Dana Point’s Best Condo Communities for Lifestyle & Investment Value

Dana Point, California, offers a rare blend of laid-back coastal living and exciting growth potential. From luxury villas overlooking the harbor to beachside retreats steps from the sand, the town’s condo communities deliver exceptional lifestyle perks – think ocean views, resort-style amenities, and walkability – and solid investment value. With a major $600 million Harbor revitalization underway and continued buyer demand, Dana Point condos are positioned for both immediate enjoyment and long-term gains. Below, we spotlight the top condo developments in Dana Point (as of 2025), complete with community highlights, pricing, HOA details, and why they’re so desirable.

Dana Point's Top Condo Communities

1. Lantern Bay Villas – Harbor Luxury & Walkability

Nestled on a bluff above the Dana Point Harbor, Lantern Bay Villas is one of the area’s most prestigious condo enclaves. This gated community of 122 upscale townhome-style condos was built in the mid-1980s, with many units boasting vaulted ceilings, wrap-around patios, and sweeping ocean and harbor views. Stroll five minutes down the hill to enjoy the revitalized Lantern District’s restaurants and the marina – location is a major draw here. Residents enjoy resort-caliber amenities including a clubhouse with gym and saunas, a pool and spa, lighted tennis/pickleball courts, and secure underground parking (with EV charging). For anyone seeking a spacious coastal retreat (homes range ~1,700 – 3,100 sq.ft.) that’s walking distance to the harbor, Lantern Bay Villas fits the bill.

• Price Range (2025): Approximately $1.4 million – $2.5 million+ for 2–3 bedroom units (recent sales average around $1.7M; prime remodeled units with ocean views can reach the mid-$2M range).
• HOA Fees: ~$800–$1,000/month, covering gated security and extensive amenities (pool, spa, fitness center, clubhouse, tennis courts, etc.).
• Key Amenities: Many units feature panoramic harbor/ocean views, generous patios, fireplaces, and private laundry. Community perks include a heated pool and spa, gym with sauna, clubhouse, and even a dog park. Walkability is excellent – Doheny State Beach, the harbor, and downtown Dana Point’s eateries are all just minutes away.

2. Niguel Beach Terrace – Beachside Vacation Vibes

For those dreaming of a beach retreat, Niguel Beach Terrace offers an unbeatable location. Situated directly across from Strand Beach (Strands Vista Park) in the Monarch Beach area, this condo community lets you walk from your door to the sand in under 10 minutes. Niguel Beach Terrace was built in the early 1980s and comprises 368 single-level condos (1-3 bedrooms, ~700–1,200 sq.ft.). The community has a laid-back, vacation-like atmosphere – perfect for a weekend getaway or investment rental. Residents and guests enjoy a pool, two spas, picnic areas, and a clubhouse amid tropical landscaping. Many units have been updated with modern beach-cottage decor to maximize rental appeal. With world-class resorts (Ritz-Carlton, Waldorf Astoria) and Dana Point’s best beaches and parks all nearby, Niguel Beach Terrace is all about location.

• Price Range (2025): $750,000 – $1.3 million. (One-bedroom units ~700 sq.ft. often trade in the $750K–$850K range, while updated 2-bedroom units near 1,100 sq.ft. can top $1M.) These condos offer a more affordable entry point for a beach-close address in Dana Point.
• HOA Fees: Around $500–$600/month. The HOA dues include water, trash and community maintenance, and have helped add features like EV charging stations on site.
• Key Amenities: Walk-to-beach convenience (Strand Beach is just across the street), a heated pool and spa, ocean-view greenbelts, and a clubhouse for gatherings. This community permits minimum 30-day rentals, which – combined with the location – makes it popular for seasonal rentals and second homes. Many owners tout the upcoming $600M Dana Point Harbor upgrades less than 2 miles away as a boost to future appreciation.

3. Monarch Bay Villas – Gated Hillside Views

Monarch Bay Villas is a hidden gem perched on a hill above the Monarch Beach Golf Links and shopping plaza. This small gated community of just 52 townhome-style condos sits on three quiet cul-de-sac streets and was built in the 1970s. What makes Monarch Bay Villas special is its sweeping coastal panorama – many homes have balconies with views of Salt Creek Beach, Catalina Island, and nearby resorts. The condos feature multi-level interiors and attached two-car garages. Recent community upgrades include new Spanish tile roofs and fresh exterior paint in 2022, enhancing curb appeal.

