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Dana Point, CA

Frequently asked questions

Dana Point, CA

Dana Point is a city located in southern Orange County, California, United States. The population was 33,107 at the 2020 census. It has one of the few harbors along the Orange County coast, and with ready access via State Route 1, it is a popular local destination for surfing.

The city was named after the headland of Dana Point, which was in turn named after Richard Henry Dana, Jr., author of Two Years Before the Mast, which included a description of the area. Dana described the locale, including neighboring San Juan Capistrano, as "the only romantic spot on the coast". This area is designated California Historical Landmark #189.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 29.5 square miles (76 km2). 6.5 square miles (17 km2) of it is land and 23.0 square miles (60 km2) of it (77.96%) is water. 

The Dana Point headlands are a prominent feature in Orange County geography and after years of controversy, are currently being developed as a 118-house gated community, however 68 acres (280,000 m2) of the site is open to the public and features a nature center and walking trails exhibiting "lost" plants of the Southern California coast. Views on a clear day extend to Catalina Island and La Jolla in San Diego County.

The city is located 59 miles southeast of Los Angeles and 65 miles northwest of San Diego. Dana Point is bordered by San Clemente to the southeast, San Juan Capistrano to the northeast, Laguna Beach to the northwest, and Laguna Niguel to the north.

The Acjachemen village site of Toovannga was located near the present-day site of Dana Point Harbor. The village was located near the mouth of the San Juan Creek. The people lived in villages of around 250 people and stewarded the land into a thriving ecosystem. Each village was politically independent and established ties with other villages through marriage. The area of Dana Point is located downstream from the mother village of Putuidem.

Dana Point gives importance to health and wellness. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by the Dana Point Recreation and Community Services Department. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include BFT Dana Point, Dana Point Fitness Lab, and Orangetheory Gym. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Dana Point, such as the South Rim Trail and the Dana Point Preserve. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Dana Point, CA are Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center, Ocean Institute, and Capt Dave's Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari.

Population: 32,567 (2023). ZIP codes: 92624, 92629. Area code: 949. Elevation: 144 ft. Area: 29.5 square miles (76 km2).

FAQs

Is Dana Point, CA a good place to live?

Dana Point is in Orange County and is one of the best places to live in California. Living in Dana Point offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Dana Point, there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals and retirees live in Dana Point and residents tend to lean conservative.

Is Dana Point, CA expensive to live in?

Dana Point is part of the Anaheim-Santa Ana-Irvine Metro Div. metro area, which is ranked 5 out of 273 cities across the US in terms of cost of living. According to C2ER (the Council for Community and Economic Research), the cost of living in Dana Point is estimated to be 150.3% of the national average making it one of the most expensive cities in the US. The total monthly expenditure you can expect to incur depends on the cost of housing, food, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and other miscellaneous goods and services. 

What is the crime rate in Dana Point, CA?

The crime rate in Dana Point is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 14 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Dana Point is 1 in 70. Based on FBI crime data, Dana Point is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to California, Dana Point has a crime rate that is higher than 36% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Sources

Wikipedia

Orange County

Dana Point’s Recreation and Community Services Department

BFT Dana Point

Dana Point Fitness Lab 

Orangetheory Gym

South Rim Trail

Dana Point Preserve

Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center

Ocean Institute

Capt Dave's Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari

Niche

Zero Down

Neighborhoodscout

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