Welcome To My Dana Point Information Page

Dana Point has nearly seven miles of coastal bluffs that overlook charming beaches, natural tide pools and scenic whitewater surf.  The gently rolling hills above, blanketed with residences of all shapes and sizes descend gradually down to the bluff plateau.  Most noteworthy of these bluffs is a unique promontory known as the “Headlands”, which overlooks Dana Point Harbor, one of the most significant man-made alterations of the south Orange County coastline.

Dana Point encompasses approximately 6.5 square miles and is home to approximately 36,000 people and numerous businesses, all working together as one friendly community.  You can see this collaboration in action during some of the City's annual festivals and fun events such as the "Turkey Trot" in November, "Festival of Whales" in March, "4th of July Fireworks Show", and the "Christmas Boat Parade".  

The City’s most prized possession is the Dana Point Harbor, a premier destination offering many amenities to both residents and guests.  You would be hard pressed to find a more beautiful harbor anywhere in the U.S., and its location is easily one of the most romantic spots on the west coast.  The Harbor is divided into East and West Basin, both of which operate as a separate marina. There are three yacht clubs and a combined total of 2500 slips and 50 guest slips for vessels of all sizes.  There are many fine eateries and one-of-a-kind boutiques located in Mariners Village at Dana Harbor which is adjacent to the marina, access is via public parking and the harbor’s paved pedestrian walk-way.  Sport Fishing and Whale Watching trips are offered at Dana Wharf as well.  Just about any sport or activity that involves water is available at the marina, from jet-ski and kayak rentals to sailing lessons to excursions out to Catalina Islandaboard the Catalina Express.  

Dana Point is named after Richard Henry Dana, Jr., a Harvard-trained lawyer, seaman, and author of the classic sea journal “Two Years Before The Mast”.  His writings document the voyage from Boston around Cape Horn to California on the merchant ship, “Pilgrim”, and describe the area once known as "Capistrano Bay" as “the most romantic spot on the California Coast”. Today, Capistrano Bay is known as Dana Point. 

At the far west end of Dana Point Harbor you’ll find the Ocean Institute, which is a unique educational experience for children and adults alike.  The Ocean Institute displays the brig “Pilgrim” which is a full sized replica of the square-rigged vessel on which Richard Henry Dana sailed into this cove. The Pilgrim is docked adjacent to the fishing pier and offers school children the experience of life aboard a sailing ship in the 19th century.

With its rich nautical heritage and close proximity to the Pacific Ocean, Dana Point is truly an ocean lover’s paradise!  There is a wide variety of homes available to suit most everyone’s needs and desires, from 1-bedroom condos to multi-million dollar estates.  Like most of Southern California, the closer you get to the water in Dana Point the more expensive homes and property becomes, and it is not uncommon for homes on the “ocean view” side of any street to sell for 25 to 50% higher than similar homes without an ocean view.  Prime waterfront and ocean view properties in Dana Point have commanded sales prices in the 5 to 20 million dollar price range even in down real estate markets.

The city is served by the Capistrano Unified School District (click Dana Point School Info on the blue sub-navigational side bar for direct school links and more information).