Day Trip to Dana Point Headlands Nature Preserve

Dana Point Headlands Nature Preserve is a beautiful place to enjoy nature. This preserve was saved from developers with a deal that lets them build on 86 acres of the Dana Point Headlands. Fortunately, most of the ocean view bluff top and prime mesa acreage will stay as nature intended.

The headland trail is a half-mile long, with several lookout points. On a clear day, you can see Oceanside to the South, Laguna Beach to the north, and northwest of Catalina Island. The views from the headlands are fantastic.

Dana Point Headlands Nature Preserve is a prime spot to view migrating whales from shore, and it doesn’t cost a dime. From December through April, gray whales pass by Dana Point on their way to Baja, California. February through early March is the best time to view whales from the bluff. During the summer, there is a chance of spotting a Blue Whale.

More information about whale watching and facts about animal and plant life that call the headlands home can be found at Preserves Nature Interpretive Center. Public walks are offered from the center at 9 am every month’s 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Saturdays.  The center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.

Four parks covering nearly 60 acres make up the  Dana Point conservation area. Harbor Point Conservation Park is mainly off-limits to the public, Dana Point Preserve, Hilltop Conservation Park, and South Strands Conservation Park. A three-mile trail system connects the park areas, including a section of the wide sandy beach of Strands Beach.

It’s recommended to allocate approximately 45 minutes for the Dana Point Preserve. Afterward, proceed to Strand Beach for the remainder of the day. You can lounge on the sandy shores and enjoy the warm Southern California weather.

Dana Point Preserve Parking

Unlike many Southern California beaches, there is plenty of free parking. We recommend parking at Strand Vista Park and walking up the hill to the nature reserve. On the return trip, take the zigzag trail down to Strand Beach and follow the beach to the Strand Beach Funicular Cable Car. Then, take the cable car or steps back to the parking area.

The Strand Beach Funicular Cable Car runs adjacent to steep steps from the public parking area. The funicular is operational on weekends and holidays during the off-season. Starting on Memorial Day, it runs daily from 6 a.m. to 8 pm during summer. Rides on this fun little railway are free.

Free parking is also available at the end of Dana Strand Road, and there is a small parking lot and some street parking at the Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center, 34558 Scenic Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629. Dogs are not allowed on the beach and the Nature Preserve trails. You can walk your four-legged friend along the bluff trail at Strand Vista Park and gaze at the 40-million-dollar homes below.

Dana Point Headlands Nature Preserve is an excellent place for a day trip. Nearby Dana Point Harbor offers a good selection of dining options, whale-watching trips, and daily excursions to Catalina Island.

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