The city’s neighborhoods terrace toward the Pacific, with access to Doheny State Beach, the Dana Point Harbor, and scenic bluffs. Outdoor events, whale‑watching, and sailing shape the lifestyle, while nearby resorts bolster tourism.

Named for 19th‑century author Richard Henry Dana Jr., who praised the promontory in ‘Two Years Before the Mast,’ the area developed around the harbor in the late 20th century. Dana Point incorporated in 1989, uniting Capistrano Beach, Monarch Beach, and the Lantern District.