Dana Point Scavenger Hunt Leads Participants Through History

Launching on Sunday, June 1 and continuing through June 30, the second annual Dana Point Citywide Scavenger Hunt organized by environmental nonprofit Stand Up to Trash will take participants on an adventure throughout the City of Dana Point on a self-guided tour through history.

“The idea was to encourage participants to visit specific locations, learn about their significance, and connect with the sponsors who support the event,” said Stand Up to Trash Founder and President Vicki Patterson. “Last year, we held the Scavenger Hunt during Earth Month, wrapping it up with a fantastic Lunch & Learn talk from the Historical Society. As Baba Dioum said in 1968, ‘In the end, we will conserve only what we love. We will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught.’ ”

With the city growing significantly since Patterson was a child in Dana Point, she wanted to bring people to locations with a deep, rich history through its development.

“When I was growing up in Dana Point, the population was only around 7,000, but today it’s about 32,000. This increase made me wonder whether all these new residents and visitors were aware of our town’s rich history and unique qualities that I had the privilege of learning about,” Patterson said.

 “During our summer cleanups, I noticed an uptick in waste, especially as more people came to enjoy Dana Point. That sparked the idea for the Scavenger Hunt. Inspired by the ‘Find the Whale Tail’ game at the Festival of Whales, I wanted to create an interactive way to engage people with the town’s historical and environmental landmarks.”

Each stop along the way was specifically chosen to highlight key landmarks and raise awareness of the city’s origin and the parts of history that have made Dana Point what it is today.

“The locations chosen for the Scavenger Hunt are selected based on their historical, cultural, or environmental significance to Dana Point,” Patterson said. “We aim to highlight key landmarks that tell the story of our town’s rich history, including iconic spots like the Richard Henry Dana Statue, Salt Creek Beach, and Pines Park. Each stop on the hunt is carefully chosen to represent a piece of Dana Point’s past or a natural treasure that deserves attention.”

With her primary focus being environmental wellness with the nonprofit Stand Up To Trash, Patterson also chooses stops with essential ties to the community’s overall health. The scavenger hunt brings fun with a mix of education.

“We also focus on sites with environmental importance, like our local parks and beaches, which are home to diverse wildlife and play a crucial role in preserving the area’s natural beauty,” Patterson said. “The goal is to make the Scavenger Hunt a fun and educational journey where participants can discover both the history and the environmental importance of the places they visit. By weaving together history and conservation, we hope to foster a deeper appreciation for the town’s legacy and encourage more sustainable practices within the community.”

While this scavenger hunt only takes the participants a little time to complete all the stops, the planning takes over a year of work to put together and organize.

“My dad always said an idea is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration! And it’s true, while the concept for the Scavenger Hunt came easily, bringing it to life takes months of planning, coordination, and collaboration,” Patterson said. 

“From selecting the stops and creating the descriptions to coordinating with sponsors, local businesses, and partners, it’s a team effort every step of the way. We start organizing the year before, to ensure everything is in place. It’s a process that involves a lot of behind-the-scenes work, including gathering historical information, designing promotional materials, and working with community partners to ensure the stops are accessible and informative. So, while it may take a lot of hard work, the outcome is always rewarding, and it’s a joy to see the community come together and engage with Dana Point in a deeper way.”

With the help of the event’s sponsors – Young’s Beach Shack, Visit Dana Point, City of Dana Point, Killer Dana Surf Shop, Dana Point Harbor Partners, Dana Wharf, Vicki Patterson Realtor, Doho Cafe, El Caminante Bar & Bungalows, and Stand Up To Trash – the scavenger hunt is able to bring together the community and make it a free event in which to participate.

“We’re proud to offer the Scavenger Hunt as a free event, and there’s no need to sign up in advance. Our mission is to provide accessible environmental education to everyone, and the Scavenger Hunt is a perfect example of that,” Patterson said. “Like our other programs and cleanups, we believe that education should be inclusive and available to all, regardless of background, age, or experience level. By offering the hunt for free, we make it easy for families, visitors, and locals alike to engage with the town’s history and environmental significance. 

“This event is just one of the many ways we’re working to raise awareness about sustainability, history, and the importance of preservation in a way that’s fun, interactive, and open to everyone. So whether you go by yourself, with family, or as part of a group, we’re excited to have you join us for this free educational opportunity.”

As the kickoff day nears, Patterson and her team are beyond excited to be able to give this to the community and get everyone involved in history, whether a visitor or a longtime resident.

“The Scavenger Hunt is more than just a fun activity; it’s an opportunity for participants to connect with Dana Point on a deeper, more meaningful level,” Patterson said. “As they journey through the town’s historic and natural landmarks, they’ll not only uncover the stories behind the places they visit but also gain a renewed appreciation for what makes this town so special. It’s an experience that fosters a sense of pride, community, and a renewed commitment to protecting the natural and historical treasures that make Dana Point a special place to call home.”

There is not one designated starting spot for the tour, according to Patterson. You can start any day and at any stop. You can visit all 10 stops in one day or  take your time visiting all of them over a month. All of the stops are listed on Stand Up to Trash’s website (standuptotrash.com/scavenger-hunt), along with instructions on how to participate and post photos on social media.

Get ready to explore history.