Last weekend, we visited Dana Point, CA – located in SoCal and is approximately half way between Los Angeles and San Diego. The City of Dana Point is named after Richard Henry Dana Jr. He described Dana Point, once known as Capistrano Bay, as “the most romantic spot in California.” The original plan for Dana Point was for a Spanish-style town with streets named after Lanterns. Actual lanterns were laid out for the street lights, inspired by the old sailor’s kerosene lanterns.
Today, Street of the Golden Lantern is a starting point for getting to places in Dana Point like the Lantern Village. Other popular lantern street names are Street of the Blue Lantern, and Street of the Crystal Lantern.
The most popular thing to do in Dana Point is Whale Watching. Dana Point is known for having diverse marine ecosystems in the world. Also, Southern California has the largest concentration of blue whales of anywhere on earth. Blue Whale watching in Southern California is popular during the months of May through October.
Dog Friendly Dana Point
Festival of Whales Parade + Street Fair
Last Saturday, March 5th, was Dana Point’s 1st weekend celebrating the Festival of Whales. We watched The Festival of Whales Parade and Sugar enjoyed the giant balloons. The Street Fair which included pet vendors was managed by Pet Project Foundation, partnering with City of Dana Point.
Trail & Park
Sugar had a pawsome time exploring a beautiful trial and a park. From Bluff Top Trail, we saw a spectacular view overlooking the Dana Point Harbor. It’s also an educational walk; we learned some history facts of Dana Point.
Heritage Park, located at Old Golden Lantern, is considered as an event park. Many use this park for special events because of the amazing view. Lots of grassy areas for dogs to run.
Doris Walker was a member of the Orange County Historical Commission, a founder of the Dana Point Historical Society and Annual Festival of Whales. Doris believed that romance is adventure as it unfolds.
Dog Friendly Dining
It was not hard to find a dog friendly restaurant at Dana Point. We ate at Bonjour Cafe, dog friendly patio. Wow, the servings were huge. It was delicious, plus great service. It’s always nice to dine at a dog friendly restaurant; sit down, have a nice meal, and your dog is next to you.
Dog friendly Dana Point is not far where we currently live, ~30 miles. Definitely, we will come back and hope to meet-up with our blog pals Two French Bulldogs and visit some of the finest Dana Point beaches.
What a wonderful place to visit! And LIVE! I have been to Manhattan Beach on business trips, and of course, Beverly Hills / LA, but there is so much more in California I’d love to explore. I am not as mobile as I used to be so unfortunately, I doubt that will happen. So, I will watch your fabulous travel adventures! Sugar looks so happy!
Have a great time Sugar! I love hearing about all your adventures. Dana Point sounds ver interesting! Enjoy your weekend!
what a great place! And you even saw a whale… even one who can fly… bet that was Moby Dick, right?
What a beautiful place. We have enjoyed seeing Lily and Edward’s photos around and about Dana Point.
What fun it will be to meet up with them.
Hugs madi you bfff
OMD OMD YESSSSSSSssssssssssssssssssssss you MUST do a meet and Greet in the furs with Lily and Edward… They have taken us to the Whale Pawrade several times… we love seeing it…
WOW Girrrrrl you had a Fabulous day… WE are most GREEN with Jellyness!!!
Looks like ya had fun!
OMD, Ma says she’s been to Dana Point and it was most beautifuls!!!! She would likes to go there again.
Butts, WOWSA, you’re gonna meet LILY & EDWARD in the FURS???? Oh, that would be most FABulous indeed!!!! Just remembers to take TONS of pics!
Kisses,
Ruby ♥