Incorporated in 1989, the City of Dana Point is named after Richard Henry Dana, Jr. (1815-1882), a Harvard-trained lawyer, seaman, and author of the classic sea journal, Two Years Before the Mast. In his journal, Dana documents his voyage from Boston around Cape Horn to California on the merchant ship, Pilgrim. Dana describes the area once known as Capistrano Bay, as "the most romantic spot on the California coast." Today, Capistrano Bay is known as Dana Point.

Dana Point is home to over 35,000 residents and is characterized by nearly seven miles of prominent coastal bluffs and rolling hills along the Pacific Ocean. 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 Orange County coastline. The City of Dana Point also includes the communities of Monarch Bay to the north and Capistrano Beach to the south.

Dana Point Harbor provides slips and mooring for over 2,500 boats along with over 50 specialty shops and restaurants. The Harbor attracts thousands of visitors annually for shopping, sportfishing, walking, bicycling, parasailing and a host of recreational activities. The Dana Point Harbor is also considered the gateway to Doheny State Park, one of California’s most popular beach facilities. The 62-acre State Park offers camping, picnicking, swimming, surfing, bicycling, tide pool exploration and more.

Located on The OC Riviera, Dana Point is approximately one-half way between Los Angeles and San Diego, and is bordered by the cities of Laguna Niguel and Laguna Beach to the north, San Juan Capistrano to the east, and San Clemente to the south.

Dana Point Real Estate

Dana Point real estate includes the communities of Monarch Beach in the north, Niguel Shores, Dana Hills, Lantern Village and Capistrano Beach to the south.

Niguel Shores real estate offers a resort lifestyle in a 24-hour gate guarded community with a variety of properties from townhomes to ocean front custom homes. Many of the properties provide stunning coastline, sunset and Catalina views.

Lantern Village real estate ranges from older cottages and modern customs to the exclusive gated community of Admiralty on the bluffs overlooking Dana Point Harbor. Many of the streets are named for the colored lanterns that were used in earlier days to guide ships into the harbor.

A major development in Dana Point real estate is The Strand at the Headlands project where grading began in June 2005. When completed the project will provide 118 custom home lots, a 75-90 room resort, commercial development and 68 acres of oceanfront park.

Coastal Orange County Real Estate and Distinctive Homes

The OC Riviera Group
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949-842-9304
ocrivieragroup@yahoo.com