The Aaronson Group
Luxury Coastal Real Estate – OC
Courtesy: Katrina Foley oc.gov
Local Area — Dana Point
Dana Point Harbor Revitalization 2026: Where the Project Stands and When It Finishes
What phase is the Dana Point Harbor Revitalization in right now? As of mid-2026, the harbor is in Phase 3 of the Commercial Core (Mariner’s Village), with landside demolition underway since February 2026 and completion targeted for late 2026. The marina is past two-thirds complete and into Phase 12 of 15.
The $600 million transformation of Dana Point Harbor is no longer a rendering on a wall. Construction is active across the waterfront, permits are in place, and the capital is committed. For buyers and sellers along the South Orange County coast, the timeline matters: properties closest to the harbor are still being priced against what the harbor is today rather than what it becomes when the work is done.
Here is a clear, current breakdown of the three components in motion, the active phase in each, and the completion windows that shape value in Dana Point.
The Current Phase: Commercial Core Phase 3 (Mariner’s Village)
The most visible work happening on land today is Phase 3 of the Commercial Core. Landside demolition commenced in February 2026, clearing the way for the largest stage of the harbor’s land redevelopment.
What it includes.Seven new waterfront commercial buildings with distinctive four-sided coastal architecture, over 100,000 square feet of curated restaurant and retail space, rooftop decks, outdoor event areas, fire pits, and public green space. A food hall concept called Boathouse is part of the plan.
Target completion.The Commercial Core (Mariner’s Village, Phase 3) is targeted for late 2026. Phases 1 and 2, the three-tiered parking structure, underground utilities, and the new harbor entrance at Golden Lantern and Dana Point Harbor Drive, were completed in July 2025 and are already open to the public.
Still open during construction.The harbor remains accessible throughout. The Wharf is open for business, including whale watching, sport fishing, and Catalina Express, and the boardwalk and boater docks stay reachable.
Properties closest to Dana Point Harbor are still being priced against what the harbor is today, not what it becomes when the new waterfront is complete.
The Marina: Past Two-Thirds Complete
The marina rebuild began in August 2022 and is divided into 15 strategic phases. It is the furthest along of the three components and is running ahead of schedule.
Where it stands.The West Basin Island wrapped in July 2025, marking 50 percent completion and 1,115 brand-new slips. Phase 9 opened in October 2025, Phase 11 in the East Basin Island opened for occupancy on May 15, 2026, and Phase 12 demolition is now underway. The marina has surpassed two-thirds completion of the 15-phase plan.
Built to last.The new docks use all-fiberglass construction with no treated wood and no ferrous metals, making this one of the most environmentally advanced marina systems in the country. Full marina completion is projected for 2027.
The Hotels: Approved, Now Awaiting a Lease Vote
The hospitality component covers two new hotels, the Dana House and the Surf Lodge. The California Coastal Commission unanimously approved the plan in June 2024, and Dana Point’s Planning Commission followed with approval in June 2025.
Current status.The hotel construction is on hold after the Orange County Board of Supervisors delayed a vote in June 2026 on the long-term ground leases required to proceed. The item was continued to the August 11, 2026 meeting. This is the one piece of the project with an open question on timing.
Courtesy: 70degrees.org
The Completion Timeline at a Glance
Component
Current Phase
Target Completion
Commercial Core
Phase 3, Mariner’s Village, demolition since Feb 2026
Late 2026
The Marina
Phase 12 of 15, past two-thirds complete
2027
The Hotels
Approved, ground-lease vote continued to Aug 2026
Pending (targeted ahead of LA28)
The broader project is being delivered in overlapping phases through roughly 2027 to 2028. The expanded boardwalk and finished waterfront are expected to be in place for the 2028 Summer Olympics, when Dana Point is slated to host international sailing events.
When finished, the waterfront boardwalk will more than double, creating a continuous walkable path from Doheny State Beach to Baby Beach, one of the longest waterfront promenades on the West Coast.
What It Means for Dana Point Buyers and Sellers
Major coastal amenity completions tend to reprice the homes around them. The harbor is mid-transformation, which gives buyers a window and gives sellers a story.
For buyers.Homes within walking distance of the harbor, including the Lantern District, Lantern Bay Estates, and Dana Bluffs, are already seeing stronger demand. Buying ahead of the finished waterfront means positioning before the completion premium is fully priced in.
For sellers.Proximity to the future harbor is a genuine value driver worth emphasizing in listings. A buyer who understands the phased timeline understands what they are buying into, not just the view today, but the world-class coastal hub it is becoming.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Dana Point Harbor Revitalization be finished?The Commercial Core (Mariner’s Village) is targeted for late 2026 and the marina for 2027, with the full project delivered in overlapping phases through roughly 2027 to 2028. The expanded boardwalk and waterfront are expected to be ready for the 2028 Olympic sailing events.
Is Dana Point Harbor still open during construction?Yes. The harbor is being built in phases specifically to stay open. Shops, restaurants, whale watching, sport fishing, Catalina Express, the boardwalk, and boater docks all remain accessible, and the new parking structure offers four hours of free parking.
Will the harbor project raise home values in Dana Point?Coastal amenity upgrades of this scale typically support property values nearby, and demand near the harbor is already increasing. The timing advantage favors buyers and sellers who understand the phased completion schedule today.
Thinking About Dana Point?
Kevin Aaronson and The Aaronson Group have closed more than 1,000 homes and over $750M in career sales along the South Orange County coast. If you are weighing a move near Dana Point Harbor, whether buying ahead of completion or positioning a home to sell, we can walk you through exactly what the timeline means for your property.
Call or email The Aaronson Group — 949-388-5194 • info@previewochomes.com
