![]() For a classic view, wander along the Bluff Top Trail and, while looking out over the water for whales, see the statue honouring 19th-century hide droghers-tradesmen who literally tossed hides over the cliffs to the merchant ships anchored below. And if you’re looking for an ultra-deluxe experience, check in at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, a longtime Dana Point oceanfront institution. Many of Dana Point’s hotels and restaurants sit on the cliffs above the harbour (like the Monarch Beach Resort and the Blue Lantern Inn) or on the water itself, such as Waterman’s Harbor where sustainable and locally sourced seafood is on offer, or The Harbor Grill, which serves mesquite-grilled fresh catches. Come during the Christmas season to double the viewings out on the water: one of the town’s biggest events of the year is December’s Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights. Local dolphin mega pods can number greater than 10,000 dolphins. Opened in Dana Point in 1954, Hobie was Southern California’s first surf shop. Take a paddleboard ride-the harbour’s waveless anchorage is especially kind to first-timers-and you might also spot pods of dolphins, sea lions and seals. Dana Point is named after Richard Henry Dana Jr., who called it the only romantic spot in California. Migrating grey whales can be seen from November to April, then blue whales from April to October, along with sightings of humpbacks, orcas, fin whales and minke whales. A snapshot of how many people have been served by Los Angeles County’s homeless services system, dramatically expanded by voter approval of Measure H funding in mid-2017. Indeed, you can spot these giant mammals breaching and frolicking in the waves nearly year-round. The quieter waters, though, created abundant options for kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, angling and a lot of whale-watching. Otherwise, the town very much revolves around the harbour, which, when it opened in 1971, tamed Killer Dana. Today, you’ll still find a Hobie Surf Shop, boutiques and restaurants along this stretch of Highway 1, as well as at nearby Salt Creek Beach, Baby Beach and Doheny State Beach. A few streets away, California’s first surf shop was opened in 1954 by Orange County local Hobie Alter. In the 1950s and '60s, the right-breaking waves that tended to form here could produce 4-metre surf breaks known as Killer Dana and Doheny. The town has been wooing whale- and dolphin-watchers and water lovers ever since, earning the designation of Dolphin & Whale Watching Capital of the World ®. Look for these "Elephants on Parade" and read their personal statements someone has to speak for them.The southern end of California’s Highway 1 offers some gorgeous drama, like beach town and whale-watching mecca Dana Point. The town was named after Richard Henry Dana, who first arrived there on a trading ship circa 1835 and was entranced by the romantic cliff-lined area. Those have been chopped off to illustrate the message. This park has an unusual elephant sculpture that bears the message: my tusks are not currency. Visitors to Dana Point have, by now, become aware of the presence of the elephants prominently displayed all over town (mainly on Del Prado and in front of major hotels) and have read the plaques which convey a message about elephants and their importance to the world (as well as their precarious existence). Within the park there is an Overlook dedicated to a local favorite (Doris Walker) and that is the subject for another TA review. It is amazing how green the grass is and how beautifully maintained the park is. ![]() The paths through this part of Dana Point are all linked although there may be a little walking involved to get to that link. ![]() Regulars at this park bring their little ones in strollers, joggers run up the hills for a little extra cardio, and visitors like us give a silent "thanks" for the preservation of such beauty we ALL get to enjoy. ![]()
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