Dana Point Harbor Revitalization

Dana Point Harbor has been a cherished recreational hub for generations. From its humble beginnings as a haven for fishermen and boaters, it blossomed into a popular spot for whale watching, sportfishing, and soaking in the California coastal beauty.

However, with time and heavy use taking its toll, the harbor's infrastructure and facilities became outdated, and public areas lacked the vibrancy to match the surrounding beauty. To ensure the harbor thrives for years to come, the County of Orange partnered with Dana Point Harbor Partners (DPHP) in 2018 to revitalize the area into three key components: The Marina, The Commercial Core, and the Hotel – to ultimately breathe new life into the harbor while preserving its charm.

A New Chapter

The Marina

  
The Marina Improvement Project includes the construction of new boat slips, boater service buildings, and parking. Additionally, the project addresses critical infrastructure needs by repairing almost 10,000 linear feet of seawalls, thereby bolstering the area’s resilience to environmental factors. Moreover, a core objective of the project is to expand public access to the waterfront, enriching the community’s engagement with the natural surroundings.

Significant progress has already been made, with Phases 1 through 11 completed and Phase 12 scheduled to begin in early Summer 2026. The project will be delivered over 15 phases and is on track for completion in 2028.

The Commercial Core

  
Construction of the first two phases of the Commercial Core development kicked off in early 2024, marking a significant step forward in the project’s timeline. These phases set the infrastructure and three-level parking structure with nearly 1,000 spaces, facilitating convenient access for visitors, to ultimately support and deliver approximately 120,000 square feet of new retail, diverse shops, and enticing restaurants to the area.

The Project is strategically planned to be completed over five phases, with completion anticipated within the next three years. This phased approach ensures a systematic and efficient progression towards realizing the project's vision while accommodating various logistical and community needs.

Phase 3 of the Dana Point Harbor Commercial Core Revitalization is now underway, marking the largest stage of the landside redevelopment led by Burnham Ward Properties. This phase will introduce seven new waterfront buildings featuring distinctive four-sided coastal architecture and more than 100,000 square feet of thoughtfully curated restaurant and retail space. The new structures will be complemented by intentionally designed parkscapes, soft seating areas, dynamic public art and upgraded spaces for community programming.

The Hotel

   
On June 14, 2024, the California Coastal Commission unanimously approved the proposed amendments to the Dana Point Harbor Local Coastal Plan (LCP) for the construction of two new hotel, boater service buildings, and associated parking areas as part of the planned hotel development. This key approval allowed the project to move forward with the entitlement process. All key regulatory reviews and approvals, including the LCP amendment, Coastal Development Permit (CDP), and Environmental Impact Report (“EIR”) certification, have now been obtained. This portion of the project has now entered the construction design and permitting phase, with construction activities anticipated to begin at the end of 2026.

The Legacy Continues

Upon completion, the revitalized Dana Point Harbor will solidify its place as a premier Orange County destination. This project honors the harbor's rich history while ensuring it thrives for future generations.        
 

Explore More:

• Learn more about the project: 
  • Dana Point Harbor Website
  • The Marina at Dana Point Website
• Discover more in the Harbor:
  • OC Parks Website
  • Ocean Institute Website
  • OC Sailing and Events Center:

Have questions? Contact us at:

• DPHOversight@ocgov.com