When most people think of California, they imagine sun-drenched beaches, perfect weather, and locals engaging in the state’s favorite pastime; surfing. If this sounds like an ideal lifestyle to you, then Dana Point will not disappoint. Incorporated in 1989, Dana Point is home to a vibrant, upper-class beach community and a beautiful, working harbor. Situated between San Diego and Los Angeles, it provides the perfect locale to those who want access to big-city amenities while living in a peaceful suburban town.
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Nestled along the side of the famous Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point comprises a 6.6 square mile region of land in sunny, coastal Orange County. As of 2014, it is estimated that Dana Point has a population of 34,063 people, which was a 2.5% increase from the year 2010. Compared to the overall population increase of 4.5% in Orange Country over the same time period, and it becomes apparent that Dana Point is a beach side community that is continuing to experience growth. This relatively modest increase in population is due to the fact that there are only 15,938 housing units, helping to ensure that Dana Point retains its small-town community feel. This feeling of community is further reinforced by the fact that 81.6% of residents have lived in the same house for one year or more. When people move to Dana Point, they tend to stay there.
Dana Point is a suburb of working professionals. Over 65% of those who live there are between the ages of 18 and 65, lending the city its active lifestyle atmosphere. Residents also are more likely to own their own homes, as 58% of those living in Dana Point purchased a home compared to 55.3% of residents in California. And for good reason. Median property values in Dana Point are $707,600 which is much higher than the $366,400 found elsewhere in the state. With these increased property values also come a highly educated population, as 95.2% have graduated from high school and 46.7% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. This lends the city a certain sense of exclusivity, but without the feeling of pretentiousness that might normally entail.
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Being mere steps from the ocean has heavily influenced culture within Dana Point. Surfing is a popular activity, and it isn’t unusual to see both young and old paddling out into the water to catch a few waves before work or class. The sport and city are heavily intertwined; the legendary film Endless Summer was produced in town, and industry giant Surfer Magazine was created and headquartered in Dana Point.
The city also has one of Orange County’s few coastal harbors, and it provides a great hub of activity for both locals and tourists alike. Sailing is a favorite pastime, and boats are available to own or rent for a leisurely day of saying along the coast. Dana Point is home to the annual Tall Ships Festival, which is held each September. This is the largest gathering of tall-masted ships in the Western United States and is a fun event for people of all ages. Should you decide to take in the sights and sounds offshore, there is even a frequent shuttle that provides convenient access both to and from Catalina Island.
Should your tastes be a bit dryer, there are also plenty of activities on land. The Dana Point Grand Prix is an annual bike race that overlooks the harbor, providing plenty of stunning views without any of the wetness normally involved.
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Although it is a small community, Dana Point has access to all the shopping and dining of a much larger city. South Coast Plaza, a short drive away, has the highest concentration of fashion retail shops within the United States. Over 250 stores provide a wide range of high-end goods and services to the surrounding communities.
Dining in Dana Point ranges from gourmet to casual, and everywhere in between. 180blu at The Ritz-Carlton is home to some of the most beautiful vistas in Southern California and is perfect for a romantic meal for two or special occasion. Dining at sunset on the patio is sure to inspire more than a few photo sessions before the trip home.
A discussion about Southern California dining wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Mexican food, and local-favorite Olamendi’s is one of the best. Established in 1973, its take on traditional Mexican cuisine has been loved by tourists, residents, and even former U.S. Presidents!
As with much of Southern California, Dana Point is a city of commuters. The mean travel time to work is 28.2 minutes, which is slightly greater than the California average of 27.2 minutes. Traffic within the city itself is usually relatively light, but the neighboring 5 freeway can become notoriously entangled during peak hours.
Education is, understandably, an important consideration for any parents living in or considering a move to Dana Point, and fortunately, they have excellent schools. Dana Point High School has an ELA Proficiency Rating of 78%, far above the state average of 44%. Even the graduation rates are outstanding, as 96% of students entering Dana Point High School graduate, compared to 81% of students elsewhere in California. As the workforce continues to grow more and more competitive, college is becoming exceedingly important. Almost 58% of graduates from DPHS are eligible for UC/CSU colleges, which is much higher than the 42% in other parts of California.
Embodying the California ideal, Dana Point is best known for its laid-back, upscale beach culture. Surfing tournaments, orchestral events, and even the odd boat show help round out what makes this part of the California coastline so unique. The small population and close access to major freeways help ensure that Dana Point retains its relaxed atmosphere without losing any of the benefits of bigger cities. Sandy beaches, great dining, and a friendly community all underscore just how wonderful California dreaming can really be.