• Price Range (2025): Approximately $1.3 million – $2 million. Recent sales include a 2 bed/2.5 bath villa with panoramic ocean views asking ~$1.97M. Less updated or view-limited units trade closer to the $1.3–$1.5M range.
• HOA Fees: ~$550–$650/month, which covers gated entry and amenities: pool, spa, clubhouse with kitchen and billiards, fitness room, sauna, and a community BBQ area. Homeowners enjoy a private walking trail to Salt Creek Trail and beach access.
• Key Amenities: Panoramic ocean vistas, clubhouse, hilltop pool/spa, green spaces, and proximity to beach, golf, and shops. Great for buyers seeking security and tranquility.

4. Tennis Villas at Monarch Beach – Resort-Adjacent Living

Tennis Villas is located across the street from the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort and atop Monarch Beach Golf Links. This gated community offers 2- and a few 3-bedroom units with vacation-home vibes. Condos are ~1,000–1,400 sq.ft., single-level with private garages. The community is impeccably maintained and popular with residents and second-home owners who love walkable access to resort dining, tennis club, and Salt Creek Beach via a scenic path through the resort grounds.

• Price Range (2025): $1.1 million – $1.6 million. Upgraded units with ocean views trend higher; a rare 3-bedroom expanded unit listed at $1.75M recently.
• HOA Fees: $375–$500/month covering gated entry, landscaping, maintenance, plus a community pool and spa.
• Key Amenities: Access to Monarch Beach Tennis Club (membership required), quiet resort-like atmosphere with pool, spa, sun deck, fireplaces, and balconies. Enjoy a vacation-like lifestyle year-round.

5. Dana Bluffs – Capistrano Beach Panorama

Dana Bluffs is located in the Capistrano Beach area, offering unobstructed front-row ocean views of Doheny State Beach, Dana Point Harbor, and Catalina Island. These townhomes, built in the mid-1970s, have 2 and 3-bedroom layouts with attached two-car garages and multi-level living spaces to maximize views. Many units have been remodeled, and the community features a heated pool, spa, clubhouse, tennis/pickleball courts, and bluff-front green space.

• Price Range (2025): $1.3 million – $2.3 million, with higher prices for bluff-front upgraded units.
• HOA Fees: ~$450–$575/month covering pool, spa, clubhouse, courts, and bluff lawn maintenance.
• Key Amenities: Stunning white-water views, large decks, indoor/outdoor living, quiet neighborhood close to Doheny Beach and PCH.

6. Ritz Pointe (Monarch Hills Condos) – Affordable Coastal Haven

Within the guard-gated Ritz Pointe enclave next to Monarch Beach Resort lies the Monarch Hills Condos. Built in 1989, these Spanish-style 1- and 2-bedroom condos (700–1,200 sq.ft.) offer affordable coastal living with updated interiors and some ocean views from upper floors. Amenities include a main pool, three spas (including an ocean-view hilltop spa), clubhouse with gym, and lush greenbelts. A private trail connects Ritz Pointe to Salt Creek Beach.

• Price Range (2025): $650,000 – $1 million. 2-bedrooms ~1,100 sq.ft. generally sell near $950K; 1-bedrooms around $650K–$750K.
• HOA Fees: $480–$580/month covering gated security, pool/spa and clubhouse maintenance, trash, and insurance. A full plumbing repipe was completed in 2024.
• Key Amenities: Guard-gated security, clubhouse, fitness center, ocean-view spa, beach trail access, and proximity to golf course. Ideal for first-time buyers or investors seeking Monarch Beach lifestyle on a budget.

Dana Point Condo Market Trends (2025)

• Rising Prices: Median condo sale price was ~$887,500 in late 2024, edging closer to $1 million in 2025, while the overall median home price in Dana Point is about $1.9 million.
• Strong Demand, Low Inventory: Limited new construction and coastal constraints keep inventory low; many listings receive multiple offers, especially from out-of-area buyers.
• Faster Sales: Average days on market dropped to ~30 days or less, nearly 50% faster than a year ago.
• Slight Buyer Leverage: About half of sales have been at or below asking price recently, showing some room for negotiation except for premium units.
• Investment Outlook: Dana Point’s ongoing harbor and downtown improvements are boosting its profile and expected to support steady appreciation (~5–6% annually). Condos remain more affordable than Newport Beach or Laguna Beach, offering good upside potential.

For a deeper dive, see Why Invest in Dana Point Homes.

Dana Point’s condo communities offer diverse choices for homebuyers and investors alike, blending enviable coastal location, lifestyle amenities, and solid market fundamentals. Whether your dream is harbor-side luxury, beach proximity, or bluff-top panoramas, there’s a Dana Point condo ready to welcome you home.

Natalie Boyle
REALTOR®, Founder of Verso Homes (DRE #01329012)
Over 15 years helping South OC homeowners discover their perfect community.
Learn more about Natalie →