Historic Walking Tour

About the Tour

Welcome

This walk is an easy stroll of less than 2 miles through beautiful Dana Point. It will take you through the oldest and most attractive section of the city, with views of the harbor and the coastline.

History of Dana Point

Development in Dana Point dates from the 1920s — first in 1923–24 by a syndicate from Laguna Beach. Their plans soon fell into financial difficulty, and the 900 acres they owned were purchased by S. H. Woodruff, the Los Angeles builder and developer of Hollywoodland.

Woodruff appreciated the unspoiled setting of Dana Point with its unobstructed ocean views from the bluffs. His master plan envisioned a Mediterranean village by the sea — recreational facilities and houses of varied designs. On this walk you will see some of those original houses, the earliest commercial buildings, and learn about the streets bearing lantern names.

Woodruff's grand plans were brought to an end by the Depression of the 1930s. Development in Dana Point did not begin again until the 1960s.