Dana Point Headlands Nature Interpretive Center

The City of Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center opened in April 2010. It’s open 10-4 everyday (except closed on Mondays). I’m one of those who is very sad to see the Dana Point headlands disappear to development. However, the part that is still protected as open space provides a scenic glimpse of the beauty which previously encompassed this whole point of land.

Location: The center is at the dead end of Green Lantern above Dana Point Harbor. It’s reachable from the Harbor by taking Cove Road (near the Ocean Institute) up the hill to where it ends in the parking lot. The lot is open from sunrise to sunset. You need to approach from the north if you are coming on Pacific Coast Highway. Just turn right and follow it to its end. (Address: 34588 Scenic Drive, Dana Point) MAP TO THE DANA POINT NATURE INTERPRETIVE CENTER

Highlights:

The Center is small, but informative. You’ll find historical, cultural, and natural history exhibits. According to the City’s page on the center, exhibits will rotate.
I consider the restrooms and drinking fountains a definite highlight before setting out on the trail.
The trail is marked clearly with wire rope — so there is little chance of your little one going off trail.
Depending on the time of year, look out for whales and dolphins. Can you spot any navigational buoys? Flocks of pelicans flying in V-formation? Helicopters? Boats? Surfers?
An easy hike from the Nature Interpretive Center to the end of the trail is roughly 10 minutes (20 roundtrip). Still, I’d recommend bringing water along in case you dally to check out the view.
There are benches for viewing the wildlife and sunsets.
FREE and open to the public between 10am and 4pm (every day except Monday).

Be Aware:

NOT stroller friendly. It’s more like a groomed hiking trail.
Your shoes WILL get dusty. Don’t wear your best.
Hilly . . . altitude gains and losses. Not severe, but it’s not at all flat.
NO dogs allowed.

Suggestions:

Bring a camera or a painter’s canvas. You won’t want to forget the incredible views.
Read up on Two Years Before the Mast by Richard Henry Dana.
Pair it with a trip to the Ocean Institute.
Brush up on your shorebirds, cactus, and coastal sage scrub for nature identification.
Pair this with a walk to Strands Beach or Strand Vista Park.