Welcome to Dana Point
Dana Point is one of Southern California's most sought-after coastal enclaves. With a wealth of activities and impeccable housing, and the Pacific mere moments from it all, it's the pinnacle of SoCal's oceanfront lifestyle.
Dana Point Luxury Real Estate
Nearly equal distance between Los Angeles and San Diego, the Orange County gem of Dana Point offers its residents a highly desirable and exclusive place to call home. Wholly situated along the Pacific Ocean coastline, Dana Point's easternmost point is a short 10-minute drive to the local beaches and the Dana Point Harbor, a massive hub of activity and the heart of the town's social scene.
Though known for its coastline and the gorgeous, multimillion-dollar properties that overlook it, real estate in Dana Point caters to all manner of homeowners. Certainly, it helps if you love the water and all that it entails. Dana Point real estate is diverse. Echelberger Group of Dana Point real estate agents & realtors can find townhouses, estates, houses, condos & homes for sale in Dana Point. Favorite local activities usually involve being on or around the Pacific, such as:
- Surfing
- Beach-combing or sunbathing
- Fishing
- Boating
- Kayaking
- Paddleboarding, including paddle-board yoga
- Exploring nature
Regarding that latter pursuit, Dana Point is the Dolphin & Whale Watching Capital of the World. Guided tours and charters are frequent, though you can rent your own boat or catch glimpses of these magnificent creatures from the shore.
Of course, you need not be drawn to the ocean to appreciate and enjoy Dana Point's many luxuries. Fabulous homes, excellent schools, a phenomenal restaurant scene, and a deep connection with nature (land and sea) it's all here for the buyer seeking an exceptional community in the perfect location that never goes out of style.
Lifestyle in Dana Point, California
As one of the six celebrated Orange County oceanfront cities, Dana Point shares the rarified air amongst the most famous of "The OC" locales. But as a community, it very much stands on its own. Coastal, nautical, and upscale suburban, there is a distinctive, laid-back vibe amongst the Dana Point neighborhoods.
The perfect mix of Newport Beach's opulence and the laissez-faire surfer's chill of Huntington Beach, Dana Point is arguably the most livable of Orange County's luxury towns.
Located in Orange County's southernmost region, there's almost a bedroom community feel to the proceedings. To be sure, there's vibrance and plenty of social action to spare, but the more hectic elements of Orange County remain at arm's length. Natural points of interest supporting that "world's away" sensibility include the Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area, Doheny State Beach, and Salt Creek Beach.
The city's main attraction is the gorgeous Dana Point Harbor. The harbor is a central hub of activity for locals and visitors alike. It's a top Orange County destination where you can shop, dine, whale watch, or set sail for Catalina Island. Home to more than 50 businesses and harbor and recreational services, the visual highlight is the 2,400 boat slips that fan out across the water. Redevelopment of the harbor is underway to further enhance the shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Not to be outdone, immediately north of the harbor is the Dana Point Lantern District and Town Center, featuring over 30 restaurants and shops and the city's popular Farmers Market. In addition to being Dana Point's official downtown, it's a popular spot for the region's local artists to gather and showcase and sell their creations.
Dana Point specializes in relaxed luxury. There's no denying the city's dramatic natural landscape—rolling hills, seaside cliffs, pristine sand beaches, and lush natural foliage. It's less California coast and more Pacific tropical island. And with the appropriate accommodations.
The Ritz-Carlton and Waldorf Astoria resorts in Dana Point's Monarch Beach area are a gathering spot for those seeking luxe pampering sessions. Which, to be honest, is a daily occurrence living in Dana Point—from where you dine and shop to the recreational beaches and harbors to the infinite ocean views, it's all one, well-deserved indulgence.
Dana Point Luxury Housing Market
For those seeking coastal real estate, the luxury homes for sale in Dana Point are in a league of their own. The median value of a detached, single-family is near $3 million. The city's luxury condo inventory carries a median value of just over $1.5 million.
Relatively small by Orange County standards, Dana Point covers six and a half square miles, with every residence less than ten minutes from the coast. The population of nearly 35,000 also places Dana Point as one of the smallest amongst Orange County cities. The density gives many of Dana Point's most sought-after neighborhoods a close-knit vibe. But homes across the city are in high demand, and new listings often see plenty of competition amongst buyers.
