By Liran Hashalom
The Dana Point Harbor revitalization began in August 2022 and is expected to be completed by 2028. The project is a phased redevelopment that will modernize the marina, rebuild aging docks and boat slips, and redesign the commercial area with new restaurants, retail shops, plazas, and waterfront walkways. Construction of the first two phases of the Commercial Core began in early 2024. The project will add 120,000 square feet of new retail, shops, and restaurants. Plans also include two new hotels, upgraded parking and infrastructure, improved public spaces, and better pedestrian access. So far, new parking structures and entrances have been added, and some businesses have closed. Harpoon Henry’s, a restaurant that had been at the harbor for decades, permanently closed at the start of 2025 in part due to the revitalization. The renovation is happening because much of the harbor was built in the 1970s and had become outdated and expensive to maintain. The docks, plumbing, electrical systems, and buildings were aging, and safety standards and boat sizes have changed, making full modernization more practical. Orange County, which owns the harbor, also aims to improve tourism and revenue by creating a more modern “coastal village” feel. However, some locals have expressed concerns that the revamp may reduce the harbor’s original character, with some saying, “Don’t Newport my Dana Point.”