Dana Point’s name comes from the author of the famous maritime book Two Years Before the Mast, Richard Henry Dana. Dana’s statue overlooks Dana Point harbor today and a replica of his ship is a floating classroom at the Ocean Institute, located at the north end of the harbor. One of the few Orange County harbors, Dana Point’s breakwater protects a number of berths along with charming restaurants and shops, small parks, and children’s beaches. Dana Point Harbor is one of the best launching points for whale watching and travel to Catalina Island.
Dana Point also has a rich surfing history including the legendary “Killer Dana” surf break (no longer existing because of the harbor). You can visit Hobie, the first commercial surf shop, in downtown Dana. Dana Point has no large commercial shopping center like Newport Coast or Costa Mesa, but its downtown district has a number of charming and laid-back restaurants along with hidden oceanfront gems. In addition to Doheny State Beach and Park, Dana has Salt Creek State Beach and smaller beaches at the foot of the Point. Capistrano Beach is considered part of Dana Point, providing additional wide white sands and surfing opportunities.
Homes in Dana Point range from hilltop executive homes, casual bungalows, and several gated communities. The Strands at Headlands is a 100-home luxury estate development which is currently in development on Dana Point’s main bluff. Homes in the Strands start at $10 million and include every amenity desired in a luxury beachfront estate, offering views of the California coast as far south as La Jolla and across the channel to Catalina Island. Monarch Beach and Monarch Bay are also considered part of Dana Point, along with the Ritz-Carlton’s large beachfront complex.
Dana Point has a number of festivals and events, many of which are held at the Harbor. From the Jazz Festival to the Dana Point Symphony, music fans have much to enjoy in the beachside city. Few events can match the majesty of the Tall Ship Festival, and the Festival of Whales celebrates the passage of Gray whales from Baja California to Alaska in March. Schools in Dana Point are excellent and are also noted for sports participation, including state-championship cross-country running teams.
Nestled between Laguna Beach and San Clemente on the South Orange County Coast, Dana Point is a haven for surfers, golfers, fishing enthusiasts, kayakers, stand-up paddleboarders, and anyone who enjoys salt air, crashing waves, and ocean breezes. Richard Henry Dana said that the small town which bears his name was the “most romantic location on the Southern California coast.”
