$2,391,215Average Value$1,233Average Price per Sq Ft68Homes 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
Mark Lear,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Dana Point, CA sell after 58 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Dana Point, CA over the last 12 months is $1,890,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Indulge in coastal living at its finest with this stunning 2-bedroom, 1.5 bathroom townhome boasting 1,028 square feet of exquisitely designed living space. Wake up to mesmerizing ocean views from your private balcony off the primary bedroom—a serene retreat perfect for morning coffee or sunset reflections. The thoughtfully designed interior is equally impressive, featuring sleek vinyl plank
Location truly doesn’t get better than this. Ideally situated in the heart of Dana Point, this exceptional home offers the rare ability to walk everywhere down to the harbor, Doheny Beach, local restaurants, and the vibrant downtown area—while still enjoying a peaceful, tucked-away setting. With convenient freeway access and nearby shopping, it perfectly balances accessibility and tranquility.
Dana Point Duplex: 3 bedrooms and 2 baths in each unit. Live by the beach while the second unit helps pay your mortgage. A wonderful opportunity for any buyer seeking to live minutes from the beach, whether as a primary residence, second home, or investments property with the added benefit of rental income. Each unit features a spacious primary bedroom with an en suite bathroom. The property also
THIS IS THE FIRST OPPORTUNITY IN DANA BLUFFS WHERE THE BUYER WILL HAVE NO RESPONSIBILITY TO PAY FOR THE EXTERIOR "STUDS-OUT" REMODEL ($200K). THE SELLER HAS ALREADY PAID THE REMODEL FEE IN FULL. THIS UNIT IS PRICED TO SELL AND WONT LAST LONG. EXPECTED VALUES POST-RENOVATION ARE TO BE UPWARDS OF $2.9-$3.1M. THIS IS A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO STEP INTO A HOME THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN COMPLETED REMODELED
This is a 2 acre residential parcel zoned RSF4. It can be subdivided to 9 lots that fit the current minimum lot size per the zoning. The property is hilly with some flat and buildable portions. It has all utilies on site and there is an existing 2000 sq ft home in poor condition. This is a potential coastal housing development in an area with high median home prices and in close proximity to the
Find your sanctuary by the sea at Del Prado Place, Dana Point’s premier new development featuring 18 boutique residential units in the heart of the Lantern District and slated for completion in December 2025. Nestled above four ground-floor commercial spaces, Del Prado Place offers a vibrant urban-coastal lifestyle, with residences ranging from 1,236 to 1,902 square feet — from cozy one-level,
Find your sanctuary by the sea at Del Prado Place, Dana Point’s premier new development featuring 18 boutique residential units in the heart of the Lantern District and slated for completion in December 2025. Nestled above four ground-floor commercial spaces, Del Prado Place offers a vibrant urban-coastal lifestyle, with residences ranging from 1,236 to 1,902 square feet — from cozy one-level,
Find your sanctuary by the sea at Del Prado Place, Dana Point’s premier new development featuring 18 boutique residential units in the heart of the Lantern District and slated for completion in April 2026. Nestled above four ground-floor commercial spaces, Del Prado Place offers a vibrant urban-coastal lifestyle, with residences ranging from 1,236 to 1,902 square feet — from cozy one-level,
Find your sanctuary by the sea at Del Prado Place, Dana Point’s premier new development featuring 18 boutique residential units in the heart of the Lantern District and slated for completion in December 2025. Set above four ground-floor commercial spaces, this mixed-use development presents a vibrant urban-coastal lifestyle, with residences ranging from approximately 1,236 to 1,902 SF, most with
Find your sanctuary by the sea at Del Prado Place, Dana Point’s premier new development featuring 18 boutique residential units in the heart of the Lantern District and slated for completion in December 2025. Nestled above four ground-floor commercial spaces, Del Prado Place offers a vibrant urban-coastal lifestyle, with residences ranging from 1,236 to 1,902 square feet — from cozy one-level,
Breathtaking ocean view estate designed by renowned Laguna Beach architect Fred Briggs. This contemporary masterpiece of concrete and glass offers spectacular panoramic white water ocean views. African paduak wood accents and flooring elevate this majestic home located next to the famed Gazebo Park in Capistrano Beach. Entertain your guests in the massive great room with high ceilings and a
Inviting you to live & play in the the coveted 24 hour gate guarded Ritz Pointe community a incredible one level townhome offers the very best in resort style coastal living. The perfect opportunity for investor, primary living or 2nd home, this turnkey property provides the perfect blend of coastal living as it is moments away from The Ritz-Carlton*The Waldorf Astoria*Monarch Beach Golf Links
Rarely does a property of this magnitude present itself on the market. A custom ocean-view estate where artistry and nature unite on a blufftop promontory towering over the ocean. A welcoming home that is part luxury, part beauty, and 100% Laguna Beach. Enjoy views that encompass Dana Point, Catalina Island, colorful sunsets, breaking waves, and twinkling evening lights are viewed from most
Rare oceanfront home with private beach access in the guard gated community of Beach Road in Dana Point. Panoramic ocean views from this 2,354 sq.ft. 6 bed, 4 bath home on one of the larger lots (7,841 sq.ft.) in the Beach Rd. community. Property has 39' of beachfront and over 200' of depth. Home is split into two private entrance units consisting of a 4 bed 2 bath lower with kitchen, laundry,
Poised just second row from the bluff in the coveted enclave of Monarch Bay, this exceptional coastal residence offers panoramic ocean views stretching to Catalina and San Clemente Island, paired with exclusive private beach club privileges and Orange County’s premier restaurant and bar on the sand. Every moment unfolds as quiet luxury.Reimagined down to the studs and expanded in 2022, this
Available November 10 2026! Fully furnished and updated lower (no steps) 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom Condo with a private patio off the living room and bedroom. Located in a great private location that is walking distance to Strands beach, the Strands Vista overlook, and walking trails that connect to Salt Creek Beach and the Headlands Conservation Area. The community has plenty of parking, a pool,
Prado West is a comfortably coastal community from which to enjoy Dana Point, to linger, to enjoy casual or fine dining, and to experience a one-of-a-kind apartment home. A part of the neighborhood... Apart from the ordinary. Live in one of Prado West's thoughtfully designed residences, window shop through 25,000-plus square feet of walkable storefront space, or take in casual, coastal cuisine.
