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
Geography
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.
Demographics
The 2020 United States Census reported a population of 33,107. The racial makeup was 83.9% White, 2.1% African American, 3.9% Asian, and 16.3% Hispanic or Latino of any race.