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   Interpretive Program Information

   Group Interpretive Reservation Request WebForms

   Tide Pool Pre-packet

Interpretive Program Information

Doheny State Beach has an active year-round educational program.  There are a variety of activities available everything from curriculum-based field trips for schoolchildren, thematic outings for Scouts and other groups, special events, restoration/Adopt-A-Beach Cleanups, and Junior Rangers/Campfire Programs in the summer season.

Visitor Center Closure

Doheny State Beach’s Visitor Center is closed until further notice due to the presence of mold and dry rot in the building.  This closure is required to protect the health and welfare of the public, park employees, and volunteers.  As of April 2008, the mold has been removed.  The next steps will be to replace the dry rotted structures, insulation and drywall, make the restroom ADA compliant, and update the electrical and telecommunications.  The incredible Doheny State Beach maintenance staff will be doing all of these repairs in-house.  This restoration project is made possible through most generous support from Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association. It is anticipated the Visitors Center will be re-opening (tentatively) summer of 2008. 

Alternative Outings in the Park

The interpretive staff at Doheny State Beach is committed to working with visitors by offering alternative outings in the park.   These programs can be customized to fulfill curriculum-based learning objectives for school field outings and special groups.  These presentations are a wonderful opportunity for children to get a hands-on learning experience in the greatest classroom, outdoors!!

Group Programs (school groups, scout troops, home schools, special needs groups, etc.)

Please Note: Due to budget constraints, there is a charge of $1.00/child for guided field outings at Doheny State Beach. We apologize for this minor fee, however, we promise your children will get much for that buck!!

Summary of Programs

• Marine Life:

  - Tidepools: This outing is dependent upon the tidal system and must be scheduled in sunch with a low-tide (consult Park Naturalist for good dates/times). Please access our Tide Pool Pre-packet for a look at some of the critters you might see!

  - Marine Mammals: This is a great program to learn about the incredible life cycles and adaptations of magnificent marine mammals that live offshore of Doheny State Beach and beyond!

• Bird Life:

  Life Cycles/Adaptations: This program starts out with an introduction to the mysterious world of our feathered friends and then wraps-up with a true field outing complete with binoculars and bird guides.

• Animal Life:

  Life Cycles/Adaptations: This interactive outing in the park focuses upon the native wildlife that lives in and around Doheny State Beach. It teaches the children about life cycles and adaptations of common creatures of nature.

• Water Quality:

  The Health of the Ocean: This crucial educational rogram educates children about the effects and importance of protecting our fragile ocean environment and atersheds. The outing culminates with a hands-on Adopt-A-Beach Cleanup.

• Insects:

  Butterflies: This exploration meets in Doheny State Beach’s Butterfly Garden to allow children an opportunity to learn by using their multi-senses. A wonderful opportunity to learn about life cycles and adaptations of these colorful jewels.

• Native Americans:

  Plant Walk and Talk: This interactive field outing takes the children for a stroll around Doheny back to a time when the Native Americans lived in harmony with the natural world for survival.

SUMMER PROGRAMS (tentatively scheduled to begin the week of June 23, 2008). More Information...

• Campfire Programs - will be very limited this summer due to staffing constraints. Please check this web site for updates or call Park Naturalist Vicki at (949) 496-2704.
  
  
• Junior Rangers - held Mondays through Thursdays for kids from ages 7 to 12.

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