Guidebook for Dana Point
Everything Else
Go for a walk on the world renowned Strands beach at Sunset…it is what made us fall in love with Dana Point.
22 locals recommend
Strands Beach
34001-34099 Selva RoadGo for a walk on the world renowned Strands beach at Sunset…it is what made us fall in love with Dana Point.
The Dana Point Harbor is straight down Golden Lantern about a mile. Beautiful place to take a stroll. Kayaking, paddle boarding, whale watching tours, sailing, parasailing, sports fishing, sunbathing, restaurants, coffee shops, former home of the Pilgrim Ship and the Ocean Institute Adventure Camps. Baby Beach (located at the end of the harbor) is a great beach for kids.
The Dana Point Harbor is straight down Golden Lantern about a mile. Beautiful place to take a stroll. Kayaking, paddle boarding, whale watching tours, sailing, parasailing, sports fishing, sunbathing, restaurants, coffee shops, home of the Pilgrim Ship and the Ocean Institute Adventure Camps. Baby Beach (located at the end of the harbor) is a great beach for kids.
167 locals recommend
Dana Point Harbor
The Dana Point Harbor is straight down Golden Lantern about a mile. Beautiful place to take a stroll. Kayaking, paddle boarding, whale watching tours, sailing, parasailing, sports fishing, sunbathing, restaurants, coffee shops, former home of the Pilgrim Ship and the Ocean Institute Adventure Camps. Baby Beach (located at the end of the harbor) is a great beach for kids.
The Dana Point Harbor is straight down Golden Lantern about a mile. Beautiful place to take a stroll. Kayaking, paddle boarding, whale watching tours, sailing, parasailing, sports fishing, sunbathing, restaurants, coffee shops, home of the Pilgrim Ship and the Ocean Institute Adventure Camps. Baby Beach (located at the end of the harbor) is a great beach for kids.
Salt Creek Beach
Ritz Cove DrA bitchin' surf spot!
The outdoor patio bar overlooks the ocean and is an awesome place to sip a cocktail and watch the sunset. During the summer weekends, they often have musicians play.
42 locals recommend
The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Laguna Niguel
One Ritz Carlton DrThe outdoor patio bar overlooks the ocean and is an awesome place to sip a cocktail and watch the sunset. During the summer weekends, they often have musicians play.
Badlands Park
31671 Isle VistaThis mini hike has GORGEOUS vistas and views of the ocean.
San Clemente, Laguna Beach and San Juan Capistrano are all great towns to visit for the afternoon or evening, for shopping, art galleries and restaurants (All within a 10-20 minute drive).
- San Clemente is quaint Spanish style beach town, with a main street (called Avenida del Mar), with shopping, bar hopping and great restaurants.
o Take the 5 South, exit Ave Palizada, Right onto Avenida Palizada, Left onto N El Camino Real, Right onto Avenida del Mar.
o Our personal favorite restaurants are:
• The Beach Fire Grill, Nick’s and The Cellar.
66 locals recommend
San Clemente
San Clemente, Laguna Beach and San Juan Capistrano are all great towns to visit for the afternoon or evening, for shopping, art galleries and restaurants (All within a 10-20 minute drive).
- San Clemente is quaint Spanish style beach town, with a main street (called Avenida del Mar), with shopping, bar hopping and great restaurants.
o Take the 5 South, exit Ave Palizada, Right onto Avenida Palizada, Left onto N El Camino Real, Right onto Avenida del Mar.
o Our personal favorite restaurants are:
• The Beach Fire Grill, Nick’s and The Cellar.
Closest Grocery Store, CVS and Bank of America – Down Golden Lantern, about two blocks on the left.
33 locals recommend
Ralphs
28231 Crown Valley PkwyClosest Grocery Store, CVS and Bank of America – Down Golden Lantern, about two blocks on the left.
Trader Joe’s, 24 Hour Fitness, Chipotle, Blockbuster, Edwards Cinema, Jamba Juice & Yogurtland – Up Golden Lantern, about a mile and a half on the left.
28 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
32351 Golden LanternTrader Joe’s, 24 Hour Fitness, Chipotle, Blockbuster, Edwards Cinema, Jamba Juice & Yogurtland – Up Golden Lantern, about a mile and a half on the left.
Starbucks
34122 Pacific Coast Hwy• Starbucks - Down Golden Lantern and Right on PCH
about four blocks.
One of the best places for a Drink or Coffee with a View. Great view of the Dana Point Harbor.
56 locals recommend
Chart House
34442 Street of the Green LanternOne of the best places for a Drink or Coffee with a View. Great view of the Dana Point Harbor.
• Though we are not golfers, we’ve heard the Golf Course at the Monarch Beach Resort is terrific! - Head up Golden Lantern, Left on Stonehill, Right on Niguel Road, Left onto Monarch Beach Resort.
