Dana Point

Dana Point, CA Real Estate

Your search for a community with breathtaking views, a relaxed atmosphere, and a plethora of activities ends at Dana Point, CA. This picturesque seaside city features exquisite residences that effortlessly blend style and comfort. Homes for sale in Dana Point are found in welcoming communities with a rich history and an abundance of recreational opportunities, making it a wonderful location to put down roots.

GET TO KNOW DANA POINT, CA

Nestled in the heart of Orange County, Dana Point is a charming seaside city that offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Encompassing 6.5 square miles, the city takes its name from Richard Henry Dana Jr., a Harvard graduate, lawyer, and author of Two Years Before the Mast. Approximately 32,250 people call Dana Point home, although the city receives more than its fair share of visitors from neighboring towns and cities.

As part of the Orange County Metropolitan Area, Dana Point is surrounded by other notable cities including San Juan Capistrano, Laguna Niguel, and San Clemente. Furthermore, the city sits along Interstate 5, placing it just an hour by car from Los Angeles to the north and San Diego to the south.

A brief history

In 1835, Richard Henry Dana Jr. boarded a merchant ship in Boston and sailed for San Francisco. Along this journey, he passed by the headlands and bay of the area, and in his memoirs Two Years Before the Mast, he wrote that this was “the only romantic spot on the California coast”. After his passing in 1882, residents decided to honor him by naming the headland “Dana Point”.

In the 1920s, Sidney H. Woodruff, largely known for the development of Hollywoodland, purchased 1,400 acres in the area, spearheading the land’s development. Many of the original homes he built still stand today. In fact, just recently, Shauna and Leita Covington sold a historic pish Revival custom home that served as Woodruff’s personal residence. Built in 1928 at the now historic Lantern District, the property perfectly embodies Woodruff’s vision of an elegant coastal home that can be enjoyed for generations.

By the 1950s, Dana Point gained a reputation for surfing thanks to famous surf breaks, including Killer Dana and Doheny. In fact, Doheny was featured in several Beach Boys songs. After decades of development, Dana Point officially became an incorporated city in 1989.

Today, it is a thriving and welcoming beach community that’s widely regarded as one of the best places to live in California. This explains why Dana Point homes for sale are some of the most sought after properties among buyers in Southern California.

What makes Dana Point stand out

Aside from its history as a popular surfing destination, Dana Point is best known for being the Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World – a distinction primarily attributed to the calm waters in the area. It’s not uncommon to observe nearly 13 different species of whales and dolphins year-round. In addition, Dana Point is a popular resort community that’s home to a variety of luxury resorts catering to visitors from across Southern California and beyond.

REAL ESTATE IN DANA POINT, CA

For the most part, Dana Point homes for sale are priced in the million dollar range, some commanding well over $30 million. Despite the relatively high price point, real estate in Dana Point is consistently in high demand particularly among luxury home buyers. However, there is a wide range of property types to choose from in Dana Point. In addition to single-family homes, you can also find relatively more affordable condos and townhomes.

Many of the single-family homes for sale in Dana Point typically sit on larger cuts of land, which partially explains the relatively higher home prices. Thanks to the expansive lots, single-family homes in the city usually come with large front yards and backyards – perfect for gardening or barbecues, as well as for kids and pets to play in.

Popular architectural styles in Dana Point include pish, Cape Cod, and American Craftsman, with mature homes reflecting the changing design trends throughout the city’s history. Fans of Modern or Contemporary styles may want to take a closer look at more recently constructed luxury homes.

Condos are popular among buyers looking to downsize or wish to invest in vacation rentals. There are numerous luxury condo communities and developments in Dana Point with one to three bedroom units. The majority feature open floor plans, modern kitchens, and in-unit laundry rooms. Shared amenities include resort-style swimming pools, 24-hour fitness centers, sports facilities, and more.

