Guidebook to Dana Point
Food scene
J C Beans Inc
34114 Pacific Coast HwySTART THE DAY RIGHT WITH A LOCAL CUP OF JOE
Stuft Pizza
24821 Del Prado AveLocals LOVE Stuft Pizza! Dine-in or delivery ... both options are awesome.
Eat outside on the patio, enjoy live music, and eat the best Benedict and drink the best Bloody Mary known to mankind!
11 locals recommend
What A Dish Cafe & Catering
24921 Dana Point Harbor DrEat outside on the patio, enjoy live music, and eat the best Benedict and drink the best Bloody Mary known to mankind!
Stop by for a drink and happy hour and amazing sunsets at their sunset view lounge called 180blu.
42 locals recommend
The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Laguna Niguel
One Ritz Carlton DrStop by for a drink and happy hour and amazing sunsets at their sunset view lounge called 180blu.
RJ's Cafe
25001 Dana Point Harbor DrA local favorite of the locals for pet-friendly breakfasts.
Watch the ships sail in and out of the Harbor from this special spot. Nachos and Margaritas ... and a spot for dogs by the fire pit.
34 locals recommend
Wind & Sea Restaurant
34699 Golden LanternWatch the ships sail in and out of the Harbor from this special spot. Nachos and Margaritas ... and a spot for dogs by the fire pit.
Brio Tuscany Grill
24050 Camino Del AvionDelicious Italian fare that is a real favorite of the locals.
Eat here the day you explore Crystal Cove State Park in Newport Beach!
80 locals recommend
Beachcomber Cafe
15 Crystal CoveEat here the day you explore Crystal Cove State Park in Newport Beach!
Stella's
17 Monarch Bay PlazaFabulous Italian fare with live Saxophone most nights
Sightseeing
Dana Point Harbor
DAYS of fun, rentals, explorations, and even day camps!
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN ... Famous Doheny, long time home of quintessential California surfers.
94 locals recommend
Doheny State Beach
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN ... Famous Doheny, long time home of quintessential California surfers.
Trust me ... your experience will be magic! Whales, dolphins, sea lions, and all sorts of sea birds await you! One of my favorites!
26 locals recommend
Capt. Dave's Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari
24440 Dana Point Harbor DrTrust me ... your experience will be magic! Whales, dolphins, sea lions, and all sorts of sea birds await you! One of my favorites!
Catalina Express
34675 Golden LanternBuzz over for the day and experience Catalina!
PLAY and STAY! Or just PLAY! Enjoy an incredible golf experience ... very close to our back yard.
22 locals recommend
Monarch Beach Golf Links
50 Monarch Beach Resort NPLAY and STAY! Or just PLAY! Enjoy an incredible golf experience ... very close to our back yard.
Harbor Boat Rentals- Dana Point
24747 Dana DrRENT and GET OUT THERE!
Dana Wharf Whale Watching & Sportfishing
34675 Golden LanternGO WHALE WATCHING!
Visit their website for more details, scheduled programs, and children's programs and events.
40 locals recommend
Ocean Institute
24200 Dana Point Harbor DrVisit their website for more details, scheduled programs, and children's programs and events.
Favorite "easy access" beach. Park right at the sand, enjoy clean and public restrooms. and casual food and drink available at the Old Pier Site.
19 locals recommend
Aliso Beach
2 Monterey StFavorite "easy access" beach. Park right at the sand, enjoy clean and public restrooms. and casual food and drink available at the Old Pier Site.
Laguna's famous art scene can be experienced in any number of ways during the Sawdust Festival.
91 locals recommend
Sawdust Art Festival
935 Laguna Canyon RdLaguna's famous art scene can be experienced in any number of ways during the Sawdust Festival.
Great opportunity to see a terrific show! See the sights at the historic site of the first-ever Academy Awards.
539 locals recommend
Hollywood Pantages Theatre
6233 Hollywood BlvdGreat opportunity to see a terrific show! See the sights at the historic site of the first-ever Academy Awards.
