Dana Point
Dana Point is a seaside town of about 35,351 residents, located in southern Orange County, California. It's exactly midway between Los Angeles to the north and San Diego to the south. It has one of the few harbors along the Orange County coast, with ready access via the Highway 1 PCH (AKA the Pacific Coast Highway). The south beaches are popular local surf spots.
The discriminating home buyer will find many exquisite and luxurious homes for sale in Dana Point. Dana Point properties include many homes with gorgeous ocean views. Of course, the real estate in Dana Point also includes historic homes constructed back in the 1920's and 1930's that have now been meticulously restored.
Anyone investing in Dana Point real estate will enjoy proximity to the many recreational pleasures of southern Orange County. There are so many dynamic Dana Point homes for sale that one is sure to be perfect for your family.
History
The city was named after the headland of Dana Point, which was in turn named after Richard Henry Dana, Jr. The author of Two Years Before the Mast included a description of the locale, including neighboring San Juan Capistrano, as "the only romantic spot on the coast." Although Dana described the port as rather shabby, today it is a developed harbor and tourist destination. The harbor even contains a replica of Dana's ship, the Pilgrim, which is used as a classroom by the Ocean Institute. Dana Point Harbor is a designated California Historical Landmark.
Parks and Recreation
Residents and their families enjoy heading out to the northern part of Doheny State Park for fun and relaxation. More than five-acres of grassy areas make it a great place for everything from volleyball to picnics. Avid anglers can try their hand at some surf fishing at Doheny, and surfing is popular at the very northern end of the beach. Meanwhile, at the southern end of the park, camping is quite popular. In fact, some campsites are literally only a few feet from the beach.
Attractions and Events
Dana Point has an 18-hole golf course that includes some holes right along the beach. Monarch Beach Golf Links is challenging enough for avid golfers and forgiving enough for the occasional player. In general, those that invest in Dana Point CA real estate will find that southern Orange County is rich in golfing opportunities.
Catalina Island is a popular attraction only about an hour away by ferry. One company, the Catalina Express, has eight modern ferries that will occasionally pause, en route, to allow for watching Blue Whales when they frequent the area.
Dana Point is a vibrant and health-conscious coastal community, and characteristically many local events are nautical and recreation-oriented. These include the annual Festival of Whales, held since 1972. The Tall Ships Festival is held in September. It is considered the largest annual gathering of its kind on the West Coast. The Concours d'Elegance is hosted on the Monarch Beach Golf Links and supports various charities. The Dana Point Grand Prix is an annual criterium bike race overlooking Dana Point Harbor. The course winds its way through downtown Dana Point into Heritage Park before finishing on a long straightaway on PCH.
The charming Lantern District has undergone recent growth and renovation, making it an up-and-coming area of storefronts, restaurants, and lush landscaping. The authenticity of the historic buildings of the Lantern District, coupled with new improvements, form the backdrop of the city’s gathering place.
Dana Point - An Upscale SoCal Coastal Enclave
If the upscale beach community of Dana Point sounds like your next destination, now is the time to make a move. Call the Coldwell Banker team led by broker Dan Raphael, 949-370-9930.