Dana Point is set to transform into a playground of history and environmental awareness this June 2025 with the launch of the 2nd Annual Dana Point Citywide Scavenger Hunt. Organized by Stand Up to Trash, a local nonprofit dedicated to environmental preservation and community engagement, the event will run from June 1 through June 30, inviting residents and visitors to embark on a month-long self-guided adventure through the city’s most iconic and historically significant sites.
Stand Up to Trash, led by its founder Vicki Patterson, has been a driving force in the Dana Point community, advocating for cleaner beaches, organizing coastal cleanups, and educating the public on the importance of marine conservation. Patterson, who is also a local realtor, has long championed initiatives that combine community fun with environmental stewardship, and the scavenger hunt is no exception.
This year’s scavenger hunt is more than just a family-friendly activity; it’s a curated tour through time, highlighting ten iconic stops that capture the essence of Dana Point’s coastal heritage. From Salt Creek Beach, where the legendary Endless Summer poster was created, to the Richard Henry Dana Statue that honors the city’s namesake, each location tells a unique story about the city’s past and present.
Participants can join the scavenger hunt for free, with each stop identified by a QR code that unlocks historical facts and sponsor information. Explorers are encouraged to snap a picture at each location and share their progress on Instagram using the hashtag #DanaPointScavengerHunt. For those without social media, photos can be emailed to [email protected] to track their progress.
Adding a unique twist to this year’s event, participants can earn bonus points by picking up trash at each stop — a nod to Stand Up to Trash’s mission of environmental responsibility. “It’s all about encouraging people to learn about Dana Point’s history while also caring for its future,” Patterson said.
The scavenger hunt will take participants from Salt Creek Beach to Doheny Beach, with memorable stops that include:
Salt Creek Beach — Hosted by Young’s Beach Shack
Lantern District Sign — Sponsored by Visit Dana Point
Nature Interpretive Center — City of Dana Point
Dana Cove / Killer Dana Beach — Sponsored by Killer Dana Surf Shop
Richard Henry Dana Statue — Supported by Dana Point Harbor Partners
Hansen Plaza — Sponsored by Dana Wharf
Doris Walker Overlook — Hosted by Vicki Patterson Realtor
Doheny Beach — Sponsored by Doho Cafe
El Caminante Hotel — Formerly Swallows Motel, now El Caminante Hotel
Pines Park — Hosted by Stand Up to Trash
“We’re grateful to our local sponsors who help make this event possible,” Patterson added. “It’s a true community effort, and we can’t wait to see everyone exploring, learning, and making Dana Point a little cleaner in the process.”
For more information on how to participate, visit www.standuptotrash.com or follow Stand Up to Trash on Instagram for the latest updates and event highlights. For more information, visit standuptotrash.com/scavenger-hunt.
