Summer Meditation Hike
About this Event
Join us for a slow-paced, interpretive meditation hike through the Dana Point Headlands Preserve and Strands Conservation Area — a mindful evening of native plants, coastal wildlife, sweeping views, and a guided sunset meditation on the beach.
"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience." — Ralph Waldo Emerson
Description
We'll begin at the Veterans Memorial with a brief introduction and grounding practice, then move mindfully toward the gate of the Dana Point Preserve. Our first destination is the Nature Interpretive Center, pausing along the way to observe birds, plants, coastal views, and any whales or dolphins visible offshore.
From there, we'll return to Selva/Dana Strand Road and make our way through the Strands Conservation Area via switchbacks and stairs down to the southern end of Strands Beach. We'll close the evening with 30 minutes of seated, guided meditation — finishing just as the sun sets at 8:05 PM.
When: Thursday, July 16, 2026
Time: 6:15 PM – 8:15 pm (Sunset is at 8:05 pm.) Please plan to arrive by 6:00 pm.
Where to Meet: Veterans Memorial (with flagpole) at the southeast end of Strands Parking Lot.
Important: Please allow extra time to find parking. Please leave pets at home.
Restrooms: At the northeast end of the Strands Parking Lot by the Funicular. Also at Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center.
What to Bring: Sturdy trail shoes/hiking boots, water, hat, & layered clothing. Optional: binoculars.
What to Bring for Meditation: Towel or blanket for seated sunset meditation on the beach. A lightweight stadium-style chair if you need back support for meditation.
Hike difficulty: The trail inside the Preserve is a gentle out-and-back. The trail down to the beach is a combination of switchback and stairs. There is a choice of routes returning to the parking lot at conclusion. Altogether about 2 miles total of walking, 370 ft. elevation change.
Who can attend: Free and open to all. This event is designed for anyone curious about mindfulness and meditation in nature — please consider your comfort level on bluff beach trails.
Parking Fee: No fee to park in the Strands Parking Lot.
Hike Guides: Rachel Whitt ([email protected]) and Jennifer Wong.
Important Note: Please leave pets at home. No dogs allowed in the Dana Point Preserve.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
