Dana Point - South

Dana Point Harbor - The killer of “Killer Dana”

Richard Henry Dana (author, adventurer, attorney, abolitionist, and champion of the oppressed) considered the high bluffs and sheltered coves of this area of Southern California to be the most beautiful spot on the California coast. Dana Point developed a notable surfing history, and was home to many of the first companies that produced surfing products. Hobie Alter opened the world's first retail surf shop in Dana Point in 1954, and surf publications like The Surfer's Journal and Surfer Magazine were formed and headquartered in Dana Point. Bruce Brown produced the iconic surfer film Endless Summer in Dana Point.

"Killer Dana" was a legendary surf break off Dana Point next to the rocky point itself. A sometimes huge right-hander that came out of deep water and broke close to the rocks that lined the beach, the break was officially put to death on August 29, 1966, when the Army Corp of Engineers closed it to all “marine activities” so they could build a recreational harbor. A breakwater now cuts right through the heart of the once epic surf spot. In those pre-Surfrider Foundation days, battling big government to save an occasionally epic right-hander wasn’t an option, unfortunately. It’s ironic that a town named after a champion of the oppressed squelched the surf community in order to cater to wealthy yacht owners in topsiders.

It’s a beautiful harbor though, and our walk takes you around the north side of the East Basin, south over the bridge for a long, flat walk around the man-made island, and back again. Great views of the harbor, the breakwater and (of course) the ocean abound.