Dana Point was named after Richard Henry Dana Jr. When he landed here in the 1830s, he called it “the most romantic spot in California.” Nowadays, tourism is the city’s biggest industry, generating $462 million in 2017, according to a study by Visit Dana Point. The study also found that nearly 4,300 tourism-related jobs were because of visitors.
Developers are promising that a $330 million renovation will make Dana Point “a pioneer of the future harbor lifestyle.” The harbor, which currently holds slips and mooring for 2,500 boats, will eliminate dock gates along a new boardwalk. The project will feature a seaside village with stores, a rooftop lounge and a surfing museum. There will also be a viewing tower, gardens and “the great lawn” for concerts or farmers markets.
Photo above is a rendering of some slips, the boardwalk without gates and an upscale hotel with a pool.