Top neighborhoods to live in

As one of the most desirable cities in Orange County, Dana Point is filled with ideal communities for families, singles, and retirees alike. However, these five neighborhoods stand out thanks to their location, community amenities, and gorgeous homes for sale:

• Lantern Village – Lantern Village is best known for its excellent location in the central district, providing residents with easy access to many of the best things to do in Dana Point. The neighborhood is also home to a number of the original pish-style homes built by Signey H. Woodruff in the 1920s and 1930s.
• Ritz Pointe – Ritz Pointe is a gated community known for its luxury resort lifestyle. The neighborhood is very popular among golf enthusiasts due to its close proximity to the Monarch Beach Golf Links, one of the only few oceanfront golf courses in California. Ritz Pointe is situated close to the Pacific Coast Highway, making it easy for residents to drive to the many attractions in Dana Point as well as to other cities within Orange County.
• Monarch Bay – As the name suggests, Monarch Bay is a popular neighborhood among buyers looking for oceanfront property. The private gated neighborhood sits on a stunning stretch of beach between Laguna Beach and Dana Point Harbor. Homeowners in this neighborhood also enjoy membership in the private Monarch Bay Beach Club.
• The Strand at Headlands – The Strand at Headlands is highly regarded for its scenic surroundings. Houses are nestled on the banks of Dana Strand Beach, granting homeowners breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Residents of The Strand at Headlands also have access to the private Strand Beach Club, which features a panoramic fit Niguel Shores – Located in the Monarch Beach area of Dana Point, Niguel Shores is a luxury beach-side community and a fantastic neighborhood for families. Residents of Niguel Shores enjoy a variety of facilities such as tennis courts, a junior Olympic sized pool, a hot tub, saunas, an outdoor patio area with a fireplace, and a clubhouse exclusively for their use. They also have access to a private park overlooking Strand Beach.

LIVING IN DANA POINT, CA

Community vibe

Despite its modest size and population, Dana Point is big on the laid-back oceanfront lifestyle. The fantastic weather and proximity to the golden coastline encourage many residents to take things slow, socialize with their neighbors, and enjoy life.

Dana Point is a community that maintains a close-knit atmosphere and readily embraces new neighbors. The local government and the chamber of commerce also organize various community events such as Holidays at the Harbor and the Maritime Festival, which foster a sense of unity among residents, businesses, and visitors.

All in all, Dana Point is more than just a place to live. It’s a showcase of the enviable SoCal lifestyle. It is not surprising that Dana Point homes for sale are often lapped up by buyers who come to the city as visitors and find themselves wanting to move here permanently.

Activities

Dana Point offers a slew of amazing outdoor adventures and things to do all year round, including:

1. Whale and dolphin watching – The best time to do this is from November to April as this is peak season for gray whales. On the other hand, May to October is perfect for spotting blue whales. Other species like fin whales, dolphins, and orcas can be found year-round.
2. Coastal watersports – With a gorgeous stretch of beach sitting practically at the doorsteps of most residents, watersports are definitely a great way to spend time in Dana Point. Residents can easily drop by Dana Point Harbor and find a number of rental services for kayak, surfboards, jet skis, stand-up paddle boards, and more.
3. Scuba diving – Dana Point makes for an incredible starting point for scuba diving enthusiasts. As one of the best dive sites in Southern California, Deadman’s Reef boasts schools of colorful fish and even a kelp forest. The A.C.E. wreck, just five miles off Dana Harbor, is an explorable 58-foot vessel that sank in 2007. Beginners may also opt to visit a variety of scuba shops to get their feet wet and start dive certification courses.
4. Wine tasting – Although Napa Valley and Sonoma County are usually the places that first come to mind when it comes to Californian wines, Orange County is also home to exceptional wineries. Dana Point has a number of tasting rooms with exceptional selections of local wines, as well as wine cruises that offer guided tastings.
5. Hiking, biking, and running – Interesting attractions in Dana Point and the surrounding cities include parks with excellent trails featuring picturesque views of the ocean. Residents can enjoy trail biking or go on a brisk jog along the marked trails. One of the best hiking trails is found behind the Ocean Institute. This trail leads to the Dana Point Sea Caves, offering a great backdrop for snapping photos and selfies.

