Where is Dana Point, California Located in the United States? - Dana Point is a city located in the Orange County in California, United States. Dana Point lies between 33.4669 Degrees North latitudes and -117.6981 Degrees West longitudes.
Location Map of Dana Point, Orange, California
About Map: The map shows the location of Dana Point in Orange County, in the U.S. state of California.
Dana Point Map, California, USA
About Dana Point Map: This Google Map provides a detailed view with zoom, satellite, and street options to explore the area and its surroundings.
About Dana Point, Orange County, California
Dana Point is located in Orange County in the U.S. state of California, United States. It lies in the southern part of the state in the state of the United States along the Pacific coastline in southern Orange County. The city was incorporated in 1989 and was named after author Richard Henry Dana Jr., who described the area’s harbor in his book “Two Years Before the Mast,” and it developed from a coastal harbor community into a popular seaside residential and tourism destination.
Population
According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Dana Point is 33,107 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 5,100 people per square mile.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, Dana Point covers a total area of approximately 29.5 square miles (about 76.4 square kilometers), including about 6.5 square miles (16.8 square kilometers) of land and 23.0 square miles (59.6 square kilometers) of water.
Location and Surroundings
Dana Point is situated south of Laguna Beach and north of San Clemente, positioned along coastal bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The city features beaches, harbor facilities, and scenic coastal landscapes typical of southern Orange County. Interstate 5 and State Route 1 provide major transportation routes connecting Dana Point to surrounding communities across Southern California.
Top Attractions
Dana Point offers coastal parks, beaches, and marina facilities that support tourism and outdoor recreation. Popular destinations include Dana Point Harbor, Doheny State Beach, and the Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area. The city is also known for whale watching, surfing, and annual harbor festivals.
Transportation
Dana Point is served by Interstate 5 and State Route 1, offering convenient highway access throughout Orange County and Southern California. Public transportation includes regional bus services and nearby Metrolink rail connections linking the city to surrounding communities. The nearest major airport is John Wayne Airport, located approximately 25 miles to the northwest.
Explore more cities in California or visit the United States Map section to learn more about the country’s geography.
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the Official Dana Point City Website.
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Dana Point City Facts
| City | Dana Point |
| State | California |
| County | Orange County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | South Orange County |
| Incorporated | January 1, 1989 |
| Founded | 1920s coastal community |
| Total Area | Approximately 29.5 sq mi (76.4 km2) |
| Land Area | Approximately 6.5 sq mi (16.8 km2) |
| Water Area | Approximately 23.0 sq mi (59.6 km2) |
| Elevation | Approximately 144 ft (44 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | Approximately 33,000+ |
| Population (2020 Census) | 33,107 |
| Population Density | Approximately 5,000 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time (UTC-8 / UTC-7 DST) |
| ZIP Codes | 92624, 92629 |
| Area Code | 949 |
| Major Highways | Interstate 5, Pacific Coast Highway (State Route 1) |
| Public Transit | OCTA Bus, Metrolink (nearby) |
| Major Attractions | Dana Point Harbor, Doheny State Beach, Headlands Conservation Area |
| Official Website | https://www.danapoint.org/ |
Distance from Dana Point City, CA to Nearby Cities
- San Juan Capistrano, CA – 4 miles (6 km)
- Laguna Niguel, CA – 5 miles (8 km)
- San Clemente, CA – 6 miles (10 km)
- Aliso Viejo, CA – 8 miles (13 km)
- Laguna Hills, CA – 9 miles (14 km)
- Mission Viejo, CA – 10 miles (16 km)
- Laguna Beach, CA – 10 miles (16 km)
- Lake Forest, CA – 15 miles (24 km)
- Rancho Santa Margarita, CA – 16 miles (26 km)
- Irvine, CA – 20 miles (32 km)
- Newport Beach, CA – 22 miles (35 km)
- Costa Mesa, CA – 25 miles (40 km)
- Santa Ana, CA – 28 miles (45 km)
