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Incorporated in 1989, the beautiful coastal city is named after Richard Henry Dana (1815-1882), a sailor and author famous for his novel, Two Years Before the Mast. In it, he refers to Dana Point as "the only romantic spot in California."
Hipolito Bouchard, a pirate from Argentina, found the cove at Dana Point a safe refuge. In 1818, he docked his pirate fleet in the cove while his sailors were raiding and setting fire to parts of nearby Mission San Juan Capistrano. This event is recreated at the annual Pirate Festival held in Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano.
The original plan for Dana Point was for a Spanish-style town with wide streets named after lanterns. When the streets were laid out, streetlights were installed that modeled kerosene lanterns use by sailors. You can still see this in names such as Street of the Golden Lantern, and Street of the Blue Lantern.
Historical Sites:
Landmark #189 Ken Sampson Overview - South of the Blue Lantern at Santa Clara Ave
Named for Richard Henry Dana who visited here in 1835. El Embarcadero, the cove below was used by hide vessels trading with Mission San Juan Capistrano. This trade reached its peak in 1830-1840
Dana Point Homes, Dana Point Condos, Dana Point Single Family Homes, Dana Point Income Properties, Dana Point Townhouses, Dana Point Estates
Winter
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 Whale Watching Season
Migration season for the Gray Whale is December through early April. Dana Point Harbor has great Whale Watching Excursion Services to provide you with an exciting and and awesome experience. Each service is different, so check them out before you decide on your whale watch experience.
COMPANIES PROVIDING EXCURSIONS:
Dana Wharf Sportsfishing
Dana Point Harbor
Dana Point
Captain Dave's Dolphin Safari
34451 Ensenada Place
Dana Point, CA 92629
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 33rd ANNUAL BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS - December
Boaters from all around Orange County decorate their boats and vie for awards. You can view the parade free from anywhere in the Harbor, or make reservations at one of the restaurants to view it from a cozy and warm spot. Visitors are welcome to come down and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season.
LOCATION:
Dana Point Harbor
34555 Golden Lantern
** Dana Wharf Sportfishing offers boat rides so you too can experience the fun of actually riding on a boat and joining in the parade. Reservations can be made at www.danawharf.com
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Holiday in the Harbor - Late November/ Early December
The three areas of the Harbor, Dana Wharf, Mariners Village and Mariner’s Alley all host holiday activities geared to families and children. There are many fun activities, such as photos with Santa, performances by various characters, and holiday crafts, people painting, and a caricature artist.
LOCATIONS:
Activities start on the grass in front of Harpoon Henry’s at 34555 Golden Lantern, Dana Point Harbor. Niguel Fine Arts will be hosting an Art Show and Sale dockside. The parking and events are FREE!
INFORMATION:
(949) 923-2255
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BOAT RIDES WITH SANTA - Early December
Held at Dana Wharf Sportfishing Docks. Twenty-minute Harbor cruise with Santa and his helpers. Santa will be hearing those Christmas wishes as you cruise the Harbor. What a unique and fun way for kids of all ages to visit with Santa, dress warm.
LOCATION:
Dana Wharf Sportfishing docks
34675 Golden Lantern - between the Jolly Roger and the Wind & Sea.
INFORMATION:
(949) 923-2255
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Spring
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 Festival of Whales - March
March is the time of the year that the whales to make their annual trip down south and the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce will celebrate with their Annual Street Fair, which is part of the Whale Festival with a weekend of fun, food, entertainment and an arts & craft show with over 100 vendors.
LOCATION:
Dana Point Harbor
INFORMATION:
949-472-7888 or 1-888-440-4309
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 Doheny Blues Festival - May
The Annual Blues Festival is the true kick-off to summer with a weekend filled with music, lots of vendors and a International Food Court that features foods from around the world. Be sure you come down to Doheny State Beach and celebrate the beginning of summer with Orange County’s Favorite and most anticipated annual summer festival!
LOCATION:
Doheny State Beach
Dana Point
INFORMATION:
(949) 360-7800
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Summer
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 Shakespeare by the Sea - August
Annual outdoor Shakespeare production sponsored by the City of Dana Point Admission is FREE with a donation of canned food to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank.
LOCATION:
Heritage Park
34400 Old Golden Lantern
Dana Point, 92629
INFORMATION:
(949) 291-5083
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July 4th Fireworks Show
All Day Festivities - Fireworks at 9pm
South Orange County’s best aerial fireworks displays. The fireworks are synchronized to a captivating musical score...if you haven’t heard the music with the fireworks, you’re only getting half the experience! Bring your radio to your favorite viewing spot and tune it to 88.5FM KSBR!.
Visitors from all over Southern California flock to Dana Point each year for this summer tradition. Local residents are encouraged to bike or walk to their favorite viewing spot to avoid the annual parking difficulties. FREE Shuttle buses make round trips from the Dana Hills High School to Dana Point Harbor, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. If you must drive, plan ahead. Parking lots at Doheny State Beach and the Dana Point Harbor fill up very early. Personal vehicle access to the Harbor closes at 7:30 p.m., only buses will be allowed in during the closure.
For additional information, call (949) 248-3500
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Free Summer Concert Series
DETAILS:
Ten weeks of musical entertainment presented by the City of Dana Point.
DATES & TIMES:
Concert times are 4:30-6:00 p.m.
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Fall
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 Tall Ships Festival - September
At the Marine Institute: Sea Chantey Concert, maritime exhibits and demonstrations, Port Royal Privateers encampment, model boat building, wood carving, touch tank encounters, rope challenge course, crafts and food.
Admission to Art & Craft show, live entertainment, living-history demonstrations, pirate encampment and food vendor area: FREE
LOCATION:
Dana Point Harbor
INFORMATION:
949-496-2274
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 Richard Henry Dana Charity Regatta September
Three days of competitive sailing and one day fishing tournament. Participants have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of the Dana Point Yacht Club, which features a breathtaking clubhouse and panoramic views of the Dana Point Harbor.
A wide variety of activities will take place throughout the four days. Some of which include; Thursday Lido & Capri sail races and the Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament, Friday sponsor and VIP recognition dinner, Saturday and Sunday boaters continental breakfast, a full day of sail races and a fishing tournament both Saturday and Sunday, Saturday evenings Casino night, and Sunday's boaters lunch and awards. All four-days of fun filled events will be open to Sponsors.
LOCATION:
Dana Point Yacht Club
Dana Point, CA
INFORMATION:
949-496-2900
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Annual Halloween Haunt - October
Celebrate Halloween in a safe and fun environment with State Park Staff and Volunteers at our Campfire Center from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. They will have a small spooky area, nocturnal educational booths and activities, arts and crafts, and snacks. Dress in costume and please bring a non-perishable food item per person for donation to a local food bank.
LOCATION:
Dana Point Harbor Campfire Center
INFORMATION:
949-496-3617
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 Harvest Festival of Dulcimers
September
The festival will have teaching workshops in beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels for the American fretted dulcimer (also known as the Appalachian or mountain dulcimer) and the hammered dulcimer, as well as worskhops for other folk instruments Including bodhran or Irish drum. Hawaijan slack-key guitar and ukulele. There will also be a workshop on Irish singing.
Location:
Dana Point Harbor Youth and Group Facility
34451 Ensenada Place
Dana Point, CA
INFORMATION:
(562) 861-7049
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