Dana Point Homes for Sale
If there's a style or type of home you love or a neighborhood aesthetic that interests you, it's an excellent bet you'll find what you're looking for, considering the variety of homes for sale in Dana Point.
More than half of all Dana Point homes are single-family detached residences. The most stunning of these are in beautiful oceanfront communities, such as the 24-hour guard-gated Beach Road enclave. Here, you'll find custom architectural masterpieces with backdoors that open directly onto the beach.
Other homes, such as the immaculate properties along Capistrano Beach, occupy bluffs overlooking the Pacific.
Neighborhoods such as the Strand are on another level entirely. Every home in the triple steeped neighborhood possesses commanding views of the Pacific Ocean and represents some of the highest-priced real estate in Orange County.
There's a healthy mix of upscale condos and townhomes throughout the city for those seeking a high-end, low-maintenance living.
Dana Point Architecture
Dana Point offers residents a unique architectural experience, where a singular style dominated the community for two decades before giving way to the eclectic home styles seen today.
In the mid-20th century, when development took off in Dana Point, architecture featured a mix of Spanish and Mission styles, with a dose of California Craftsman interrupting the Revival movement.
In the late 1970s, the city of Dana Point adopted strict codes that mandated the New England Cape Cod design, especially for buildings and businesses in the city's downtown district. The most prominent example of this era of construction is the stunning Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa overlooking Dana Point Harbor.
Many Cape Cod-influenced homes remain, though upon relaxing the building codes just before 2000, new projects adopted California Contemporary chic as their prevailing aesthetic.
What You'll Love Living in a Dana Point Home
Dana Point, with its stunning residences along a spectacular stretch of California's coastline, is the perfect home if you appreciate a flair for the dramatic and yearn for a high-end, coastal luxury lifestyle.
All the amenities and creature comforts you'll ever need are just a few minutes from home, including:
- Over 100 shops and restaurants
- Several ultra-luxe resorts, including The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel and The Waldorf Astoria.
- Gorgeous natural setting including the Pacific Ocean, seaside cliffs and long stretches of pristine beach, and a lush interior of rolling hills
- Concerts in Doheny State Park
- Dolphin and whale watching just off the Dana Point Harbor
Why Work with a Dana Point Real Estate Agent
As one of Orange County's most luxurious communities, Dana Point is also one of the most sought-after places for discerning homebuyers. It's a highly competitive market where the smallest piece of insider access can mean the difference between your dream home or dashed dreams.
The right Dana Point real estate agent can prove the difference-maker in a tight, frenzied market. Doug Echelberger and his team at The Echelberger Group are that difference-maker. With 27 years of experience and $1.6 billion in sales, Doug has developed a deep-rooted knowledge and understanding of Orange County, specifically the region's coastal enclaves.
Keyed into the ever-changing market, Doug is the number one agent in Dana Point's Capistrano Beach neighborhood. He also has more sales than any agent on the exclusive Beach Road. Specializing in Dana Point beachfront luxury homes, Doug has a keen sense of ensuring buyers and sellers get exactly what they seek from their Dana Point luxury real estate.
Best Restaurants in Dana Point
With more than 50 Dana Point restaurants moments from your door, you never have to venture far for an outstanding meal. A handful of establishments stands out from the rest, including:
- Café Maison
- Chart House
- Coastal Kitchen
- Craft House Brewery
- Glasspar
- Jimmy's Famous American Tavern
Things to Do in Dana Point
Beach towns are rarely dull affairs, and Dana Point does not disappoint. Relaxed though it may be, there is always something to see, do, and celebrate. A few of the top events and activities include:
- The annual Ohana Festival
- The Ocean Institute Maritime Education Center
- Several famous beaches, including surfing hot spot Salt Creek
- Dana Point Harbor
- Dolphin and whale watching tours, numerous fishing and boating opportunities
- Numerous parks and open spaces such as Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area and Doheny State Park
- A vibrant art scene in the heart of the Lantern District
- The Waldorf Astoria's Monarch Beach Golf Links with 18 championship holes of golf and ocean views
Dana Point Schools
Adding to its high desirability, the Dana Point community is home to several excellent public and private educational institutions. Palisades Elementary, Marco Forster Middle School, and Dana Hills High School offer public opportunities as part of the Capistrano Unified School District.
The Parish School at St. Edward the Confessor accepts pre-kindergarten through eighth grade for private schooling.
