$2,348,455Average Value$1,215Average Price per Sq Ft89Homes For Sale
Luxury living in a chill Southern California surf town
Dana Point’s multimillion-dollar homes and luxury resorts might give the impression of an exclusive oceanfront community, but these are fairly recent trends in the city’s history. At its core, Dana Point has always been a laid-back Southern California surf town that’s now getting recognized for its coastal beauty. “The Ritz Carlton and Waldorf Astoria aren’t here by accident. It’s hard not to fall in love with how gorgeous it is here,” says Realtor Suzi Dailey with Realty One Group West, who’s been selling in Dana Point for over 20 years. For much of its history, Dana Point flew under the radar, while its coastal Orange County neighbors closer to Los Angeles — Newport Beach and Laguna Beach — got all the attention. This could only last so long, as the city’s low-key atmosphere and stunning cliff-lined beaches have made it one of the most sought-after refuges on the Southern California coast. “It’s attracting high-profile clientele from spots like Newport Beach because people really value the natural beauty and how much more relaxed it is here,” says Dailey. Because of this, the city remains a chill beach town, even as it’s gaining high-end appeal. “They even hold surfing competitions at the beach below the Ritz,” says Dailey. “That perfectly sums up the vibe in Dana Point.”
Dana Point beaches and sunsets are among of the most beautiful along the west coast.
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort is a luxury resort by the coastline in Dana Point.
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Surf culture and luxury resort golfing
Dana Point’s Southern California surf culture is still its core identity. “It’s a true surfing town,” says Dailey. “In my opinion, it’s got the prettiest surf beaches on the coast.” Despite being in Orange County, Dana Point’s cliffside beaches are more reminiscent of San Diego’s La Jolla Shores, and they offer a more low-key vibe than spots closer to LA. Salt Creek Beach is the city’s most popular break, known for its gnarly wedges and glassy barrels. It hosts many surfing competitions throughout the year, and it’s just below the Ritz Carlton. The Ritz Carlton and Waldorf Astoria add to the local recreation with high-end tennis clubs and golf courses with ocean views. There’s also oceanfront hiking at Dana Point Preserve. Surfers, golfers and hikers benefit from the idyllic SoCal climate. Aside from the morning marine layer, it’s almost always sunny, with temperatures averaging in the 60s and reaching the high 70s in the summer.
Surfers can catch big waves at picturesque Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point.
Residents and tourists frequent the popular Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point.
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Modern design and oceanfront mansions
The city’s home prices haven’t reached Newport Beach levels, but they’re getting close. “A lot of people who were used to paying Newport Beach prices now prefer to spend that down here because it has more of a small-town feel with less commotion,” says Liana Norman with Caldwell Banker Realty, who’s in the top 1% of South Orange County Realtors. The median home price is over $1.5 million. However, the mix of old and new options has created a broad price range. Older 1980s condos can be found for under a million, while suburban homes slightly removed from the shore can cost over $2 million. Condos and single-family homes in the walkable, revamped Lantern District can sell for around $3 million. Prices are rising dramatically along Dana Point’s northern beachfront. “The Strands area and Monarch Beach have become really sought after, which has brought the whole area up,” says Norman. The Monterrey-style estates and custom contemporary mansions in these oceanfront communities can regularly cost around $10 million. The most opulent homes atop the cliffs of Salt Creek Beach and Dana Strands Beach can get close to $40 million.
Condominiums are among several housing options in Dana Point, although often the cheapest.
The highest priced homes in Dana Point are large houses that sit on the cliffs or coastline.
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Dine in the Lantern District
The city’s downtown area is known as the Lantern District. This stretch of restaurants, art galleries and small shops on Del Prado Avenue is the historical center of Dana Point’s commercial activity. Traders at the port would communicate with incoming ships by signaling different colored lanterns — hence the name. Its revitalization over the past few decades directly correlates with the city’s rise in popularity. Along the wide, walkable blocks, seafood restaurants like Coastal Kitchen and surfer-owned Station Craft Brewery reflect the community’s passion for the sea. Dana Point’s revitalized harbor is just a short stroll away. It offers shopping and dining with a view of sailboats heading in and out of the channel. The Lantern District has a Ralphs for essentials, and Costco, Albertsons and Trader Joe’s are a short drive away.
The Lantern District in Dana Point features restaurants, art galleries and small shops.
Coastal Kitchen in Dana Point is a local favorite with its quality dining options.
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Capistrano Unified School District gets an A-plus
The Capistrano Unified School District serves Dana Point’s students and earns an A-plus overall rating from Niche. Niche ranked it the No. 7 best school district in Orange County for a reason, with almost every school receiving an A-minus or better, including multiple A-plus-rated high schools.
Dana Hills High School is known for its amazing academic and extracurricular activities.
Dana Hills High School in Dana Point has a large campus that runs on green energy.