- Huntington Beach, CA – 30 miles (48 km)
- Anaheim, CA – 35 miles (56 km)
- Orange, CA – 32 miles (51 km)
- Corona, CA – 40 miles (64 km)
- Riverside, CA – 50 miles (80 km)
- Los Angeles, CA – 60 miles (97 km)
- San Diego, CA – 60 miles (97 km)
Dana Point, California Climate and Weather Overview
| Month | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) | Avg Rainfall (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 67 | 49 | 2.5 |
| April | 70 | 53 | 0.7 |
| July | 79 | 62 | 0.1 |
| October | 76 | 58 | 0.4 |
| Annual | 73 | 56 | 12.0 |
| Climate Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Climate Classification (Köppen) | Mediterranean (Csa) |
| Ocean Influence | Strong coastal moderation |
| Annual Rainfall | ~10–14 inches |
| Summer Character | Warm, dry summers with ocean breeze |
| Winter Character | Mild, slightly wet winters |
Driving Distances from Dana Point, California
| City | State | Distance (mi) | Approx. Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Diego | CA | 60 | 1 hr |
| Los Angeles | CA | 65 | 1 hr 10 min |
| Irvine | CA | 20 | 25 min |
| Laguna Beach | CA | 9 | 15 min |
| San Clemente | CA | 6 | 10–12 min |
| Mission Viejo | CA | 10 | 15–20 min |
| Huntington Beach | CA | 25 | 35 min |
| Anaheim | CA | 35 | 40 min |
| Santa Ana | CA | 30 | 35 min |
| Oceanside | CA | 25 | 30 min |
Transportation and Connectivity in Dana Point, California
| Mode | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport | John Wayne Airport (SNA), San Diego International Airport (SAN), LAX |
| Major Highways | I-5, Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1) |
| Rail/Transit | Metrolink (San Juan Capistrano station nearby), Amtrak Pacific Surfliner |
| Local Transit | Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) |
| Port | Dana Point Harbor (local marina), Port of Long Beach (regional) |
- I-5 is the main north-south freeway connecting Dana Point to Los Angeles and San Diego
- Pacific Coast Highway offers scenic coastal travel through Orange County
- Amtrak Pacific Surfliner provides rail access along the California coast
Key Landmarks and Places to Visit in Dana Point, California
| Landmark Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Dana Point Harbor | Marina / Waterfront |
| Doheny State Beach | State Beach |
| Salt Creek Beach Park | Beach Park |
| Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area | Nature Preserve |
| Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center | Education Center |
| The Strand at Headlands | Coastal Trail / Scenic Area |
| Baby Beach | Protected Beach Cove |
| Lantern Bay Park | Coastal Park |
Places to Visit in Dana Point, California
| Place Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Ocean Institute | Marine Education Center |
| Dana Point Bluff Top Trail | Scenic Walking Trail |
| Maritime Museum (regional exhibits) | Museum |
| Whale Watching Tours (Dana Point Harbor) | Tour Activity |
| Mission San Juan Capistrano (nearby) | Historic Mission |
| Laguna Beach Art Galleries (nearby) | Cultural District |
| San Clemente Pier | Pier / Beach |
| Crystal Cove State Park (regional) | State Park |
Colleges and Universities in Dana Point, California
| Institution Name | Type | Level | Notable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saddleback College (nearby Mission Viejo) | Public | Community College | Transfer and career programs |
| University of California, Irvine (regional) | Public | University | Research, medicine, engineering |
| Chapman University (regional Orange) | Private | University | Film, business, law |
Waterbodies in Dana Point, California
Pacific Ocean, Dana Point Harbor, Salt Creek Beach shoreline, San Juan Creek (nearby), coastal tide pools
Golf Courses in Dana Point, California
Monarch Beach Golf Links, Talega Golf Club (nearby San Clemente), The Ranch at Laguna Beach Golf Course, San Juan Hills Golf Club
Dana Point, California - Key Historical Facts
- Dana Point was named after Richard Henry Dana Jr., author of Two Years Before the Mast.
- The area was historically used for shipping and coastal trade in the 19th century.
- It developed as a planned coastal community during the mid-20th century.
- Dana Point Harbor opened in 1971, becoming a major recreational hub.
- The city incorporated in 1989, making it one of Orange County’s newer cities.
- Today it is known as a major whale-watching destination on the California coast.
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