Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center in Dana Point

The conservation center and the walking path had limited days and hours while we were visiting but it was worth the wait for a nice relaxing walk. The caves at the beach are accessible from below with a ~1 mile hike over beach cobbles and tide pools. Go during low tide for easy access and safety. The caves are worth the trip for an awesome but short hike.

Amazing experience. Help save the California Gnatcather (birdand the Pacific Pocket Mouse. Each nests in the natural area. So quiet. Beautiful bird songs from the Gnatcather.

Informative nature center material where I learned some new history, despite being a long time local. Nice walk that can be jogged if you desire. The beach at low tide (noonis very fun to expire and walk through the TidePool-like areas.Parking in the lot can be tight, but plenty of street parking leading up to the center.

Beautiful place for a hike!We arrive at 7:50am on a Saturday. As of right now, the trail through the preserve is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 8am-4pm. This is because the preserve is home to an endangered mouse, and the staff noticed it thrives during Covid closures. Understandable. No dogs on the trail for the same reason. There’s parking at the interpretive center as well as bathrooms, which were open before staff came, yay!The trail is all sand, so after our hike I had to bang the sand out of my shoes and socks. Just a heads up.The ocean view is gorgeous! We saw sea lions and pelicans. No whales, sadly. Definitely recommend bringing binoculars. There are several lookouts, and most of them have a bench to sit and enjoy the view.

We went early in the morning to see the sunrise.

Great views of the ocean and harbor. Nicely maintained trails. Some of them are on the short side but if you combine them, you can get a pleasant walk out of it. Theres at least one good trail to get down to the beach where there was a nice bench for enjoying the scene. Unfortunately, the main trail is open only some days of the week -- not on the Thursday Feb 17, 2022 that we were there. We saw a California Thrasher, Allens Hummingbird, and Mourning Dove during our walk plus lots of gulls.

Could only give it a three because getting there was very very easy, but once were in the parking lot and you see the signs that its only open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays made it a little bit disappointing. Were taking a drive up there on our last day on the way out to see how it is. Probably provide an update and hopefully more stars at that point.

26Jan22 My first trip from 101 San Diego to 101@1 San Francisco by coastway(Pitstop@DANA POINT NATURE INTERPRETIVE )

Wonderful views above Dsna Point itself.

Amazing 360 views of the point and ocean. Short hike, 30 min one way.

Stunning beauty as always

The place offers amazing viewpoints to enjoy nature sites. Awesome at dawn.

Dana Point Headlands Nature Center has good general interpretive displays for the family, with a trail walk that has spectacular vistas.

It has a nice trail but the parking and the hours are very limited.

Great place, rude personnel.My family and I met with this millennial long-hair employee and asked him a simple question, what the best way to get to a place. He laughed in my face like the question is totally inappropriate and suggested we all should go back home and not return until we research the answer to it on our own. Whats wrong with this deranged individual? Is he getting paid from our tax money to treat visitors like that? Yes, we showed up from out of state to this Center minutes before closing today. Does that mean we deserve to be insulted? What is his excuse to be rude in while wearing State Parks uniform? I noticed he carried a number of grocery bags to his car, still during working hours. He must have taken time off to do all the shopping, otherwise he would have been fired by now, I presume.

Good hiking trail with multiple view points along the way. Currently most view points are closed for rehabilitation.

Very nice walk. Everyone was all smiles and pleasant to be around. The views were beautiful, and I love that the area is being preserved.

Closed. Ok. Well go on the trail. NOPE. Trail only open three days a week!! I would give it zero if I could. Trails closed on a Sunday? Why are the trails closed at all? No sign explaining why trails are only open three days a week. Very disappointing. Im sure its a beautiful view.

Gorgeous views from here, a bit windy.

When we entered the trail there were no signs about their hours. We walked the trail, headed to Dana Point, and found the beach caves. We walked back to our car and got to the gate of the trail at 1pm to find they had closed at noon without warning. We had to find a way back on the road....otherwise it would have been a five star.

The DP NIC cutest little educational center! It focuses on the geological, cultural and natural history of the coastal sage habitat along the south coast, and Dana Point. Illustrations and some musuem skins show the Mighty Mouse, Pacific Pocket Mouse (PPMwho saved some of the last remaining coastal sage in Dana Point. There are three trails through this habitat type with outstanding views; one is on the DP headlands and is an extraordinary overlook of the ocean, whale blows, megapods of dolphin, marine birds, a peregrine falcon hunting overhead. No dogs are allowed on the headlands trail but they can be on leash for the other two. Water is available for you and your dog; fill your bottle, have a sip from the faucet. Rest on a bench and think about how the Acjachemen lived in this area, long ago...

Beautiful beach to visit.

