Dana Point in Orange County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Dana Point

Photographed by Craig Baker, 2017

1. Dana Point Marker

Inscription. Named for Richard Henry Dana, author of "Two Years Before the Mast", who visited here in 1835. El Embarcadero, the cove below, was used by hide vessels trading with Mission San Juan Capistrano. This trade reached its peak in 1830-1840. In 1818 pirate Hipolito Bouchard, flying an Argentine flag, anchored his fleet here while raiding the mission.

Erected by California State Park Commission. (Marker Number 189.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1835.

Location. 33° 27.829′ N, 117° 42.399′ W. Marker is in Dana Point, California, in Orange County. It is on Street of the Blue Lantern south of Santa Clara Avenue. Marker is near the Dana Point Hilltop Cabana. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 34343 Street of the Blue Lantern, Dana Point CA 92629, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles

and in the Peninsular Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Richard Henry Dana (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dana Point Inn (approx. 0.3 miles away); Dana Point Elevator (approx. 0.4 miles away); Harbor/Pilgrim (approx. 0.4 miles away); The History Beneath Your Feet: Concrete Curb and Sidewalk Stamps

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(approx. 0.4 miles away); Auditorium (approx. half a mile away); Richard Henry Dana Jr. (approx. half a mile away); Telephone Office (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dana Point.

Photographed by Michael Kindig, May 2, 2001

2. Dana Point Marker

Dana Point Marker and Harbor image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, 2017

3. Dana Point Marker and Harbor

Photographed by Adam Margolis, May 13, 2012

4. Dana Point Marker

Viewed from the nearby gazebo.

Dana Point Harbor image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Michael Kindig, May 2, 2001

5. Dana Point Harbor

Ken Samson Overview Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Michael Kindig, May 2, 2001

6. Ken Samson Overview Marker

This park is named in honor of Kenneth Sampson, Director of the Orange County Harbors, Beaches, and Parks District from 1957 to 1975. Under his administration, Dana Point Harbor was designed and constructed, as well as many other significant park projects.

Board of Supervisors Resolution No. 78-665 May 2, 1978

1927

7. Dana Point

Credits. This page was last revised on August 29, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 2, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. This page has been viewed 2,035 times since then and 62 times this year. Last updated on May 7, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1. submitted on May 1, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 2. submitted on December 2, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 3. submitted on May 1, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 4. submitted on February 16, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 5, 6. submitted on December 2, 2011, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. 7. submitted on December 23, 2011, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.