DANA POINT — The Dana Point Harbor Revitalization Project continues to move forward on multiple fronts, with significant progress reported across the marina, commercial, and hotel components of the transformation. According to the April 2025 update from The Marina at Dana Point, tenants and harbor visitors can expect continued improvements as new phases open and construction milestones are reached.
Marina Revitalization Update
The Marina has reached a point where new slip assignments are actively being filled from the waitlist. Boats measuring 25, 26, 30, and 35 feet are currently being accommodated as slips become available. New tenants are being contacted and admitted on a rolling basis.
Phase 8, located on the West Basin Island, is now open for occupancy as of April 1, 2025. Docks near the Cardinal Lantern are seeing rapid development. Boaters who previously selected slips in Phase 8 will soon receive official notification with requirements for seaworthy assessments and ground fault leakage testing — both mandatory steps before moving in. Several vessels will transition directly from Phase 7.1 (East Half of E-Dock, West Island) to their new berths in Phase 8.
Tenants moving into Phase 8 are encouraged to schedule their assessments by calling the marina office at (949) 496-6137. The Marina continues to manage temporary relocation assignments, which are separate from the slip selection process. These assignments remain in place until a permanent slip is selected and becomes available for occupancy. Tenants who wish to change locations after moving in may request a transfer via the slip transfer list, maintained by the Marina for both new and legacy slips.
Looking ahead, Phase 7.1 construction began this month and is on track for completion and occupancy by July 2025. Once this phase concludes, the entire West Basin will feature brand-new docks and slips, marking a major milestone in the harbor-wide marina transformation.
Retail and Commercial Core Construction
Phases 1 and 2 of the commercial redevelopment began in March 2024, launching formal construction efforts for the three-tiered parking structure and a brand-new harbor entrance at the corner of Golden Lantern and Dana Point Harbor Drive.
Underground utility work for the area began in July 2024. On July 11, the first section of the parking structure’s slab was poured, and by October 23, 2024, the project reached its “topping out” milestone — the completion of the structure’s highest point. Installation of mature landscaping along Dana Point Harbor Drive began mid-March 2025, signaling continued aesthetic upgrades to complement the structural development.
Despite construction, harbor businesses remain open, including retail shops, waterfront restaurants, whale watching charters, sportfishing operations, and Catalina Express. Customer parking continues to be available in the main Mariner’s Village lot and on The Wharf, with phased construction designed to maintain public access and minimize disruption to tenants and visitors.
Following completion of Phases 1 and 2, Phase 3 will focus on new commercial development along the waterfront. Construction on this phase is expected to begin later in 2025. Phase 4 will address the redevelopment of existing buildings within The Wharf but will not commence until the successful completion of Phase 3.
Hotel Development
Progress also continues on the hospitality component of the revitalization project. On June 14, 2024, the California Coastal Commission unanimously approved the proposal for two new waterfront hotels. The plan, a collaboration between R.D. Olson Development, the City of Dana Point, and Orange County, represents nearly four years of planning and negotiations.
The approval includes a community benefits package valued at over $6 million, which will support local service organizations over the duration of the project. With Coastal Commission approval secured, the development team is now advancing through the City of Dana Point Planning Commission process to finalize design and building plans.
Looking Ahead
As the revitalization of Dana Point Harbor advances, stakeholders remain committed to balancing modernization with community values and environmental stewardship. From new slips and hotel amenities to enhanced public spaces and waterfront dining, the long-term transformation aims to create a vibrant, accessible, and world-class coastal destination.
For ongoing updates on construction phases, tenant notices, and harbor operations, visitors are encouraged to follow communications from The Marina at Dana Point and the Dana Point Harbor Partners.