Attractions

Residents and visitors alike are spoiled for choice when it comes to places to visit in Dana Point. In particular, the following Dana Point attractions are worth setting aside an entire day to experience:

1. Dana Point Harbor – The harbor in Dana Point is regarded as the city’s main hub and is often frequented by locals. Many adventures, like whale watching tours and fishing charters, depart from this location. There is also an array of local and chain restaurants as well as retail stores for waterfront dining and shopping. Additionally, Dana Point Harbor is home to the esteemed Dana Point Yacht Club and the Dana Point Shipyard.
2. Doheny State Beach – Doheny State Beach is a protected beach in the California state park system, donated to the state by oil tycoon Edward L. Doheny in 1931. It is considered one of the top places for surfers to visit. The beach also features an on-site snack bar, along with public use barbecue pits and picnic tables. Additionally, the beach houses an interpretive center with tide pools and an aquarium.
3. Hilltop Conservation Park – Hilltop Conservation Park is a protected public park with incredible panoramic views of the harbor and Dana Strands Beach. It’s a popular spot for hiking that even beginners and younger children are able to complete, with a trail ranked “Easy” on AllTrails. The park is home to an endangered mouse species, so the trails are only open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Additionally, pets are not permitted in order to ensure the protection of the mice.
4. The Ocean Institute – The Ocean Institute is considered one of the icons of Dana Point. Situated within Dana Point Harbor, The Ocean Institute presents numerous marine exhibits that introduce visitors to the wonders of oceanic life. It offers diverse programs aimed at educating children of all ages about the ocean and fostering an understanding of conservation. Additionally, the institute organizes the annual Maritime Festival, which includes cannon battles, pirate experiences, mermaid encounters, food trucks, and more. This makes The Ocean Institute an attraction worth revisiting time and again.
5. Monarch Beach Golf Links – Monarch Beach Golf Links is a picturesque oceanfront golf course designed by renowned golf course architect, Robert Trent Jones Jr. The 18-hole, par-70 championship course features beautifully manicured greens and strategically placed bunkers that present an enjoyable yet challenging experience for avid golfers. Monarch Beach Golf Links also offers personalized lessons and clinics conducted by PGA instructors.

Shopping and dining

The city’s shopping scene is just as vibrant as its beaches. From hip boutiques to upscale stores, Dana Point offers some of the best retail destinations in the area.

Dana Point Harbor is typically the first stop for those looking to enjoy a little retail therapy as it houses several local and chain retail stores such as Top Brass, Golden Galleon, and more. Monarch Bay Plaza is also a well-liked shopping center in the city where you can find unique boutiques and furniture stores. Every Saturday, the Dana Point Farmers Market held at La Plaza Park offers farm fresh produce as well as artisanal products like soaps, essential oils, jewelry, and more.

After a day of shopping, you can head over to any of the local restaurants for a delectable meal. For those who appreciate a good seafood meal with an equally great view, the Coastal Kitchen is a great option. Don’t miss their amazing crab cakes and New England-style clam chowder.

If you’re in the mood for Italian fare, Casanova Ristorante is a casual restaurant serving up authentic Venetian dishes. Owned by Orange County local Chef Blake Mellgren, The Craft House is a fantastic spot where locals gather to enjoy impeccable food and handcrafted cocktails.

Schools

One of the things that make Dana Point attractive to families is access to schools for elementary to high school students. Dana Point is part of the Capistrano Unified School District, the largest school district in Orange County, California. Top ranked public schools serving the community include:

• Richard Henry Dana Elementary School
• Palisades Elementary School
• Del Obispo Elementary
• Dana Hills High School

There are also a number of private schools in the area including:

• Broderick Montessori
• Capistrano Valley Christian Schools
• Monarch Bay Montessori
• Capo Beach Calvary

LIVE THE DREAM SOCAL LIFE IN DANA POINT

Find your dream luxury home and make Dana Point, CA your new hometown with the assistance of Shauna and Leita Covington from Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties. As Orange County locals, this incredible mother and daughter luxury real estate team knows the pulse of the city by heart and uses their extensive local expertise to match buyers with homes that are a perfect fit for their wants and needs.

Get in touch by calling 949.412.8088 or 949.395.3037 today or   drop them a note here.