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Travel by trolley on the Pacific Coast Highway
The Dana Point Trolley takes visitors and locals along the Pacific Coast Highway during the busier summer months. Its stops connect the city’s coastal activity, including the most frequented beaches, resorts and downtown dining areas. It’s also friendly to the local watersport culture, allowing surfers to load up their boards and ride to the beach. The trolley connects to the neighboring Laguna Beach, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano Trolley systems. For commuting purposes, locals can drive to North Orange County and North County San Diego on the Pacific Coast Highway or Interstate 5. Irvine, Orange County’s financial center, is 25 miles north, and so is John Wayne Airport for regional flights. North County San Diego’s biotech hubs, like Carlsbad, are about 30 miles south. Providence Mission Hospital Laguna Beach is the nearest major medical facility, 4 miles up the PCH.
Brush fires in the hills and declining crime
Most of Dana Point isn’t directly threatened by fires, but the city’s northwest hills are labeled a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone by the California State Fire Marshal. Brush fires are common in these vegetated hills during the warmer summer months. Residents of this area and the surrounding Ember Zones should maintain a defensible space between their homes and bordering wild space by removing dry grasses and other vegetation. Having a prepared evacuation plan is another vital step for anyone living in or near a high-risk area. While the prevalence of fires is increasing, crime is decreasing. According to FBI data, the city’s violent and property crime rates have been lower than state and national rates since 2015. In that time, they’ve continued to get lower year after year.
Written By
Ed Coombs
Photography Contributed By
Ling Ge
Video By
Amon Parson
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Sharon Smith,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Dana Point, CA sell after 50 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Dana Point, CA over the last 12 months is $1,895,000, up 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
A Turn-Key, freshly Renovated, extensively Remodeled and updated Mid-Century Modern Beach Bungalow - just a Block from the Beach and Pines Park - in the highly sought-after community of Capistrano Beach. With a Gourmet Kitchen showcasing a Wolf Range and a sleek tile backsplash, this chef's dream features a large center island, high-end appliances and Quartz countertops. With cozy fireplaces in
Reminiscent of the iconic architecture in Palm Springs & the Eichler’s, this mid-century-modern home awaits in the heart of southern OC's best-kept-secret pocket known as ‘Capo Beach’ within Dana Point. Upon arrival via the one-way camino, the single level sits elevated off the street up a large driveway with comfortable parking for five cars, plus a two-car garage. Upon entering, several
Coastal Charm & Endless Potential Near Doheny State Beach! Just minutes from the sand at Doheny State Beach, this inviting 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers 2,100 sq. ft. of living space on a 5,890 sq. ft. lot. Mostly original and well cared for, this property presents an incredible opportunity to update and design your dream coastal retreat. The generous floor plan features spacious living areas,
Two thirds of an acre on the FRONT ROW OCEANFRONT – ONE OF A KIND IN RITZ COVE! Welcome to an elegant oceanfront estate in Ritz Cove, the only beachfront community between the Ritz-Carlton and the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Five-Star Resorts. Positioned on the largest lot in the enclave—over two-thirds of an acre—this home enjoys an extraordinary 110 feet of ocean and Catalina facing frontage
Welcome to your future single level ocean, sunset and Catalina view estate, where luxury meets limitless potential in one of Dana Point's most sought-after neighborhoods. This single-level residence is a hidden gem, offering a generous .39 acres of flat land, perfectly poised for families seeking to establish their dream coastal compound. Envision living in a 5,288 square foot home graced with
Discover your dream coastal retreat in this exceptional corner unit of the highly sought-after Dana Bluffs Community. Immerse yourself in breathtaking views of the ocean, Dana Point Harbor, Doheny Beach, and Catalina Island. This luxurious home invites you to a world of tranquility and elegance. Step into an elegantly designed open floor plan that seamlessly connects the living room, dining area,
Available December 4! Welcome to your serene coastal retreat nestled in the heart of Dana Point's coveted Silvertide community. This beautifully furnished 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo offers thoughtfully designed living space, perfect for those seeking a vacation getaway or a temporary haven by the sea. Step inside to discover a bright and airy open-concept layout, featuring high ceilings and
Available NOW! This beautifully furnished home offers breathtaking coastal views and a true Dana Point lifestyle. Recently renovated and set within the gated community of Regatta, the home features a unique reverse floorplan designed to maximize its panoramic vistas, stretching all the way from Dana Point to San Diego. The main living level boasts soaring vaulted ceilings, floor-to-ceiling
Welcome to 33802 Violet Lantern, Unit C – an exceptional two-bedroom, two-bathroom lease opportunity in the heart of Dana Point’s desirable Lantern District. This lower level unit offers a fresh, modern interior paired with ocean views and cooling coastal breezes. Located just a short distance from the shops, restaurants, and charm of downtown Dana Point, the location is as ideal as the home
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