Location
Dana Point is one of the southern most coastal cities in Orange County and is surrounded by San Clemente to the South, San Juan Capistrano to the east, Laguna Beach to the northwest and Laguna Niguel to the north.
Dana Point is most accessible from Interstate 5 and exiting on Pacific Coast Highway or State Route 1.
Overview
Dana Point was named after the headland of Dana Point and after Richard Henry Dana Jr who’s novel Two Years Before the Mast discussed the area. Dana Point has one of the few harbors along the Orange County coast that was built during the 1960s and historically was used for the hide trade with the mission in the 1800s.
Today the community is most recognized for its beaches (Doheny Beach State Park being the most popular for surfing), harbor, the protected headlands, and resorts where many come to vacation. The population is approximately 35,000 people spread amongst 14,000 households.
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Neighborhoods
Dana Point offers a variety of homes and condos with many offering ocean views up on the hillsides. There are custom homes up on the cliffs above the harbor and beach front homes in Capistrano Beach. Various other offerings include gated communities, golf course views, and custom luxurious homes. Prices for a small older condo can start in the $500,000s and custom ocean view homes range up to and beyond $20 million. These properties are spread out over 118 different builder tracts spread throughout each of the neighborhoods.
One of the original developments in the 1920s were the “Woodruff” houses which today are located in the Lantern Village neighborhood. Capistrano Beach, the southernmost area, has beach front homes and custom estates, duplexes, and condos up on the cliffs. Monarch Beach is a popular neighborhood and Dana Hills and Del Obispo slightly inland offer the most affordable living in the community. The newest development, the Strand at Headlands, is an enclave of 118 custom and luxury homes with ocean views just above Strands Beach.
Amenities
Dana Point is best known for it’s harbor, headlands, and beaches. Many surfing companies and magazines started in Dana Point, including Hobie and Surfer’s Journal and Surfer Magazine. Doheny State Beach is a popular spot for camping, barbequing and beach days.
Arts and culture and prominent in the community and popular events include the Festival of the Whales, Tall Ships Festival, the Dana Point Grand Prix (bike race), and the annual Dana Point Turkey Trot that attracts over 10,000 visitors annually.
Capistrano Beach is popular with firepits and day camping and Pine’s Park on the cliff’s offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean from a beautiful park.
Golfers can enjoy Monarch Beach Golf Links at the world renowned Walkdorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort and Club.
Dining and shopping include casual to high-end with the harbor offering various options along with the quaint Lantern District above the harbor. Many eateries and retail locations are locally owned versus many large corporate establishments in surrounding communities.
Education includes both private and public options, with Capistrano Unified School District covering the entire community.