27 locals recommend
Monarch Beach Resort
Monarch Beach Resort North• Though we are not golfers, we’ve heard the Golf Course at the Monarch Beach Resort is terrific! - Head up Golden Lantern, Left on Stonehill, Right on Niguel Road, Left onto Monarch Beach Resort.
Dana Point Farmer’s Market – Saturday’s 9 am – 1 pm. (Located A few blocks from the BBH in front of Hennessey’s.)
10 locals recommend
Dana Point Certified Farmers Market
34111 La PlazaDana Point Farmer’s Market – Saturday’s 9 am – 1 pm. (Located A few blocks from the BBH in front of Hennessey’s.)
Pedego Electric Bikes in Dana Point has bikes available for rental by appointment.
Pedego Electric Bikes Dana Point
34186 CA-1Pedego Electric Bikes in Dana Point has bikes available for rental by appointment.
Food Scene
Best Breakfast/lunch – RJ’s – (down Golden Lantern just before the harbor on the Right). Our personal favorites are the Banana Pancakes and Eggs Florentine.
18 locals recommend
RJ's Cafe
25001 Dana Point Harbor DrBest Breakfast/lunch – RJ’s – (down Golden Lantern just before the harbor on the Right). Our personal favorites are the Banana Pancakes and Eggs Florentine.
Best local Bar – Hennessy’s – decent bar food (incl. fish and chips) with firepits and live music on occasion)
50 locals recommend
Hennessey's Tavern
34111 La PlazaBest local Bar – Hennessy’s – decent bar food (incl. fish and chips) with firepits and live music on occasion)
Taco Surf
16281 Pacific Coast HwyTaco Surf is a fun place to go for Taco Tuesday!
Craving a burger and a good beer selection? This is our favorite spot!
15 locals recommend
The Riders Club Cafe
1701 N El Camino RealCraving a burger and a good beer selection? This is our favorite spot!
J C Beans Inc
34114 Pacific Coast HwyOur favorite local coffee shop. Cute, cozy and friendly.
• Coastal Kitchen – A beautiful, upscale restaurant with a wonderful patio and delicious happy hour food & drinks! - Down Golden Lantern, Right on PCH, Coastal Kitchen will be on Left in a few blocks - 34091 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA, 34091
34 locals recommend
Coastal Kitchen
34091 CA-1• Coastal Kitchen – A beautiful, upscale restaurant with a wonderful patio and delicious happy hour food & drinks! - Down Golden Lantern, Right on PCH, Coastal Kitchen will be on Left in a few blocks - 34091 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA, 34091
• Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern – This restaurant is relatively new to us. We’ve been there once for a happy hour burger and it was pretty good! - Down Golden Lantern on the right, just before the Harbor - 25001 Dana Point Harbor Dr.
34 locals recommend
Jimmy's Famous American Tavern
25001 Dana Point Harbor Dr• Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern – This restaurant is relatively new to us. We’ve been there once for a happy hour burger and it was pretty good! - Down Golden Lantern on the right, just before the Harbor - 25001 Dana Point Harbor Dr.
• The Coffee Importers – in the Dana Point Harbor.
Outdoor coffee shop overlooking the boats with great sandwiches, soups, coffee and ice cream.
13 locals recommend
Coffee Importers
34531 Golden Lantern• The Coffee Importers – in the Dana Point Harbor.
Outdoor coffee shop overlooking the boats with great sandwiches, soups, coffee and ice cream.
• Luxe Restaurant and Martini Bar – Great martinis and bites! Good deals at happy hour. Down Golden Lantern, Right on Del Prado - 24582 Del Prado Ave.
10 locals recommend
Luxe Restaurant and World Famous Martini Bar
24582 Del Prado Ave• Luxe Restaurant and Martini Bar – Great martinis and bites! Good deals at happy hour. Down Golden Lantern, Right on Del Prado - 24582 Del Prado Ave.
Drinks & Nightlife
If you are in the mood for a 15 minute drive up the coast, the Rooftop Lounge in Laguna is gorgeous and a local hot spot.
56 locals recommend
The Rooftop Lounge
1289 S Coast HwyIf you are in the mood for a 15 minute drive up the coast, the Rooftop Lounge in Laguna is gorgeous and a local hot spot.
This is a casual, SoCal surfer style grill. Try their fish tacos…mmmmm!
29 locals recommend
The Shwack Beach Grill
24502 Del Prado AveThis is a casual, SoCal surfer style grill. Try their fish tacos…mmmmm!
In the mood for some good ole' country dancing? We are from Texas originally, so LOVE a good ole dive bar with boot scootin' & two stepping. Wear your cowboy boots! Bands on weekend evenings.
20 locals recommend
Swallows Inn
31786 Camino CapistranoIn the mood for some good ole' country dancing? We are from Texas originally, so LOVE a good ole dive bar with boot scootin' & two stepping. Wear your cowboy boots! Bands on weekend evenings.
