Dana Point
Harbor town, whale-watching capital, surf on both sides.
Sources: Houzeo (California Regional MLS data) (September 2026). 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.
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 |
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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