Doheny State Beach

Doheny State Beach
Location	Orange County, California
Nearest city	Dana Point, California
Coordinates	33°27′39″N 117°40′41″W / 33.46083°N 117.67806°W / 33.46083; -117.67806Coordinates: 33°27′39″N 117°40′41″W / 33.46083°N 117.67806°W / 33.46083; -117.67806
Area	62 acres (250,000 m2)
Established	1931
Visitors	850,000+ (in 2007)
Governing body	California Department of Parks and Recreation

Doheny State Beach, protected as part of the California Department of Parks and Recreation, is a beach on the Pacific coast of Orange County, in Dana Point, Southern California. The beach is a popular surf spot located at the mouth of San Juan Creek, which flows from the Santa Ana Mountains southwest to the beach, where it forms a fresh-water lagoon. It is also one of the most polluted beaches in Southern California.^{[1] [2]}

History

The beach was donated by oil tycoon Edward L. Doheny for public use on May 31, 1931. On July 1, 1963, the beach was named Doheny State Beach in honor of Edward Doheny. The original donation was 41 acres (170,000 m²). An additional 21 acres (85,000 m²) was later added by acquisitions from the Santa Fe Railroad, University of California Regents, and the Union Oil Company. The beach is California's first state beach.^[3]

Recreational uses

The beach covers an area of 62 acres (250,000 m²) and includes a day use surfing beach at the northern end, as well as campgrounds in its southern area. The beach is one of California's most popular camping grounds and attracts over 850,000 people per year.^[4] The beach has tidepools and a visitor center with several aquariums.

Animal and plant life

The beach is home to several types of marine life, such as abalone, anemone, several types of sea bass,^{[disambiguation needed ]} crabs, the common dolphin, harbor seal, kelp, California moray, sea urchin, octopus, stingrays, several varieties of sharks (including the Great White), as well as many other marine life. Several types of birds also live at the beach such as brown pelican, great blue heron, snowy egret, and several other species.

Educational program

Doheny State Beach offers year-round interpretive education programs in marine life, bird life, animal life, water quality, insects, and Native American studies.

References in popular culture

• The beach is mentioned in several surf rock songs including the Beach Boys songs "Surfin' Safari" and "Surfin' USA." In "Surfer Joe" by the Surfaris Doheny Beach is the favorite hangout of the song's protagonist. The song was recorded in Cucamonga, California, at Pal Studios.

See also

• California State Beaches
• List of California state parks
• List of surfing areas

References

1. ^ L.A. County beaches rank high in contamination
2. ^ O.C.'s Doheny Can't Shake Title of Foulest Beach
3. ^ Doheny State Beach
4. ^ Doheny State Beach Facts

External links

• California parks official site
• Doheny State Beach Official Site