The Arches of Dana Point - South OC Moms

 

Ready for a local walk to the Arches of Dana Point that is easy for kids of all ages and your fury family members too? A short walk with gorgeous views and some architectural history thrown in? Well I have the outing for you then!

 

Next time you are in the Dana Point Harbor it is worth a quick stop to check out the lovely Dana Point Arches. The arches sit high above the Dana Point Harbor. The Arches are remnants of Dana Point Inn, that was built in the 1930s by real estate mogul, S.H. Woodruff (established Hollywoodland, aka the location of the famous Hollywood sign). Unfortunately, the stock market crash and the Great Depression halted construction; ending his dream. The Dana Point Inn was never completed and sold in 1939 after sitting empty. The Arches were originally going to be large windows overlooking the marina.

 

 

There are two different entry points to the Arches, you can start from either the Bluff Top Trail or the Dana Point Arches overlook entry way. Either way you will be parking in a residential area and heading down the concrete trail. Note, there are some stairs so this is not a stroller friendly walk.

The Bluff Top Trail can be found via this Address: 34342 Street of the Amber Lantern, Dana Point, CA 92629

The Dana Point Arches entrance can be found via this Address: 24606 Santa Clara Ave, Dana Point, CA 92629

 

 

We parked and started on the trail from the Dana Point Arches entrance. As you are walking along you will take notice of the Dana Point Arches in front of you. Be sure to take in the lovely view as you walk along the trail.

 

 

Once you arrive at the Dana Point Arches you will notice the historical marker, which again explains the significance of the concrete structures.

 

 

If you choose to  continue on the trail you will come upon the The Hide Drogher Statue. The statue represents the New England traders in the 1800s who would toss cow hides over the cliff in exchange for American-made good on the ships in the harbor below. The bronze statue is life-size depiction of a trader tossing cowhides, which is also a scene from a book. You can read more about the California Hide Trade and Dana Point here.

 

 

If you choose to start from the Bluff Top Trail, you will be notice this sign at the beginning of the trail head. The walk is very short, so it really doesn’t matter which portion of the trail you start at, as you will be able to cover the entire trail in about 15 minutes, enjoying while you are enjoying the view.

 

 

Happy Exploring Friends! Hope you enjoy the Arches of Dana Point.

 

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You can put this address 30241 Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel into your phone maps and it will take you directly to a shopping center in Laguna Niguel; which is pictured above.Across the street from the shopping center on Golden Lantern you will see the trail head sign for Colinas Bluff Trail. You can also type this into your phone as well, and it will show you where the trail head begins.

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