The beautiful seaside city of Dana Point is located in Orange County, Southern California, about halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego. Dana Point is a favorite central point, bordered by the cities of Laguna Niguel and Laguna Beach to the north, San Juan Capistrano to the east, and San Clemente to the south.
Incorporated in 1989, the city of Dana Point is named after Richard Henry Dana Jr. (1815-1882), best known as the author of his classic memoir, Two Years Before the Mast (1840).
In his journal, Dana documents his voyage from Boston, around Cape Horn, to California on the merchant ship, Pilgrim. Dana describes the area, then known as Capistrano Bay, as “the most romantic spot in California.” The area’s residents were so enamored with his portrayal of their special place that they renamed their city after the author. And thus, Capistrano Bay became known as Dana Point.
Dana Point attracts visitors from around the world, and enchants them with seven miles of coastal bluffs, pristine beaches and the magnificent Pacific Ocean. Whale watching, golfing, surfing, deep-sea fishing, paddle boarding, and many more activities are more awe-inspiring in Dana Point than any other California destination. It’s likely because of the natural and beautiful harmony of the cliffs, the beaches, the harbor and the world-class resorts.