Doheny State Beach facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Doheny State Beach |
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Doheny State Beach in September 2018. Dana Point Harbor can be seen in the background.
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 Doheny State Beach
Location in California
Doheny State Beach
Location in the United States
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| Location | Orange County, California, USA |
| Nearest city | Dana Point, California |
| Area | 254 acres (103 ha) |
| Established | 1931 |
| Visitors | 850,000+ (in 2007) |
| Governing body | California Department of Parks and Recreation |
Doheny State Beach is a protected beach in California, located right on the Pacific Ocean in the city of Dana Point. It's part of California's state park system. This beach is a super popular spot for surfing. It's found where the San Juan Creek flows into the ocean, creating a freshwater lagoon.
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A Special Beach with a History
Doheny State Beach has an interesting past! A rich oil businessman named Edward L. Doheny gave this land for everyone to enjoy on May 31, 1931. It was actually California's very first state beach!
Later, on July 1, 1963, the beach was officially named Doheny State Beach to honor him. The first gift of land was about 41 acres. More land was added over time from different groups, making the beach even bigger.
Fun Things to Do at Doheny Beach
Doheny State Beach covers about 62 acres. It's a fantastic place for many outdoor activities.
Surfing and Camping Fun
At the northern part of the beach, you'll find a great area for surfing. The southern part has popular campgrounds. Doheny is one of California's most visited camping spots, attracting over 850,000 people each year!
Exploring Nature
The beach also has cool tide pools where you can see small marine creatures. There's even a visitor center with several aquariums. Here, you can learn more about the ocean and its amazing animals.
Amazing Animals and Plants
Doheny State Beach is home to many kinds of marine life. You might spot abalone, anemones, different types of sea bass, and crabs. Larger animals like common dolphins and harbor seals also visit.
Underwater, you can find kelp, California moray eels, sea urchins, octopus, and stingrays. Even some types of sharks live here! Many birds also call the beach home, including brown pelicans, great blue herons, and snowy egrets.
Learning at the Beach
Doheny State Beach offers special learning programs all year long. These programs teach about marine life, birds, other animals, and even water quality. You can also learn about insects and the history of Native American people in the area.
Doheny in Music
Did you know Doheny State Beach is famous enough to be in songs? It's mentioned in several surf rock songs. The Beach Boys sing about it in "Surfin' Safari" and "Surfin' U.S.A." In the song "Surfer Joe" by the Surfaris, Doheny Beach is the main character's favorite hangout spot.
Images for kids
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Doheny State Beach in September 1974
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A snorkeler and surfer at the beach in September 1974
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Various birds picking at seaweed at Doheny State Beach
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Doheny State Beach in September 2007
