Dana Point

As a private, oceanfront community in southern Orange County, Monarch Bay is one-of-a-kind. “Hands down, Monarch Bay is one of Orange County’s most unique communities,” says Bryan Gerlach, local Realtor with Sotheby’s International Realty. As a member of the community himself, Gerlach has the unmatched privilege of both enjoying and selling his favorite neighborhood. “There’s no other community on the West Coast that has what Monarch Bay has,” Gerlach continues, “It’s always been kind of under the radar compared to the rest of Southern California, but now it’s outselling Laguna Beach by a large margin.” Monarch Bay’s homes include everything from regal oceanside manors to single-story contemporary builds with modern, flat roofs. Many homes feature Spanish influences, as seen in sweeping arches and clay tile roofing, and some homes seem like they’ve been pulled right out of a Santa Barbara storybook. Spacious lots of up to an acre accommodate wide outdoor dining patios and landscaped gardens, and whether you’re in the 24-hour guard-gated Monarch Bay community or the slightly less private Monarch Bay Terrace area north of Highway 1, you’ll be just minutes away from enjoying endless views of swaying blue waves that blend seamlessly with the distant horizon. Not surprisingly, these million-dollar views come with a hefty price tag: “Entry-level prices in Monarch Bay are around $7 million, but that could be for a starter home with almost no view,” Gerlach notes. Behind the welcoming gates, you’ll find homes that range from $7 million to more than $20 million. In Monarch Bay Terrace to the north, you’re more likely to find listings in the $2 million to $7 million range. “Monarch Bay Terrace has similar homes and lots, but you’re more exposed to the highway, and there’s no gated security,” Gerlach adds. But if you’re looking for an upscale community where you can walk — or ride in your private golf cart — to the beach, you might find these homes to be worth the price. The beach, however, isn’t the only draw for Monarch Bay homebuyers. When it comes to education, Monarch Bay’s students benefit from attending schools in the highly rated Capistrano Unified School District. Many young students will attend Moulton Elementary, which maintains a grade of A on Niche. If you’re hoping to enroll your child in a school closer to the community, consider the private Monarch Bay Montessori Academy, which sits just off Highway 1 and offers programs for children from Kindergarten through sixth grade. Niguel Hills Middle School and Dana Hills High School also boast grades of A on Niche, and interested high school students will find a plethora of performing and visual arts opportunities at the South Orange County School of the Arts, which is housed within Dana Hills High. After a busy week, though, there’s no better feeling than sunbathing with the sand between your toes. At the southern end of the community, you’ll find serene beachfront dining and direct access to a private beach at the Monarch Bay Beach Club, which is essentially owned by Monarch Bay’s homeowners. Although residents of the Monarch Bay Terrace subdivision do not gain membership to the club, those who live behind Monarch Bay’s contemporary gates enjoy unfettered access with no association fee, and Gerlach says it’s likely to stay that way for some time. Bring your racket for a friendly game on the tennis court or stay to watch the sunset while cozying up beside an oceanside fire pit, which you can reserve ahead of time. Just down the shore, you’ll find a popular surfing location at Salt Creek Beach. Follow the sandy trails inland to relax on the grassy lawns at Salt Creek Beach Bluff Park, where expansive, pagoda-style picnic shelters offer much-needed shade after a long day in the sun. And when the sun rises again on a new day, you can hit the green at Monarch Beach Golf Links, which offers all the amenities of a private club without the required membership. Located within the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club, this golf course attracts visitors from near and far, and you might find yourself booking a spa day at the resort, as well. Despite its country club vibe, Monarch Bay still provides easy access to all the essentials. At Monarch Bay Plaza, you’ll find a Gelson’s grocery store, a CVS Pharmacy, a pet supply store and a bank, among other retail offerings. Here, you can start your morning off with a pick-me-up from Starbucks or grab lunch from Eden Vegan, where you’ll find Asian-inspired vegetarian and vegan dishes such as eggplant curry, lettuce wraps and vegan orange chicken. For an upscale Italian dining experience, head over to Stella’s, where you can watch the tides from the bright terrace. And when you’re ready to mix things up with a menu that spans from sushi to filet mignon, you can savor a wine-paired meal at Salt Creek Grille, a casual yet classy restaurant that’s made quite a name for itself over the last 20 years. If you’re looking for a down-to-earth community with private appeal and a resort feel, you might like living the oceanfront lifestyle in Monarch Bay.