Inquiring minds want to know, what’s going on with the Dana Point Harbor renovation? When will it be done? What kinds of amenities will I find at the revitalized Dana Point Harbor?
While I am not a developer or city official, as an agent specializing in Dana Point area real estate for over 16 years, my clients and friends rely on me for insights on the local community. With that in mind, I have been researching the Dana Point Harbor revitalization, as it’s one of the most exciting changes our area has witnessed in years.
For those of us who are lucky enough to call Dana Point our home, the new marina, boardwalk, shops and restaurants are a few developments with the potential to make a positive impact. When complete, the new marina will have a total of:
2,200 boat slips
Dry storage for over 490 vessels
Three docks with guest slips
Sustainable eco-friendly construction
The new six-mile boardwalk will allow for a seamless connection between Doheny State Beach, Baby Beach and the Headlands. Along with allowing for easier pedestrian and boater passage, the expansion will create the largest walkable harbor on the West Coast, making it an attraction in its own right.
The shops have been carefully curated and many of the restaurants will be on the harbor to allow for ocean views/waterfront dining. There will be grab-and-go options for boating excursions, a unique food hall, upscale casual and fine-dining choices as well.
A second floor observation tower will showcase our area’s natural beauty and there will be a second level wooden walkway to explore retail and dining options along both levels. Winding green paseos will be placed along the boardwalk to provide waterfront public seating and gathering spaces where visitors can enjoy live music. A new green mall will also be integrated into the design to create a venue for art exhibitions, farmers markets, outdoor concerts, movie nights, yoga and children’s activities.
Public art is going to be incorporated into the project to celebrate our history, there will be a 984-stall parking structure with EV chargers, and a new museum. The West Basin is also being transformed to create new amenities like cafes, a dog park, outdoor recreation, health and wellness options.
Our friends and family from out of town are also going to love the two new hotels, which will replace the Dana Point Marina Inn. Both hotels are being constructed by one of the most successful hotel developers in the nation. One will be a four star upscale hotel on the waterfront; the other will be a three star hotel designed to provide a more affordable option.
As may be expected, the new hotels will have views and amenities ranging from pools, restaurants and bars, to fitness centers, event spaces and meeting rooms.
Most of the construction is already well underway. Many improvements are slated for completion by the summer of 2025 and the entire project is expected to be done within three years.
The existing shops, restaurants, whale watching/sportfishing expeditions and Catalina Express will be open during construction. Parking will be available in the main Mariner’s Village parking lot as well as on the Wharf.
For guidance on the Dana Point Harbor revitalization or help finding the perfect home in Dana Point to fit your needs, give me a call at (949) 545-8633 or send me an email at [email protected].