Very cute. The kids loved it, especially the "real live snake". The hike was really beautiful and not too difficult. The Rangers were very friendly and helpful.

Nice trail, beautiful view!

This is a cool little museum we stumbled onto. Its got some great info about Dana Points local marine life and wildlife. Including some huge whale bones, stuffed animals (taxidermyand other interesting artifacts. They had free coloring pages for the kids. Theres not an active docent but its very small so you dont need a tour. We were the only ones there. Theres also public bathrooms. Theres some hiking trails with stunning views. They were closed when we went, I assume because of the rain. Its got an amazing view of the ocean from the parking lot! I think its a mist see just for the breathtaking views! We were just driving around exploring and found this little gem. Both the kids, ages 9 and 3 enjoyed the museum/nature center. We plan on visiting again for the views and hopefully a hike!

It has a beautiful view over looking the Harbor and ocean. On a clear day u can see Catalina & San Clemente Islands. Plus maybe u can spot a few critters (Squirrels, Birdsthat stay long enuff for a picture or two. The Chart house restaurant is right next to it. (But the Plandemic)

Limited hours, no charge only donation box. Very safe and so much information. Perfect for kids and adults..

Beautiful location with maritime history. Some simple but effective displays and exhibits. The volunteers were wonderful to explain nature. The ranger was more interested in talking to friends on the phone and playing with her computer. Trails need some upkeep as well as some of the native plants and trees.

Its incredibly beautiful here! Definitely worth a visit if you want to take a stroll or get that walk you need. Incredible views of the water and just beautiful parks and walking trails.

Great nature trail through native California coastal habitat offering an incredible view of the Pacific Ocean and SoCal coastline from the headland. You can see whales in season, and on clear days Catalina and San Clemente Islands are visible. The trail connects the marina in Dana Point to Salt Creek Beach and has some elevation changes, making for a great cardio workout, walk or run. The visitors center is also a helpful resource. No cost for entry. Opens at 7am and closes right after sunset.

Loveeeed it (highly recommended itnatural and the ocean is BEAUTIFUL

Wonderful short hike. But its all there is to it.

Moderate hike with parts of the loop trail have stairs. Gorgeous view of Dana point harbor, coastline and beautiful homes. The beautiful views make this hike enjoyable.

The sunset was so beautiful there I couldnt stop taking photos! Its a great trail to go on if you need some inspiration, meditation, or just want an excursion. I would definitely recommend this trail!

Watched the whale boats for a while listening to the birds and crashing waves, it was a relaxing walk

Small little interpretive center little off the beaten path. Very well marked walking pages with many scenic overlooks. Small parking lot might need to park down the street.

Very cool walk and scenery

Friendly staff and beautiful ocean view trail.

What a beautiful place for Hiking . Enjoy the view so much.

The Center disappointed a little but the walk was amazing. We thought we saw a whale.

Beautiful walk! Probably a little over a mile round trip but you dont have to go the whole way, as it isnt a loop. The nature center is great for kids or adults who might have questions about local wildlife.

This was a beautiful hike! Our whole family really liked it. It had fabulous views and a very well kept trail. There were a variety of hike lengths available for different fitness levels.

I absolutely adore Dana Point. How beautiful and utterly serene. I could stay here forever.

People are toooo sweet!!! They can help you if you have any doubts regarding the place or the trial. If you want to explore the place this is where you should go for to know more about the dana point trails. You will be amazed with the birdwatching near by.

Easy trail which is just about 1/2 mile going and 1/2 mile coming back. Half way at one of the viewing points, feels and looks like as if you made it to the end of world. It seems like the world ends right there! Close your eyes and if you tune out construction sounds near by, you can actually feel the ocean. Let nature sounds capture your mind whether it is a falcon flying over your head, sea birds, or small birds singing around you. This is one of smallest parcels of land that has been protected right in the middle of busy Dana Point. Their focus is the conservation of Pocket Mouse. This tiny nocturnal population is only about 45 -50. Pocket Mouse feeds off of seeds at night. So please stay on marked areas and dont go off trail !!!

Super knowledgeable staff and a quick fun hike where you can see whales during the migration period. You can still see other cool stuff as well though. It doesnt matter if you are looking at the land or out at the sea youll see lots of life. Def go to in my eyes

Great sceneries and hike trails

We stopped by the visitor center and Annie took us all around explaining the wildlife! She was very friendly and informative and the trail is absolutely gorgeous!

Short little trail with great views. Love to come here with my kids. The staff is always helpful, knowledgeable and accommodating. They have binoculars to borrow for whale watching from the bluff, and identification cards to borrow for the kids to help spot plant and animal life on the trail.

A small office with beautiful views, Nice trail. See photos.