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    Nature Interpretive Center and Trails

    4.8 (14 reviews)

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    RACOON!!!
    Rachel Macie H.

    This is a conservation area and an effort to preserve the surrounding land. I remember coming up here before any of this was built it was just a dirt road that led to the few houses that you see up here. It's good to see that the city actually cared enough to preserve what is a great habitat close to the ocean and a great part of what is the California coast line. This facility is a little shack it has all kinds of information about the area a restroom and a few stuffed creatures that you might see in the SoCal wild. Right out back you see a little trail that heads down to where the cliff area is providing a gorgeous view of the Dana Point Harbor and some of Laguna. There's a decent amount of parking here always because not many people know this place exists which is good for you reading this because your only a drive away from one of the most mellow places in Dana to kick it.

    View from the trail
    Jason P.

    Lovely place for a solitary walk or a stroll with a friend. The rattlesnake warnings were helpful, though I didn't see or hear any. One of those things that's good to know. There are restrooms at the trailhead at the Nature Interpretive Center. Sweet spot.

    Cool pic of Squeaky and me with Coppola lighting
    Hutch H.

    I must confess that I've never actually been inside the center, but love the trails and incorporate them into a longer walk starting just North at Strands beach going past the new gazillion dollar lots and custom homes just off the sand. The trail is fully paved and there's a steep set of steps at the South end of Strands that leads you up through some older houses and condos on the headlands and eventually to the trailhead (the one that doesn't start at the center). Once you hit the Sandy trails atop Dana Point (the actual point, not the city), it's a great undeveloped contrast to the view of the beach mansions you just walked past and houses speckled across the hills to the east. You also get views of Laguna's craggy cliffs defining the coastline to the North. As you keep walking you can see Dana Point (the city and harbor) and San Clemente sprawling along to the south. Once you leave the gate (by the center) you can actually catch another segment of the trail that loops you back to the Strands Parking Lot. You simply follow the road downhill towards The Chart House restaurant (which also happens to have gone downhill) and you'll see some stairs shooting up to the left. Take that until it ends at the guard gate for the beach mansions, but keep going on the sidewalk. You'll see the trail open up to the left after about 20 paces. Wow this sounds like buried treasure is waiting. No, just your car and some amazing sunsets overlooking Strands beach. Great walk across some choice South OC landscapes. Enjoy!

    The entrance
    Mike L.

    Staff is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. . We took the walking tour located just outside the building and saw from the cliffs some of the most amazing views. Well worth a visit.

    Lysa L.

    One of the most beautiful hikes in this area. Stairs, flat, beach and the views are amazing. Today was cloudy but it is usually so clear and breathtaking views. You get a good work out and the 2.5 miles goes by so quickly because there is so much to see. A must if you like to hike a beautiful trail.

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    5 months ago

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    11 years ago

    This place is fantastic! Best place to watch a sunset! Perfect walking trails for my 5 year old niece! She loves watching the birds!

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    Review Highlights - Nature Interpretive Center and Trails

    There are restrooms at the trailhead at the Nature Interpretive Center.

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    Mission San Juan Capistrano - Sacred Garden

    Mission San Juan Capistrano

    4.6(797 reviews)
    4.0 mi
    Not-for-profit
    Free WiFi

    We had a wonderful time! We made it a point to stop here when driving from Temecula as we had never…read morebeen to a mission before, and we are so glad that we did. When getting the tickets, the lady helping us was so nice! We got our audio tour and started along the way. It really was beautiful and full of history! It's as old as the country! The audio tour and plaques along the way provided a lot of information and we spent at least 2 hours here wandering around and taking everything in, you could easily spend more time than that here. Beautiful grounds and it was amazing to see the original and uncovered structures that existed so long ago. You end up at the gift shop at the end and we left with a postcard and a magnet for home. Very reasonable prices in there and some cute things! Overall we had an amazing time and would love to visit other missions. Give this one a go!

    What a great, historic site. Mission San Juan Capistrano was built in 1776 and is the seventh…read moreoldest Mission in California. View is truly grand and majestic. As soon as you enter you will see a gorgeous garden and remnants of The Great Stone Church, which was destroyed by earthquake in 1812. I also liked Serra Chapel, which is the oldest building in California that's still in use, based on online search. I felt at peace just sitting inside the chapel for few minutes. Current admission fee is $19 for adults and $11 for youth (5-17) years of age). Admission fee includes a self-guided audio tour but the device was kind of difficult to hear. There isn't a designated parking lot for the Mission but there are few public parking lots near the area. I was here on a weekday so was able to find street parking along Camino Capistrano. Most of the street parking is limited to 5 hours. There are plenty of restaurants within walking distance so it's a great location. You will definitely smell BBQ smoke coming from Heritage BBQ restaurant across the street.