• Hennessy’s – decent bar food (incl. fish and chips) with firepits and live music on occasion - A couple of blocks away!
50 locals recommend
Hennessey's Tavern
34111 La Plaza• Hennessy’s – decent bar food (incl. fish and chips) with firepits and live music on occasion - A couple of blocks away!
• Stillwater – Bar food, outdoor seating & occasional live music. – Down Golden Lantern, Right on Del Prado -24701 Del Prado Ave.
47 locals recommend
StillWater Spirits & Sounds
24701 Del Prado Ave• Stillwater – Bar food, outdoor seating & occasional live music. – Down Golden Lantern, Right on Del Prado -24701 Del Prado Ave.
Sightseeing
San Clemente, Laguna Beach and San Juan Capistrano are all great towns to visit for the afternoon or evening, for shopping, art galleries and restaurants (All within a 10-20 minute drive).
- San Juan Capistrano is a quaint historic town, home of the San Juan Capistrano Mission. Our favorite spots are:
o Swallow’s Inn - In the mood for some good ole' country dancing? We are from Texas originally, so LOVE a good ole dive bar with boot scootin' & two stepping. Wear your cowboy boots! Bands on weekend evenings.
o Hidden House Coffee – A coffee house with a good vibe, located on the Historic San Juan Strip
o Los Rios Historic District – One of the oldest residential streets in California, now home to teahouses, coffee shops, restaurants, gift shops, a petting zoo and a museum.
62 locals recommend
San Juan Capistrano
San Clemente, Laguna Beach and San Juan Capistrano are all great towns to visit for the afternoon or evening, for shopping, art galleries and restaurants (All within a 10-20 minute drive).
- San Juan Capistrano is a quaint historic town, home of the San Juan Capistrano Mission. Our favorite spots are:
o Swallow’s Inn - In the mood for some good ole' country dancing? We are from Texas originally, so LOVE a good ole dive bar with boot scootin' & two stepping. Wear your cowboy boots! Bands on weekend evenings.
o Hidden House Coffee – A coffee house with a good vibe, located on the Historic San Juan Strip
o Los Rios Historic District – One of the oldest residential streets in California, now home to teahouses, coffee shops, restaurants, gift shops, a petting zoo and a museum.
Mickey, Minnie, Princesses, Pirates…what’s not to love?
o Head North on the 5, Exit Harbor Blvd, Left on Harbor & follow the signs to Disneyland. Located in Anaheim. We suggest using the Waze App for directions to help route around SoCal traffic. (33 miles from the BBH)
3085 locals recommend
Disneyland Park
1313 Disneyland DrMickey, Minnie, Princesses, Pirates…what’s not to love?
o Head North on the 5, Exit Harbor Blvd, Left on Harbor & follow the signs to Disneyland. Located in Anaheim. We suggest using the Waze App for directions to help route around SoCal traffic. (33 miles from the BBH)
We’ve heard good things about Legoland from our friends with kiddos!
o Head South on the 5, exit Cannon Road, Left on Cannon, Right onto Legoland Drive. Located in Carlsbad, California (35 Miles from the BBH)
1249 locals recommend
LEGOLAND California
One Legoland DrWe’ve heard good things about Legoland from our friends with kiddos!
o Head South on the 5, exit Cannon Road, Left on Cannon, Right onto Legoland Drive. Located in Carlsbad, California (35 Miles from the BBH)
The BBH is about halfway in between Los Angeles & San Diego if you are looking for a day trip! LA is approximately 60 miles North and San Diego is approx. 60 miles South. (Wine country is approx. 60 miles East, in Temecula.)
234 locals recommend
Los Angeles
The BBH is about halfway in between Los Angeles & San Diego if you are looking for a day trip! LA is approximately 60 miles North and San Diego is approx. 60 miles South. (Wine country is approx. 60 miles East, in Temecula.)
The BBH is about halfway in between Los Angeles & San Diego if you are looking for a day trip! LA is approximately 60 miles North and San Diego is approx. 60 miles South. (Wine country is approx. 60 miles East, in Temecula.)
290 locals recommend
San Diego
The BBH is about halfway in between Los Angeles & San Diego if you are looking for a day trip! LA is approximately 60 miles North and San Diego is approx. 60 miles South. (Wine country is approx. 60 miles East, in Temecula.)
Baby Beach (located at the end of the harbor) is a great beach for kids.
20 locals recommend
Baby Beach
34451 Ensenada PlBaby Beach (located at the end of the harbor) is a great beach for kids.
The BBH is in the heart of the Lantern District! Stroll around the Lantern Districts to get a feel for this laid back Surfer Town!
Dana Point Lantern District Sign
24292 Del Prado AveThe BBH is in the heart of the Lantern District! Stroll around the Lantern Districts to get a feel for this laid back Surfer Town!