor houses 2,500 yachts within its two marinas, inside a one-and-a-half mile jetty. Complete harbor facilities include guest slips, a fuel dock, shipyard, launch ramp, boat rentals, yacht sales, community class instruction for all ages, fishing, windsurfing, jetskiing, kataking, boat charters, two yacht clubs, sailing association, ocean classroom labs, shops, restaurants, picnicking and a baby beach for young swimmers.

Thirty (30) intriguing shops are loaded with unexpected treasures. Visitors discover custom-designed jewelry and Indian artifacts, art collectibles, hand-formed chocolates, unique gifts, toiletries, fragrant oils, designer perfumes and sunglasses, ecologically "sound" gifts, leisure clothing for men and women, full service hair salon & art gallery, unique cards & tee shirts, international coffees and teas and quality ice cream. Seventeen different restaurants are at the Harbor to please every palate.

Dana Point is the home of the popular sportfishing vessels owned and operated by Dana Wharf Sportfishing. They are available for charter and/or a day of fishing. The Ocean Institute offers a variety of programs for the whole family as well. Enjoy sea adventure cruises day and evening and summer programs on the Brig "Pilgrim". The Dana Point Youth and Group facility attracts hundreds each week for its wide variety of programs for all ages. Their Summer Beach Camp is very popular for kids who want to spend supervised time at the beach. Catalina Island is just a boat ride away. Catalina Express and Catalina Explorer offer many departures / arrivals times.

For Harbor Information:
(949) 923-2255
Visit the Dana Point Harbor Home page:
www.danapointharbor.com


Salt Creek Beach Park

The long, sandy beach is a popular surfing spot. Both upland and beach facilities can be reached from Ritz Carlton Dr. off Pacific Coast Highway. Parking and wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available at a large metered parking lot, open 6 AM-midnight, on Ritz Carlton Drive.
From the west side of the lot, a paved path leads to the beach and to the grassy seven-acre Bluff Park, which has benches, barbecue grills, picnic tables, and wheelchair-accessible restrooms.

Just south of Ritz Carlton Dr., a pedestrian gate, open 24 hours, leads through the Ritz Carlton Hotel grounds to a paved path along the bluff above Salt Creek Beach; the path, which skirts the southern perimeter of the grounds, has numerous benches and overlooks providing views of gray whale migration routes, Catalina Island, and the coastline.

At its northern end, the path joins a paved multi-use trail leading north along the shoreline past Bluff Park. Several stairways and paths lead from the multi-use trail to the beach, changing rooms, outdoor showers, restrooms, snack bar, firepits, and a path along the seawall. Paths and trails lead north and east through a golf course and along Salt Creek, a scenic corridor featuring small parks and several miles of trails.

The southern entrance to Salt Creek Beach Park is off Selva Rd. and features picnic fables, barbecue grills, restores, and path and stairs to the beach. The parking lot is open 6 AM-midnight.

Surf/Weather Information:
(949) 492-1011/1012


Doheny State Beach

Doheny State Beach is administered by the California Department of Parks and Recreation. The 62 acre site features over one mile of sandy beach and some of the best swimming and surfing in California. During Low Tide, the tide pools attract young and old for exploring. The campground features 120 developed family campsites and the picnic area has 170 picnic tables and 99 barbecue grills. At the entrance to Doheny there is a visitor center with five aquariums, an indoor tide pool, exhibits, displays, gift shop, and photo history of Doheny surfing days.

For More information:
Park Rangers: 949-496-6172
Picnic Reservations: 949-496-3617
Campground Reservations: 800-444-7275


Ocean Institute

Founded in 1977, the Ocean Institute is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to ocean awareness and preservation through education. The Institute owns and operates the brig Pilgrim, the Spirit of Dana Point, and the Research Vessel Sea Explorer. The new Ocean Education Center, which has replaced the Institute's old laboratories now has student capacity from 78,000 to 135,000 students annually. For complete info visit their site at www.ocean-institute.org"

Source: http://www.danapoint.org/tourism/attractions.html

Please visit http://www.danapoint.org for a comprehensive listing of city information and resources.