Dana Point Headlands
Dana Point, CA
Dana Point Headlands is a blufftop trail network with real views from the Ken Sampson Lookout, and the Ocean Institute below runs public tours, whale-watching excursions, and educational programs out of the harbor. It's a genuine mix of scenery and substance, worth it for the trails alone even without the Institute's programs.
Genuinely worthwhile blufftop trails paired with a real educational institution below, more substance than a typical overlook.
How we score beachesCheck the Ocean Institute's schedule ahead of time if a tour or whale-watching excursion is part of the plan, they're not always running.
A fee lot serves the headlands trail and harbor area.
Paved and gravel trails run across the headlands with interpretive signage.
Dogs are not allowed on the beach below the Dana Point Headlands.
Gray whale migration runs roughly December through April, prime season for the Ocean Institute's whale-watching excursions.
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