34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629
Hours:
- Nature Interpretive Center Open Tuesday-Sunday (10 AM-4 PM) Closed on Mondays.
- Trail Hours: Open daily from 7 AM-Sunset.
Distance: 2 Miles Out and Back (Dana Point Headlands Trail) Time: 1 Hour
Overview
Located in the beautiful city of Dana Point is the family friendly Dana Point Headlands Preserve. This is a fabulous place to bring the kids to for a few hours to explore the Nature Interpretive Center, coloring, viewing animals and learning about the local flora and fauna. The headlands are a great place even for those without kids, as the trail offers a nice stroll overlooking the coastline.
A huge reason that this is such a great place for kids, outside of the interactive Nature Center, is the easily accessible Dana Point Headlands Trail, which is very mild and child friendly and starts just outside of the Nature Center. The Harbor Point Conservation Trail is a short drive down the street and is a must see as well. This trail will take no longer than 10 minutes along a fenced path, offering stunning views of Dana Point Harbor. For those not wanting to walk the whole trail, merely step out of your car and take in the views.
Highlights of the Nature Interpretive Center
The Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center is a great place to learn about the local flora and fauna before setting off on the nature trail that begins just outside of the nature center. There are also plenty of interactive displays and other activities inside the building that will keep children entertained. Be sure to grab a scavenger hunt before heading out and a pair of binoculars that the nature center so generously allows hikers to borrow.
- “Kids Nature Zone”
- Cool interactive learning display where kids can climb through tunnel
- Taxidermy, stuffed animals, “animal footprint” sand pit and live snake in tank
- Coloring station with crayons and markers and coloring papers of animals
- Awesome mural behind desk
- Nature trail that begins just outside of Nature Center
Trail Description and Scout’s Story
The August heat had been becoming extremely obnoxious as of late. We decided to test our luck by heading closer to the ocean, where it hopefully wouldn’t be quite as hot. Luckily this seemed to work, although, it was still pretty hot in the Dana Point area.
As we drove up the road towards the Dana Point Headlands Nature Center, I spotted a gorgeous lookout and asked my wife to stop. This turned out to be The Harbor Point Conservation Trail. I jumped out and quickly jogged the short, five minute, fenced trail.
The views of the Dana Point Harbor are insane from here but to be honest, the best views are from the parking area, so for those that are questioning whether or not to take a stroll, you really won’t be missing anything.
Eventually, I made my way back to the car and we made the short drive up the road to the Nature Interpretive Center at the Dana Point Headlands. There is tons of good stuff in here and Scout, who had just turned two, had a great time coloring and playing in the little cave. After a bit, we gathered Scout and made our way to the Dana Point Headlands Trail.
Starting the Dana Point Headlands Trail
As soon as we walked out of the Nature Center, we continued down and away from the parking area along a fence line. There is a gate here, that is locked outside of hours, which we entered through to begin the trail. Scout took off in front of us, imploring me to chase her.
The trail has a reasonable descent as it heads towards the first overlook of the ocean. We reached the overlook and continued to a few other overlooks with benches and once again, impeccable views of the surrounding ocean.
The trail is incredibly easy to follow and hikers can go as far as they choose before turning around. After about a half mile the trail began to ascend and Scout asked for her mom and me to take turns carrying her. Views of the nearby oceanside homes now came into view, as we made one final push towards the end of the trail.
The trail ends under a little canopy at just about one mile in, with a gate that leads into a nearby neighborhood. We elected to turn around and back track.
Finishing the Dana Point Headlands Trail
As we made our way back, Scout again asked to be held and too fly. My wife and I took turns swinging her around as the heat began to take its toll on us. We made quick work of the 1 mile back to the Nature Center and were relieved to get to the car and return to the comfort of the air conditioning.
While the Dana Point Headlands Trail surely won’t blow anyone away, it’s a great trail to get some exercise and surprised me with its beauty. Another surprise for me on this day, was how well Scout did with the hike, even with the heat. Scout seldomly asks to be held on any hikes we do nowadays, but it was understandable that she did so on this day. Scout cancer has now been in remission for nearly three months and our family is so proud of how hard she fought to get to this point and the energy, spirit and love that she continues to exhibit. Days like today and being outside with Scout are the days that I live for.
August 3, 2023
Getting to the Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center
34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629
Notes, Questions and Thoughts
Is this a fee area?
No, there are no fees to hike or park at the Dana Point Headlands Preserve.
Are dogs allowed on the Dana Point Headlands Trail?
- No, dogs are not allowed on any of the trails inside of The Dana Point Headlands Preserve.
Are there restrooms?
- Yes, during Nature Center operating hours.
Please recreate responsibly. Respect hikers and all visitors and wildlife. Help make everyone’s experience better by keeping the nature experience as authentic as possible. Leave no trace and pack out everything that you pack in. Please remember that we are visitors and stewards of these special places. Help keep these places as wild as possible while not diminishing the outdoor experience of others.
