Dana Point.
Harbor town, whale-watching capital, surf on both sides.
Source: CRMLS MLS data via InfoSparks, residential sales, rolling 12 months through October 2026; year over year compares to the prior 12 months. Figures change monthly; ask us for the latest numbers for your street.
Dana Point wraps around one of the prettiest harbors on the coast, framed by tall headlands. It's known for whale watching, its surf history and the Ritz-Carlton and Waldorf Astoria resorts that anchor Monarch Beach. The Lantern District gives it a walkable town center, and Salt Creek and Doheny give it two very different beaches.
The harbor itself is in the middle of a major multi-year rebuild, and we track that closely for our clients. From gated Monarch Beach estates to Capistrano Beach cottages, we help buyers understand each pocket and help sellers show off what makes their home special.
Who it's for: Buyers who want a true harbor town with great surf, outdoor living and resort amenities, at a slightly calmer pace than Newport or Laguna.
Dana Point neighborhoods.
Monarch Beach
Gated communities and golf-course homes near the Waldorf Astoria and Salt Creek Beach.
The Strand at Headlands
Newer luxury homes on the headlands with direct access to Strand Beach.
Lantern District
The walkable town center with restaurants, shops and newer condos.
Capistrano Beach
Beach-casual streets near Doheny and the Capo Beach bluffs.
Niguel Shores
A gated oceanfront community with a private beach area and clubhouse.
Ritz Pointe and Ritz Cove
Guard-gated enclaves near the Ritz-Carlton with ocean views.
Why people love it.
- Year-round whale and dolphin watching from Dana Point Harbor
- Salt Creek Beach and Strand Beach for surfing and long walks
- Doheny State Beach for camping, family beach days and beginner surf
- Lantern District dining and the Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area trails
- Monarch Beach Golf Links and two oceanfront luxury resorts
- Harbor revitalization underway: marina, commercial core and a new hotel
Where locals go.
- Ocean Institute. Hands-on marine science center at the harbor, with tall-ship programs.
- Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching. Long-running whale-watching and fishing trips out of the harbor.
- Salt Creek Beach. A favorite surf spot and grassy park below Monarch Beach.
- Doheny State Beach. Campground, tide pools and gentle waves at the mouth of San Juan Creek.
- The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Clifftop resort with a sunset view that locals come back for.
Trails and surf.
Hiking
- Dana Point Headlands. Short trail to the bluff with harbor and whale-watching views.
- Salt Creek Trail. Canyon path that runs from inland neighborhoods to Salt Creek Beach.
Surf
- Salt Creek. A high-performance peak below the Ritz-Carlton.
- Doheny. Gentle longboard waves, great for learning.
A perfect day in Dana Point.
Dawn coffee at Bear Coast, then a whale-watching boat out of the harbor (gray whales in winter, blues in summer). Surf or swim at Doheny, or walk the Headlands Conservation Area trails for the bluff-top views. Lunch at Waterman's Harbor. Afternoon spa or pool time at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach or a round at Monarch Beach Golf Links. Sunset at Strands Beach, dinner at Coastal Kitchen, music at Stillwater after.
Where we send clients to eat.
RAYA at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
Coastal Latin cooking with sweeping Pacific views from the bluff.
Chart House Dana Point
A 1970s Kendrick Bangs Kellogg building hanging over the cliff; go for the view and the salad bar nostalgia.
Coastal Kitchen
Upscale coastal comfort food in Monarch Bay Plaza; the locals' nice-night-out.
Bon Appetit
Neighborhood French cooking on Del Prado, from breakfast through a candlelit dinner.
Luciana's Ristorante
Old-school Italian in a cozy cottage on Del Prado. Regulars swear by it.
Bear Coast Coffee
The surf-town coffee stop at Dana Point Harbor before a paddle or a whale-watching run.
Brennan's running list. Menus and hours change, so check before you go.
What you'll find.
Condos and townhomes near the Lantern District and harbor, single-family homes in Capistrano Beach and inland tracts, and gated estates in Monarch Beach, Niguel Shores and The Strand. Rough tiers: condos from about $800K to $1.5M; single-family homes from about $1.6M to $3.5M; gated and oceanfront estates from $5M to $30M+.
Price ranges are rough guides. Ask us for current comps.
Public & private.
| Dana Hills High School | Capistrano Unified School District |
| Palisades Elementary School | Capistrano Unified School District |
| Marco Forster Middle School | Capistrano Unified School District |
Capistrano Unified School District
Source: Niche, 2027 Best School Districts in California, checked November 2026. Rankings change yearly.
Always confirm school boundaries for a specific address with the district.
Along the Capistrano Beach and Dana Point bluffs, coastal erosion and seawall permits matter. Ask for geotechnical reports, check any open Coastal Commission matters, and budget for a geologist's review on bluff-top property.
Read the Buyer's GuideThe harbor rebuild (marina phases through 2028 and a new hotel expected to start construction at the end of 2026) is a real selling point. Show buyers what's coming, but be honest about temporary construction and parking changes near the harbor.
Get a home valuationDana Point questions.
What is the median home price in Dana Point?
About $2.1M as of September 2026, according to Houzeo's MLS-based data.
What is happening with Dana Point Harbor?
The harbor is being rebuilt in phases. Orange County says the marina is on track for completion in 2028, with the commercial core under construction and the hotel expected to break ground at the end of 2026.
When is whale watching season in Dana Point?
Whales pass year-round. Gray whales peak in winter, and blue whales are common in summer.
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