FreeAnimals & Nature
Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center & Headlands Trails
Dana Point, CA
Free
By Simir Shah
This small center at the end of Scenic Drive explains the Headlands' coastal sage scrub, which is home to the endangered Pacific pocket mouse, and leads onto the short Preserve trail to sweeping harbor and ocean views. Since 2026, CNLM opens the trail only four days a week (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday), and the city is disputing that limit. Pets aren't allowed on any Headlands trail, so leave the dog at home.
Good for
- Ages 0–2
Happening near here
- Little Folk Club Halloween Singalong (Bump Out Park)Dana Point · <1 miFree
- Día de los Muertos Altar at Mission San Juan CapistranoSan Juan Capistrano · 4 mi
- Haunted Trails (Laguna Niguel)Laguna Niguel · 5 mi
- San Clemente Pumpkins & Harvest Festival (Outlets at San Clemente)San Clemente · 5 mi
South OC depth 2026Nature center and bluff trails
Map
Nearby places
Dana Point Tide Pools (Dana Point State Marine Conservation Area)Dana Point · Animals & Nature<1 miOcean Institute Maritime Festival (Tall Ships)Dana Point · Museums & Learning<1 miOcean InstituteDana Point · Museums & Learning<1 miDana Point Harbor Boat Parade of LightsDana Point · Arts & Culture<1 miDana Point Turkey TrotDana Point · Parks & Hiking<1 miBaby Beach (Dana Point Harbor)Dana Point · Beaches & Coast<1 mi
Keep planning
Eat nearby in Dana Point
- Truly PizzaPizza & Italian · $$
- The Shwack Beach GrillBurgers & American · $
- Coffee ImportersBreakfast & Brunch · $
- Kawamata SeafoodAsian · $