Orange County Cities / Dana Point
Living in Dana Point, CA
A harbor town next door to San Clemente, with surf breaks, bluff-top parks, and one of the few harbors on the Orange County coast.
Updated October 27, 2026 · Jacob Hazzard, Luxre Realty
33,107
Residents (2020 census)
1989
Became a city
1971
Harbor dedicated
6.8 sq mi
Total area
$2.1M
Median sale price
47
Median days on market
About Dana Point
Dana Point sits right next door to San Clemente along Pacific Coast Highway. It became a city in 1989, and 33,107 people lived here at the 2020 census. Life here centers on Dana Point Harbor, dedicated in 1971, with its marina, shops, restaurants, and the Catalina Express to Avalon. The city is named after Richard Henry Dana Jr., who described the headland in his 1840 memoir Two Years Before the Mast.
Why People Move to Dana Point
Dana Point Harbor
A marina with shops and restaurants, and the Catalina Express to Avalon on Catalina Island
Doheny State Beach
Known as the first state beach in the California state park system, with a popular surf break
Salt Creek & Strands
Neighboring beaches below the headlands, with improved public stairs and access at Strands
Surf history
Hobie Alter opened the world’s first retail surf shop here in 1954
Lantern District
The historic core, with streets named for the colored lanterns ships once used in the harbor
Next door to San Clemente
Pacific Coast Highway connects Dana Point to San Clemente, Laguna Beach and Laguna Niguel
Types of Homes
Historic core
The Lantern District, where many of the early "Woodruff" houses are concentrated
Coastal communities
Including Monarch Beach, Niguel Shores and the Strands at Headlands, a luxury development on the bluff
Capistrano Beach
Bluff-top and beachfront homes on the south end of town (see the Capistrano Beach guide)
Dana Point Home Prices
Median sale price
$2,099,000
3 months ending Sept 2026, +16.6% YoY
Source: Redfin
Median price per sq ft
$1.13K
+23.9% vs. last year
Source: Redfin
Homes sold in September
113
Up from 110 a year earlier
Source: Redfin
- Median sale price: $2,099,000 over the three months ending September 2026, up 16.6% from a year earlier (Redfin)
- Median price per square foot: about $1,130, up 23.9% from a year earlier (Redfin)
- Median days on market: 47, compared with 64 a year earlier (Redfin)
- Homes sold in September 2026: 113, up from 110 (Redfin)
Redfin describes the Dana Point market as somewhat competitive. Prices vary a lot between harbor-area condos, bluff-top homes, and gated coastal communities.
Want a valuation for a specific Dana Point home?HOA & Taxes
- Many planned and gated communities have HOA dues, and amounts vary widely, so check the dues for any specific home
- Some newer communities may also carry special taxes; always review the actual property tax bill
Getting Around
- Pacific Coast Highway (State Route 1) runs through town
- The Catalina Express leaves from Dana Point Harbor for Avalon
- Borders San Clemente and Capistrano Beach to the south and Laguna Niguel and Laguna Beach to the north
Schools
Dana Point is served by Capistrano Unified School District. Boundaries can change, so always confirm the assigned schools for a specific address with the district.
Dana Point FAQ
What is Dana Point known for?
Dana Point Harbor, Doheny State Beach, the surf breaks at Salt Creek and Strands, and its surf history; Hobie Alter opened the first retail surf shop here in 1954.
How much do homes cost in Dana Point?
Redfin reported a median sale price of $2,099,000 for the three months ending September 2026, up 16.6% from a year earlier.
How far is Dana Point from San Clemente?
They are next-door neighbors. Capistrano Beach, the south end of Dana Point, borders San Clemente.
What school district serves Dana Point?
Capistrano Unified School District. Confirm the assigned schools for a specific address with the district.
More Orange County Cities
Capistrano Beach
Bluff-top homes and a beach road on the south end of Dana Point, right on the San Clemente border.
San Juan Capistrano
A historic mission town just inland, with California’s oldest neighborhood and a train station downtown.
Laguna Niguel
One of California’s first master-planned communities, with parks, trails, and canyon and ocean views.
Laguna Beach
An art-colony beach town with 27 beaches and coves, protected hills, and its own school district.
Jacob Hazzard is as good as it gets! He found the exact type of niche property we were looking for
Thinking About Dana Point?
I grew up in San Clemente, right next door, and am happy to walk you through any home or street in Dana Point, no pressure.
Jacob Hazzard, REALTOR® | CA DRE# 02222037 | Luxre Realty