Construction activity continues to advance at Dana Point Harbor, with multiple components of the long-term revitalization project moving forward as the harbor enters another active phase in early 2026.
Phase 3 preparation is now underway, effective Jan. 5, 2026. In advance of upcoming landside demolition, a new construction fence line has been installed to clearly define the next work zone. Harbor officials say the updated perimeter is designed to enhance public safety while preserving access to the boardwalk and boater docks. Despite the shift in construction boundaries, all existing shops, restaurants, and excursion operators in both the Village and the Wharf remain open.
As part of the Phase 3 groundwork, crews are also in the process of transplanting and boxing mature trees and shrubs from the affected areas. These plant specimens are being carefully preserved offsite and will be replanted later as part of the final landscape plan, maintaining continuity with the harbor’s long-term design vision.
Separate but concurrent infrastructure work is also taking place near the fuel dock. As of Dec. 3, 2025, Bellingham Marine has mobilized at Puerto Place to complete the fuel dock tank replacement project. Temporary fuel tanks are now in service, and fuel remains available to boaters during construction. The area will continue to function as an active work site until the permanent fuel tanks are installed.
On the marina side, progress continues on the comprehensive dock replacement program led by The Marina at Dana Point. Construction on the new marina began Aug. 4, 2022, and is being completed across 15 strategic phases. A major milestone was reached on July 1, 2025, when the final phase of the West Basin Island opened for occupancy, completing eight phases and delivering 1,115 brand-new slips.
Additional momentum followed later in the year. Phase 9 opened Oct. 1, 2025, including the Dock of the Harvest Lantern and Dock of the Lavender Lantern. Demolition for Phase 10 began Oct. 6, 2025, with the new Dock of the Sage Lantern and Dock of the Admiral Lantern opening for occupancy by the end of the year. With these milestones, the marina redevelopment is now approximately two-thirds complete.
Work within the harbor’s commercial core has also reached an important transition point. Phases 1 and 2 of commercial construction, which included the three-tiered parking structure, underground utility infrastructure, and a new harbor entrance at Golden Lantern and Dana Point Harbor Drive, officially concluded July 2, 2025. These phases began March 1, 2024, and were designed to lay the groundwork for future waterfront development.
With those phases complete, Phase 3 of the Commercial Core is anticipated to begin in early 2026. This next stage will focus on development along the waterfront buildings. Harbor officials emphasize that the phased approach allows the harbor to remain open to the public throughout construction, minimizing impacts to parking, businesses, and shared public spaces.
The revitalization effort also includes significant hospitality development. On June 14, 2024, the California Coastal Commission unanimously approved plans by R.D. Olson Development, in partnership with the City and County, for two new hotels, Dana House and Surf Lodge. The approval followed nearly four years of negotiations and includes a community benefits package committing more than $6 million to Orange County-based service organizations over the life of the project. Dana Point’s Planning Commission unanimously approved the hotel plans on June 23, 2025.
Together, these coordinated construction efforts mark another major step in the Dana Point Harbor Revitalization, a multi-year project intended to modernize infrastructure, enhance visitor experience, and preserve the harbor’s role as a working and recreational waterfront. Harbor officials say additional updates will be provided as Phase 3 work officially gets underway in the coming weeks.
