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At the turn of the 19th century, Dana Point was the only major harbor between San Diego and Santa Barbara. Now the harbor sports a modern marina which is a popular spot for departure of boats offering whale watching cruises from November through March. The harbor also offers restaurant dining with a harbor view and gift shops for taking home gift souvenirs from your vacation. Guest slips, launch ramps, boat rentals, yacht instruction, fishing, windsurfing, jet skiing and diving charters are available there. Founder Richard Henry Dana: "The only romantic cove in California." Date: 1818 Panoramic views abound in the natural cove that author and seaman Richard Henry Dana called, "The only romantic spot on the coast." Dana landed here during the hide trading days of the 1830's and described the charm of the steep cliff cove in his renowned book, TWO YEARS BEFORE THE MAST. In the days of the square rigged sailing ships, the rugged cove was known as BAHIA CAPISTRANO and was the major port between San Diego and Santa Barbara. It seemed only natural that this scenic cove was destined to become one of the most beautiful recreational harbors on the west coast. Dana Point Harbor and marina were built and officially dedicated in 1971. Divided into two basins, the East Basin and West Basin each operates as a separate marina, holding a total of 2,500 slips. Also, included in the harbor are fifty quest slips for visiting guests. There is a ten lane launch ramp, dry boat storage hoist, fishing pier, shipyard, marine fuel dock, three yacht clubs and a commercial sports fishing operation which also offers whale watching trips during the migration season. Numerous restaurants and stores offer good food in a beautiful setting in either Mariner's Village or the Dana Wharf areas. The Orange County Marine Institute, located at the far west end of Dana Point Harbor, is a unique educational experience for both children and adults. The facility provides classroom instruction, wet laboratory equipment, display tanks, and exhibits to study marine life. A 70 foot research vessel "Sea Explorer" provides daily cruises to study and observe marine life offshore. Just beyond the base of the breakwater lies the Marine Life Refuge, a protected area for observing marine life in the tidepools at the base of the majestic bluffs overlooking the ocean. Sourced with thanks from Beach California.com/Dana


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  • Monarch Beach Golf Links (2009-06-03)

    Located in Dana Point, Orange County, California, United States

    Monarch Beach Golf Links

    Monarch Beach Golf Links located in Dana Point, offers a golf experience that is hard to match! The blend of stunning natural beauty and variety of challenges presented at Monarch Beach Golf Links offers dramatic bluffs and intriguing layout and is one of a few oceanfront golf courses in California.

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  • Proud Mary's

    Located in Dana Point, Orange County, California, United States

    Proud Mary's is truly a family restaurant. Opened in May of 1977 by Mary Merrill and her five children, Proud Mary's has always offered a unique combination of fast, friendly service and good, quality home-cooked food. The restaurant and the menu have gro...

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