Dana Point Harbor’s multi-year revitalization continues to move forward on both the water and the waterfront, with recent marina milestones unfolding alongside the start of major landside work that will reshape the commercial core over the next several years.
On the marina side, Phase 9A officially opened for occupancy on October 1, 2025, right on schedule. The phase includes G40 and G41, Dock of the Lavender Lantern, and staff report that slips filled immediately. With those berths now online, attention has shifted to the east basin island for Phase 10. Demolition wrapped up on the retired K and L docks after boaters cleared the area in late September, allowing contractors to move directly into construction of two new lantern-themed dock facilities: G38, Dock of the Sage Lantern, and G39, Dock of the Admiral Lantern. Slip selection for these areas is underway, and boaters interested in relocating to the east basin island are being encouraged to monitor their inboxes for selection notices and scheduling updates.
The next major movement window arrives with Phase 11. Beginning in mid-November, all vessels berthed on east basin island docks G, H, I, and J will begin receiving temporary relocation assignments. A firm deadline of December 31, 2025, has been set for these moves. To avoid missed communication, the marina will send relocation letters through both email and regular mail. Staff emphasize that construction and commissioning remain on pace and that the lantern-named dock system continues to improve utility standardization, safety, and long-term reliability as each section comes online.
While progress continues on the water, a significant shift is taking place along the waterfront. In mid-November, fencing and wayfinding signage were scheduled to go up in preparation for Phase 3 of the commercial core revitalization. This phase marks the start of demolition and construction for seven new waterfront buildings that will replace the aging structures along the harbor’s edge. Once complete, the new buildings will introduce more than 100,000 square feet of freshly imagined restaurant and retail space, all designed with four-sided coastal architecture meant to frame the water from every angle.
Surrounding these future buildings will be expanded parkscapes, upgraded gathering areas, new public art, and soft seating designed to host concerts, small events, and year-round community programming. Phase 3 is expected to conclude in 2027 and represents the most extensive chapter of the commercial buildout so far.
This transition follows months of tenant relocations completed earlier this year. With the former buildings preparing for demolition, long-time harbor businesses moved into the Wharf and remaining Mariners Village buildings. By August, the Wharf reached full occupancy, welcoming Art Sea, Gift Chateau, Frisby Cellars, Vintage Yacht Club, and the newly arrived Coco Bloom Coffee. Mariners Village saw Bella Bazaar return to its former storefront, joining neighbors such as Gemmell’s and The Brig. Harbor staples including Jon’s Fish Market, Beach Harbor Pizza, Proud Mary’s, Turks, Wind & Sea, and The Brig remain open throughout construction.
“It remains a top priority to keep the harbor open to support our local business owners and provide community access throughout each phase,” said Scott Burnham, CEO of Burnham-Ward Properties and partner of Dana Point Harbor Partners. Burnham-Ward leads the landside revitalization effort and has overseen the recently completed parking structure at the Golden Lantern entrance, which opened in July with more than 980 spaces, EV charging, improved accessibility features, and energy-efficient systems.
The broader commercial core redesign spans five phases and will ultimately introduce twelve new multi-tenant buildings featuring chef-driven restaurants, an expanded retail footprint, and a signature food hall called The Boathouse. Rooftop decks, additional outdoor seating, and a significantly enlarged waterfront boardwalk will enhance public access from Doheny State Beach to Baby Beach, creating one of the largest walkable harbors on the West Coast.
“This is the largest and most challenging phase in the landside construction process, which will ultimately deliver an unmatched waterfront experience,” said Bryon Ward, President of Burnham-Ward Properties and partner of Dana Point Harbor Partners. He emphasized that the new structures are designed to meet modern safety, sustainability, and accessibility standards while creating opportunities for new experiences and gathering spaces.
Meanwhile, the marina revitalization under Bellwether Financial continues to advance. With Phase 10 underway and the West Basin completed, the new docks feature updated electrical and fire safety systems, nonferrous materials, ADA-compliant gangways, enhanced lighting, and in-slip pumpouts for vessels thirty feet and longer. The marina surpassed fifty percent completion in July 2025, and crews remain on track as they work through remaining phases.
Boaters with questions about slip selection, temporary assignments, or construction timing are encouraged to contact the marina office directly at (949) 496-6137 or visit in person for assistance. As staff put it, everything is “looking great and moving right along.”
