The 4th of July is the busiest and most chaotic day of the year in our harbor, and one of the most exciting.  But getting through it is not without its frustrations and obstacles.  Parking sucks - there's no better way to put it.  Every single parking space in the harbor is filled by mid-morning on the 4th, even earlier in some corners of the harbor.  No matter the operational controls and protections around our designated boater parking areas, demand exceeds supply and there won't be enough for everyone.  We've made significant gains over the years in the protection of boater parking, but perfecting this one day of the year is still out of reach.  But there's good news...

Embarcadero Marina (NEW)!

• DP Harbor employees are prohibited from parking in the Dana Wharf and Mariner’s Village parking lot. Violators will be cited and towed at owner’s expense.
• DP Harbor employees may park in the “1 acre” lot until the lot reaches capacity. Once the lot is full employees must park at Dana Hills High School and board the tram to the harbor. The tram runs from 8am – 11pm.
• DP Harbor employees & patrons may use the free PCH trolley (www.dptrolley.com) for access to and from the Harbor. The DP trolley runs from 10am to 8:30pm. Attached is a map of the DP Trolley route. Map of DP Trolley Routes & Map of DP Harbor Trolley Route.
• Launch ramp parking lot is for boater use only. RV, parking in prohibited.
• Free intra harbor shuttle available to employees and patrons from 10am – 8:30pm, map handouts available in our front office.
• Valet parking in Mariner’s Village and Dana Wharf available 4th of July weekend, Fri. June 30th, 2017 through Sun. July 1st, 2017.
• The left-hand turn onto Embarcadero Place closes at 5pm on 7/4/2017.
• Guard power security onsite patrolling Embarcadero Marina & Commercial Core from 5pm – 5am.
• Firework show begins at 9pm. Patrons of the Dana Point Harbor can tune into 88.5fm KSBR to listen to the fireworks music

Community Notice ~ Community Notice - Fourth of July Parking - 6 30 17 (NEW)!

Boater parking is boater parking is boater parking.  Continuing an agreement made in recent years, the designated east and west marina boater parking lots, and the Embarcadero day use boater lot, will be for boaters only on the 4th of July holiday.  No exceptions.  In the east and west marina lots, only boaters with slip license agreements will be permitted to utilize the boater lots.  The specific rules vary between east and west, so here is a summary:

West Marina

• Gate attendants will be present between 8:00am and 2:00am, July 1-3, and between 2:00am and 11:00 pm on the July 4th holiday.
• Guests of current slip licensees will be permitted to park in the lot July 1st-3rd, provided adequate parking is available.
• On the 4th of July only slip licensees of record will be permitted in boater parking. Boaters are required to have a Dana West Marina parking decal and an active access card/fob for entry into the lot. Access into the lot will be limited to two vehicles per licensee provided parking is available.
• Once the parking lots are full, no one will be permitted to enter.
• Golf cart shuttles will be available to transport boaters and their guests from the parking lot entrance to their desired gangway.

East Marina

• Gate attendants will be present July 1-4.
• Only vehicles with a valid access card will be permitted to approach and enter the gate.
• Guests of current slip licensees will be permitted to park in boater parking July 1st-4th, provided adequate parking is available.  Letting in multiple cars will not be allowed.

Here are some additional information and pointers for an enjoyable and safe holiday:

• Some streets (i.e. the bridge) may close due to saturated parking and congested roads.
• Left turns will be prohibited at some intersections, so plan your route to avoid them.
• Free parking on the 4th at Dana Hills High School and Costco with shuttles to the harbor 10:00am - 8:30pm (return shuttles will operate later).
• Free shuttles throughout the harbor. Map of DP Trolley Routes & Map of DP Harbor Trolley Route.
• Carpool as much as possible.
• Remember, the gate attendants are there to protect your parking, and they are working on a holiday.  Please be respectful.
• Provision your boat the day before or very early on the 4th.
• Personal fireworks are strictly prohibited.
• Water Wars!  The traditional water battle offers lots of fun, but not without risk.  Be safe!  Watch those propellers, or avoid them altogether.  Row, row, row your boat.  Go to battle, but remember to keep it fun and respectful.
• Please, no water balloons.  They leave a massive mess and a hazard to sea life.

If you observe or experience any issues that can be improved or need attention, please let us know.  That's why we're here.  Enjoy your holiday and be safe!

eNews Notifications:

DPBA eNews ~ Late Breaking News ~ New Boater Parking Updates - 6/30/17 (NEW)!
DPBA ~ Your DPBA has created a NEW Dana Point Harbor & Holiday Updates Webpage (NEW)!