The Getty
1200 Getty Center DrWorld Class
The Getty Villa
17985 Pacific Coast HwyA whole other side of JPGetty!
Rent bikes, surrey's, surfboards, pedal carts, volleyballs for the hour or the day. Totally awesome way to explore this beautiful park. PARK REQUIRES ADMISSION FEE, the rental center is ocean front. Park in the first lot to the right.
94 locals recommend
Doheny State Beach
Rent bikes, surrey's, surfboards, pedal carts, volleyballs for the hour or the day. Totally awesome way to explore this beautiful park. PARK REQUIRES ADMISSION FEE, the rental center is ocean front. Park in the first lot to the right.
City/town information
Home of a certain Race Track ... but much more. A quaint coastal city worth a visit.
180 locals recommend
Del Mar
Home of a certain Race Track ... but much more. A quaint coastal city worth a visit.
Take the morning train to Union Station. Then switch to the redline, and depart at Hollywood and Vine. Exit and behold the history of the Pantages as to rise out of the tunnel. Catch a show. Have breakfast at The Waffle, then walk amongst the Hollywood Stars, and then take on a Saturday or Sunday Matinee and travel home on the last afternoon train. Depart from Laguna Niguel station.
234 locals recommend
Los Angeles
Take the morning train to Union Station. Then switch to the redline, and depart at Hollywood and Vine. Exit and behold the history of the Pantages as to rise out of the tunnel. Catch a show. Have breakfast at The Waffle, then walk amongst the Hollywood Stars, and then take on a Saturday or Sunday Matinee and travel home on the last afternoon train. Depart from Laguna Niguel station.
San Luis Obispo
A really special destination.
San Clemente Pier
Great walkabout experience, dine on the Pier at Fisherman's Wharf.
Park at Heisler Park and have a drink and street taco at Las Brisas! Too much to do to list, but don't miss this artist colony called LAGUNA BEACH.
845 locals recommend
Laguna Beach
Park at Heisler Park and have a drink and street taco at Las Brisas! Too much to do to list, but don't miss this artist colony called LAGUNA BEACH.
SEE WHERE THE MOVIE BEACHES was filmed. Park across the street and take the shuttle bus for to get dropped at the door to paradise. Check out the BEACHCOMBER ... locals love it :)
101 locals recommend
Crystal Cove
SEE WHERE THE MOVIE BEACHES was filmed. Park across the street and take the shuttle bus for to get dropped at the door to paradise. Check out the BEACHCOMBER ... locals love it :)
Traveler advice
Getting around
Californians love their cars, and it shows!
It's true ... we love our cars! I love to drive and then set off from a central location. For example, I drive my car to Laguna Beach, park at Heisler Park, and then explore the beach walks, the shopping, the galleries, the dining, and the sights and sounds of paradise. Rinse and Repeat at ANY number of amazing cities within our county!
Don't miss
DANA POINT FARMER'S MARKET
Saturday 9:00 - 1:00 PM
La Plaza Park, Dana Point
Don't miss
Here in JULY? VISIT Pageant of the Masters
www.foapom.com
Check for information and the tickets. Truly, people travel from all over the world to attend this ARTREGOUS event :)
What to pack
Layer, Layer, Layer
Less is truly more here. Californians are COMFORTABLE and CASUAL. Be prepared to add layers in the early mornings and evenings, and shed them during the day time.
SUNGLASSES, HATS, and SUN PROTECTION. It's bright here!
A great book, because, yes, you are going to relax during this trip!
Don't bother with the beach stuff ... we've got it here for you already!
SHOES. You really need good support and comfort here. We walk a lot on all kinds of surfaces, so be prepared!
Book before you go
Plan ahead for the best experience
Try to plan ONE thing each day ... even if it's "walk on the beach" or "read another chapter." RESERVE all events you can BEFORE you arrive. The weather is quite consistent here and rarely causes your plans to be spoiled. It takes the worries away when the question "what are we doing tomorrow" is already answered!
Don't miss
Getting out on the water!
Newport Harbor is a sight that is easily explored by car, foot or sea. We enjoy renting a boat and have long used https://www.oceanquestoc.org/nbbr-book-now/