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is a city located in southern Orange County, California. The population was 35,110 at the 2000 census, making it Orange County's 26th most populous city out of 34. 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 and was home to a legendary surf break called Killer Dana.
The city was named after the headland of Dana Point, which was in turn named for Richard Henry Dana, Jr., author of
, which included a description of the area. Dana describes the locale, including neighboring San Juan Capistrano, as "the only romantic spot in California". Although Dana describes the anchorage as poor, it is the best available in the vicinity, and is now a developed harbor containing a museum replica of his ship, the
. This area is designated California Historical Landmark #189.
One of the very few known specimens of the megamouth shark was caught off Dana Point in 1990.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 76.2 km² (29.4 mi²). 17.2 km² (6.6 mi²) of it is land and 59.1 km² (22.8 mi²) of it (77.45%) is water.
Dana Point headlands are a prominent feature in Orange County geography and after years of controversy, , are current being developed as a 118 house gated community.
However of the site will open to the public and will feature a nature center as well as 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. Nature center and trails will open to the public in spring 2009.
It is bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the south and southwest, Laguna Beach on the northwest, Laguna Niguel on the north, San Juan Capistrano on the northeast, and San Clemente on the east.