Posted 8-30-23
I love to hike in the hills above Dana Point. Harbor View is a trail located just off Calle Las Ramblas in Dana Point, where you can get a great workout on packed dirt trails, while being surrounded with beautiful natural landscapes, and stunning ocean views.
Scenery
Dana Point is a town centered around a harbor and marina. It is named for Richard Henry Dana, a trader, and early explorer of the area. He wrote about his adventures at sea in his memoir, Two Years Before the Mast. It has many easily accessible trails all with 360 views of the coastline. This short trail is about 2.5 miles long, and takes you high up, to a vantage point, overlooking the harbor in the distance.
Terrain
The trail is hard packed dirt, and is well maintained. It is mostly flat, with several hills, and some steep inclines. There are multiple single-track trails, and offshoots from the main trails. These become accessible during fall, after the green growth has withered away, and stay accessible until spring.
Crowd Factor
You’re not likely to run into too many people in this part of Orange County on the trails, except on the weekends. But you can expect to find occasional hikers, and mountain bikers here, along with a few equestrians, so don’t expect complete isolation, as you might find on wilderness trails.
Seasons
One reason I love living here in Southern California, as an outdoor enthusiast, and hiker, is that it is a place you can enjoy year round. Summers are typically warm, in the upper 70’s. It can occasionally, hot, and very humid here on the coast. Winters stay warm and mild. Coastal daytime temps range from the 50’s in December to the mid 80’s in August. It rains only occasionally around here and it doesn’t usually freeze, or snow near the beach. So you can expect blue skies, nice weather, and sunshine most of the year. June tends to get overcast, and cools slightly, due to the marine layer. Since hikers tend to prefer cooler temps, this can be a blessing in disguise.
Parking
The parking is free at the trailhead at the end of Calle Las Ramblas, and also at the end of Camino De Los Mares. There are a few additional trailheads in San Juan Capistrano, which connect to the trail. All access points involve street parking, and abiding by posted signs.
About Dana Point
The town of Dana Point centered around a harbor and marina. It is named for Richard Henry Dana, a trader, and early explorer of the area. He wrote about his adventures at sea in his memoir, Two Years Before the Mast.
Why Visit Dana Point?
The quaint seaside beach-town of Dana Point has an interesting history. This is evidenced by the many historical plaques throughout the town. There are 11 miles of trails, 36 different parks, and over 7 miles of beautiful beaches. It is referred to as the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World along with being the former home of an epic point break, Killer Dana. If you enjoy surfing, paddleboarding, or simply dining harborside, Dana Point has plenty of things to do for everyone. Not to mention, it is known for having some of the best sunsets around.
More Local Trails
A hike on Harbor View Trail can be easily combined with Cerro Rebal, and Patriot Trails, for a much longer hike, 5 mile hike. The Dana Point Headlands Trail is another popular hike, along with the Salt Creek Trail, Strands Beach Loop, and the Dana Point Harbor Loop.
More Things to Do
The Hide Drougher statue and Arches of Dana Point, are located along the bluffs overlooking the harbor. This is a popular spot to take in the views, hike the short trail, watch the sunset, while enjoying a peaceful moment overlooking the harbor below. The statue depicts a sailor throwing hides off the headland, down to the ships waiting just off shore, in the days before the harbor was constructed. No trip to Dana Point is complete without a stop at Baby Beach, where the tall ship The Spirit of Dana Point is docked, alongside the Ocean Institute.
The Harbor Jetty
The jetty alongside, has several benches, and is another epic sunset watching spot, with views of the marine sanctuary. If none of these interest you, why not rent a paddleboard, and explore the harbor? There are plenty of dining options along the harbor too, so don’t be afraid to arrive hungry.
Fun Fact
Harbor View Trail is open year-round, and unlike some of the other trails in the area, at regional parks, does not close after a rain.
Tip: The trail does get muddy, and it is recommended to avoid hiking until 24 hours after a rain, to avoid damaging the trail.
Leave No Trace
Just be sure to come prepared and follow Leave No Trace principles to keep the wilderness pristine for future hikers.
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I hope you enjoyed reading this, and it is helpful in knowing what to expect, should you decide to visit here.
About me
I’m Serafina! I’m a writer and California girl who loves to go exploring. Hope you will get outside today, breathe some fresh air, and be happy!
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Disclaimer: The work on this blog is my opinion and my opinion alone and I am not responsible for the outcome if someone were to apply these thoughts to their own life. All text and photography copyright 2023 by Serafina, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers’ usage of the ideas and opinions presented in the blog, are at their own risk. Be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, surfing, walking, cooking, and other activities, which may take place indoors or outdoors. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from reading the blog, or partaking in any activity mentioned in the blog. Read the blog, and use its ideas, if you so desire, at your own risk.
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