LUXURY RESORT VACATION VILLA!! This coastal Mediterranean villa offers a resort lifestyle framed by never-ending ocean and golf course views. Open your front door next to lovely trails just minutes to the surf and sand. Located in one of Dana Point’s private, gated communities, this beautiful home showcases magnificent vistas with brilliant seascapes on a premium lot. The residence is comprised
Newly renovated, Marea offers luxury leasing coupled with one of the most spectacular views in Dana Point. The community enjoys the fresh ocean breeze and overlooks Monarch Links Golf Course and the Pacific Ocean. Marea puts you close to shopping, dining and entertainment at Dana Point Harbor, Laguna Beach and Salt Creek. Picture windows, vaulted ceilings and skylights make each floor plan light
Available May 1st FURNISHED or UNFURNISHED!This incredible condo is directly across from the Strand Vista Park and the fabulous Strand Beach. This highly sought after property has been recently remodeled and is located in the center of Niguel Beach Terrace near the pool and walkway to the park. This 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath home has beautiful views. This property has two patios for outdoor
Find your coastal home at Seabrook at Bear Brand, where beachside living meets everyday ease. Just minutes from Doheny Beach, Dana Point Harbor, and the shops at Ocean Ranch Village, Seabrook is ideally located for those who love the outdoors and having all the essentials close by. Our newly remodeled apartments and townhomes bring in light, style, and comfort, and with a team celebrated for
Available starting Sept 3, 2026! Escape to coastal charm with this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom furnished rental, perfectly located near the Strands beach and Strand Vista overlook. Designed with a modern beach cottage vibe, this home offers a seamless blend of comfort and style and welcomes you in with a front porch which is one of THREE outdoor relaxation spots! The decor reflects
Experience Upscale Living at The Villas at Monarch Beach in Dana Point, CADiscover a refined lifestyle at The Villas at Monarch Beach, offering one and two-bedroom apartments for rent in Dana Point. Our community provides a serene retreat with private beach access, making it the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.Indulge in premium amenities, including an
Available April 15th, this unfurnished two-bedroom home offers a bright, airy floor plan perfectly positioned just steps from the Doheny State Beach pedestrian bridge and Dana Point Harbor. The interior is defined by light wood flooring and a modern white kitchen with stainless steel appliances, creating a seamless flow into a dining area that opens onto a spacious private balcony for outdoor
Discover Capistrano Pointe, a contemporary Mediterranean-style community of apartment homes in San Juan Capistrano. Choose a new home from our tastefully designed one and two bedroom apartments, lofts, and townhomes. Enjoy the comforts of dual master suites, a fully equipped kitchen with new countertops and cabinetry, new flooring, a wood-burning fireplace, and in-home washers and dryers.
Available Now through June and then August 4th through March 2027! Set high above Dana Point Harbor, this rare residence offers an unparalleled lifestyle in the exclusive Admiralty community. With breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean, harbor, and whitewater waves, this beautifully upgraded 2-bedroom, 3-bathroom home spans 2,765 square feet, with an optional third sleeping area or den. Upon
Property Id: 1763221Enjoy Beach Style Living in the Heart of Dana Point Lantern District. Experience the coastal vibe in this charming 2-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom two-story home in the sought-after Dana Point beach community. Living by the B.E.A.C.H is the Best Escape Anyone Can Have. Here are the highlights: FULLY FURNISHED, MONTHLY RENTAL2 Bedrooms, 1.5 Bathrooms: Plenty
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