Incorporated in 1989, the City of Dana Point
is named after Richard Henry Dana Jr. (1851 - 1882), a Harvard-trained lawyer, seaman, and
author of the classic sea journal entitled "Two Years Before the Mast" (1840).
Dana Point is home to 36,850 residents and is characterized by nearly seven miles of
prominent coastal bluffs and rolling hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Most noteworthy is a uniqe promontory
known as the "Headlands " which overlooks Dana Harbor, one of the most
significant man-made alterations of the Orange County coastline. Dana Point Harbor
provides slips and mooring for over 2,500 boats along with over 50 specialty shops and
restaurants.
The Harbor attracts thousands of visitors annually for shopping,
sportfishing, walking, bicyling, parasailing and a host of recreational activities.
This picturesque harbor
is also considered the gateway to Doheny State Park, one of California's
most popular beach facilities.