Dana Point: An Aquatic Recreation Destination

Located in south Orange County, Dana Point is an O.C. beach city with a seven-mile stretch of coastal bluffs, and home to one of few harbors in Southern California. Formerly known for its deep-water surf break called, “Killer Dana,” its multiple beaches and harbor make Dana Point a popular destination for boating and other aquatic recreation.

Dana Point is the namesake of lawyer, seaman and author Richard Henry Dana, who is said to have mentioned some of the Dana Point topography is his 1830s sea-log. Originally Capistrano Bay, the city was eyed by a local developer in the 1920s for high end hotel and bar, which was never finished. The foundation and remnants of the bar can still be found on the bluffs above the harbor. Before the development of the Dana Cove habor in the mid-1960s, Dana Point was known for having one of the best surf breaks in Southern California, affectionately dubbed “Killer Dana.”

Dana Point is approximately 30-square miles, nearly 80 percent of which is water, and extends into the Pacific Ocean on the city’s west and southwestern borders. On its northern border are the cities Laguna Beach and Laguna Niguel. Dana Point is bordered by San Juan Capistrano to the west and San Clemente to the south.

The cost of living in Dana Point is well above the nationwide average, but typical of a coastal California city. Housing options range from studio apartments to large single family dwellings, and everything in between. While waterfront property often comes at a premium, housing is perhaps most affordable in the harbor and Del Obispo areas, with the Monarch and Dana Hills being the most expensive.
Median rent: $1,689
Median condo or house value: $730, 794

Dana Point is served by Capistrano Unified School District, which also serves seven other surrounding cities in south Orange County. While the district has recently been plagued with labor disputes, the CUSD has a history of academic excellence, with nearly a half-dozen California Distinguished Schools and a handful of other National Blue Ribbon winners. CUSD is also a relatively diverse south county school district, which it embraces with programs such as Spanish and Mandarin language immersion programs.

There are a variety of shopping options in Dana Point, including the Lantern Bay Shopping Center on Golden Lantern St. and the Dana Bluffs Center on Dana Point Harbor Dr. In the harbor is where you can find local specialty shops as well as both casual and fine dining.

While "Killer Dana" has been tamed for the sake of the harbor, Dana Point is still a favored location for boating and aquatic activities. There are several beaches including Capistrano Beach, Salt Creek Beach, Baby Beach and Doheney State Beach, a favorite for camping and hiking. The harbor provides options for fishing, kayaking, whale watching and other nautical recreation. The Ocean Institute and Dana Point Marine Refuge provide for an educational exploration of the local ecology, marine science and maritime history. Monarch Beach Resort has been named one of the top golf resorts in the world.

There are many annual events in Dana Point including the Tall Ships Festival, hosted by the Ocean Institute and the recently resurrected Doheney Days Music Festival. In March, the Chamber of Commerce hosts the Festival of Whales, to celebrate the southern migration of the whales. Other annual events include the Halloween Haunt, Shakespeare in the Park, the free Summer Concert series, the Doheney Blues Festival, the Dana Harbor Boat Show, the Dana Charity Regatta and the Turkey Trot.

Population: 35,851
Median Age: 39
Median Income: $79,129