DanaPoint

Dana Point

The City of Dana Point was incorporated in 1989 and is named after Richard Henry Dana Jr. (1815-1882), a Harvard-trained lawyer, seaman, and author of the classic sea journal, Two Years Before the Mast (1840). In his journal, Dana documents his voyage from Boston around Cape Horn to California on the merchant ship, Pilgrim. Therein, Dana describes the area once known as Capistrano Bay, as “the most romantic spot in California.” Today, Capistrano Bay is known as Dana Point.
Dana Point is home to 36,765 residents and is characterized by nearly seven miles of prominent coastal bluffs and rolling hills along the Pacific Ocean. Most noteworthy of these bluffs is a unique promontory known as the “Headlands” which overlooks Dana Point Harbor, one of the most significant man made alterations of the Orange County coastline.

Dana Point Harbor provides slips and mooring for over 2,500 boats along with over 50 specialty shops and restaurants. The Harbor attracts thousands of visitors annually for shopping, sport fishing, walking, bicycling, para sailing and a host of recreational activities. The Dana Point Harbor is also considered the gateway to Doheny State Park, one of California’s most popular beach facilities. The 62-acre State Park offers camping, picnicking, swimming, surfing, bicycling, tide pool exploration and more.
Dana Point provides over 1,900 hotel rooms ranging in accommodations and services from economy to five star hotels. Convention and meeting facilities are available at the larger resort facilities, and all provide access to Dana Point’s unique coastal amenities.
Located in southern Orange County, California, Dana Point is approximately one-half way between Los Angeles and San Diego, and is bordered by the cities of Laguna Niguel and Laguna Beach to the north, San Juan Capistrano to the east, and San Clemente to the south.

Dana Point Community Profile
About the Location
City Dana Point
State California, USA
County Orange
Elevation 300 Feet
Incorporated Area 6.5 Square Miles
About the Population (Source: U.S. Census Bureau)

About the Climate (Source: National Weather Service)
Average Annual Rainfall 12.4 Inches
Average Annual Humidity 70 Percent
Average High Temperature (Summer) 76 Degrees
Average Low Temperature (Summer) 60 Degrees
Average High Temperature (Winter) 64 Degrees
Average Low Temperature (Winter) 44 Degrees

Dana Point Harbor is located halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego. The harbor has activities for everyone. There are numerous restaurants- from the fancy to the local deli. There are boat docks and yacht clubs to enjoy. There is a great walking area along the harbor, a Baby beach that is secluded from the waves. At the end of the harbor is the Ocean Institute that offers all kinds of functions, education and information. Next to the Ocean Institute are tidepools, the Pirate ship that students board to learn about the sea. This is a great area for anyone to enjoy a day or a lifetime. You can paddle a boat or board, you can hop on a jet ski and cruise around the harbor or you can relax under the trees on one of the picnic tables and shade areas.

Dana Point Schedule of Events
MONTHLY-
First Saturdays of the Month 9 am- 1 pm
Farmers Market and Craft Fair- La Plaza Park
First Saturday of the Month 9 am -12 pm
Headlands Walking Tour

February
Feb 12- Senior Valentine Dinner Dance- Senior Community Center
Feb. 13- Montage Symphony Orchestra/ SOCSA Choir
Feb. 26 VFW Post 9934 Car Wash
March
March 5,6,12,13-Festival Of Whalers
March 5- Festival of Whales Parade
March 5- Festival of Whales Movie in the Park
March 6- Festival of Whales Pancake Breakfast and Raffle
March 12- Senior St. Patricks Day Lunch
March 13 Festival of Whales Whale of a Concert
March 21- 5th Marine Farewell to Colonel Buhl
March 27- Alcantara Trio
April
April 14- Victoria Robertson Soprano
April 23- Egg Hunts- Pines Park and Sea Canyon Park
April 30 Grand Prix of Cycling
April 30- Wag-a-Thon
May

May 1- Grand Prix of Cycling
May 7- 5th Marine Support Group Car Wash
May 11-16- The Wall- American Veterans Traveling Tribute Viewing
May 13- Montage Symphony Orchestra http://www.montagexmedia.com/orchestra.html
May 26-30- VFW Buddy Poppies
May 30 – VFW Post 9934 Memorial Day Event Pines Park

June
June 26 – Concerts in the Park- Heritage Park- Bella Donna
http://www.belladonna-music.com/

July
July 10- Concerts in the Park- Garratt Wilkin and the Parrotheads- Lantern Bay Park
http://www.theparrotheads.com/about.php

July 17- Concerts in the Park- The Whiskey Jack Band- Lantern Bay Park
http://www.whiskeyjackband.net/

July 24- Concerts in the Park- Sapadilla- Sea Terrace Park
http://www.markwoodentertainment.com/SAPADILLA_BIO_PAGE.html

July 31- Concerts in the Park- The Amazing Wildcats- Sea Terrace Park
http://www.markwoodentertainment.com/amazing_wildcats_bio_page.html

August
August 7- Concerts in the Park- Rockin the Paradise- Sea Terrace Park
http://www.thestyxtribute.com/checkin/

August 14- Concerts in the Park- Dog and Butterfly- Sea Terrace Park
http://www.dognbutterfly.com/main.html

August 21- Concerts in the Park- Hot August Night- Sea Terrace Park
http://www.hotaugust.com/

August 28- Concerts in the Park- Chicago Tribute Authority- Sea Terrace Park
http://chicagotributeauthority.com/

 

 

HELPFUL WEBSITES FOR DANA POINT

Annual Festival of Whales
Dana Point Recreation Dept.
Dana Point Grand Prix of Cycling
Dana Point VFW Post
Dana Point City Hall
OC Parks
OC Sailing and Event Center
Doheny State Beach camping reservations
Capo Valley National Assistance League
Dana Point Coastal Arts
Dana Point Lighthouse Society
Lantern Village Assocaition
Pet Project Foundation
Sea Scouts
Dana Hills High School
Ocean Institute
Dana Point Harbor Boat Show
Tall Ships Festival
Turkey Trot
Dana Point Library
County of Orange
OC Fire Authority
OC Sheriff’s Department
Surf Report
Dana Wharf Sportfishing
Monarch Beach Golf Links
Westwind Sailing
Dana Point Youth Baseball
South Coast Youth Basketball
Boys and Girls Club of Capo Valley
Dana Outrigger Canoe Club
South Orange County Wildcats
Junior Lifeguards
Capo/Dana AYSO Region 87
Capistrano Girls Softball
Dana Point Aquatics