    Photos
    Mission San Juan Capistrano - Incredible.

    Incredible.

    Mission San Juan Capistrano - Our refuge from the sporadic 3 minute rain storms.

    Our refuge from the sporadic 3 minute rain storms.

    Mission San Juan Capistrano - Photos by Juan Ochoa

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    Photos by Juan Ochoa

    Los Rios Historic District - Water tower

    Los Rios Historic District

    4.6(69 reviews)
    3.8 mi

    This little hidden area of San Juan Capistrano is definitely worth a visit! In fact, Los Rios…read moreStreet Historic District is the oldest continuously inhabited neighborhood in California, and it features historic structures dating back to the late 1700s. This area also preserves three original adobe homes built around 1794--the Rios, Montanez, and Silvas adobes. Later in the 19th and early 20th centuries, wooden board-and-batten houses and Victorian buildings were added to the street. There's a spacious park including a butterfly garden, Hidden House coffee shop, a tea shop & a few little stores and several restaurants. There's also an adorable petting zoo! It's quaint and easy to see in under an hour, or you could spend a few hours relaxing & taking your time. It's easy to access to Los Rios from the 5 & there is plenty of free or low cost parking. Additionally, the train stops right in SJC and you can easily access this area from the stop. Peace.

    7/26/26 What a gorgeous place to take the family out for a lazy Sunday afternoon! There are plenty…read moreof adorable places to visit and take a stroll. My family took the Metrolink from the Anaheim station ($10 per person) and it took about 45 minutes. Hubby and I drove from San Gabriel which took a little over an hour. My usual go to is The Hidden House Coffee shop with affordable and well made drinks, offering a sizable outdoor patio. The Ramos House Cafe is a few steps away, as well as the Los Rios Tea house. All of these are historic homes, vintage and picturesque. Within a few feet from the public parking lot is the Montanez building, where a nearby butterfly sanctuary is located. The Los Rios Cottages are for rent which are located next door to the Ramos House, very pretty but these are right alongside the train tracks, if you don't mind that racket, it'll be fine. It's an easy stroll and a beautiful destination. Come check it out. There are plenty more shops that I haven't visited. Today, I am limited as I have a medical boot (and a crutch) that's preventing me from my usual nosiness in discovering things on foot, until next time.

    Photos
    Los Rios Historic District
    Los Rios Historic District - Palm reading

    Palm reading

    Los Rios Historic District - Leisure afternoon for artist alike perfect place to paint

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    Leisure afternoon for artist alike perfect place to paint

    Flavors Of Laguna

    Flavors Of Laguna

    4.1(51 reviews)
    7.0 mi

    I have tried twice to book the Best Bites of Laguna Beach Tour through Viator. My first tour was…read morecanceled because my tour is pending until someone from the tour company confirms the date and the number of people, and no one responded, so it was canceled. I've put in a second request for a tour for two people on the date I requested, and so far no one has responded, so this one may also be canceled. At least two Viator representatives have called and sent email messages to try to get my tour confirmed, but they've not gotten a response. I also sent a message to the tour company asking that they respond to my pending tour request, but no response. I have given this tour company one star for poor customer service.

    Had a great day tour w/ our tour guide Cathy (very warm, friendly & hospitable) & fellow Yelper…read moreLucy T. (thanks girlie for taking me along) =) A fun day of learning new facts & sampling new places which we'd never think of trying in laguna Beach. A foodie lovers day of fun, Yay! =) Places we visited: La Sirena Grill (Organic Mexican) - small samples of salsa & guacamole dip Tommy Bahama (sample of Coconut Shrimp) Candy Baron (No candy samples) Lumberyard Restaurant (No samples) Sundried Tomato Cafe (small sample of their signature Sundried Tomato soup) Cafe Zinc (small sample of bean & corn salsa) Ocean Ave. Brewery (beer tasting $3 extra & appetizers) Pizza Lounge (Pizza made from fresh ingredients) Helen Cope House Dolce Gelato (sample of gelato) St. Francis by the Sea Cathedral Murphy-Smith Bungalow The lifeguard tower Wyland studios I wish they had more tastings of signature dishes from each of the different restaurants rather than just their appetizers & also more tastings in the middle of the tour because I was feeling hungry but by the end of the tour I was so stuffed! =P Tip: There are two parking structures on Mermaid st that are $5 all day parking thats the cheapest & best deal that was perfect parking for this tour.

    Photos
    Flavors Of Laguna
    Flavors Of Laguna - These whale murals are killer!

    These whale murals are killer!

    Flavors Of Laguna - Sculpture garden

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    Sculpture garden

    Nature Interpretive Center and Trails - landmarks - Updated August 2026

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