"If you can't do it in flip flops, it's not worth doing." That's one of the mottos of Dana Point, the unpretentious, laid-back Southern California surf town with a magnificent thriving harbor and awesome beach vibe.
The area was named for American author Richard Henry Dana Jr., who in his 1840 memoir Two Years Before the Mast, described the locale as "the most romantic spot on the coast."
This portside community is situated in a natural cove bounded by dramatic cliffs on one side and the crystalline waters of the Pacific on the other. Today, it is an ideal weekend destination for a vast number of reasons. And with its incredible Southern California weather, opportunities for year-round outdoor activities abound.
Stay at Monarch Beach Resort
Visitors to Dana Point can stay anywhere from pitched seaside tents at Doheny State Park and cozy beach inns to magnificent five-star luxury oceanfront accommodations.
Perched on 172 picturesque acres overlooking the azure waters of the Pacific, Monarch Beach Resort is aptly-named for its butterfly-shaped bay, and it couldn't be a more perfect place to stay. The resort is classy casual elegance with a relaxed coastal ambiance, especially after a $40 million transformation and restyle celebrating its awe-inspiring landscape.
Accommodations range from richly-appointed seaside guest rooms to suites with private balconies. All sport custom furnishings, plush bedding, sea-inspired luxurious bathrooms with rainfall showers, deep-soaking bathtubs and every possible amenity.
Service at the resort is impeccable. Guests are treated like royalty from the moment the valet opens the car door to the attentive check-in staff and poolside servers.
Activities at the resort range from verdant green golf links to serene relaxing spa services, fun water sports, impressive fitness center, lawn games, massive oceanfront infinity pool and hot tubs and the secluded Monarch Beach. Chilling on the white-sand beach's Adirondack chairs with our feet in the sand, we were thrilled to see a baby whale and its mother cavorting along the shoreline.
Views from the main lobby balcony are simply spectacular. A violinist serenading visitors with hauntingly beautiful melodies at sunset set the perfect mood for magic. Outdoor firepits are impressively inviting, as is the lobby's flickering fireplace set in the relaxed living room of the 33 Degree North Bar.
Guests can participate in the resort's Design and Wine class where local artist and fine art painter Debra Slonim's patience and vivacious personality is comforting to even nervous non-artists like me. Novice artisans can create their own special masterpiece while enjoying the laughter and mingling with other aspiring painters in this magnificent coastal setting.
Get Up Close and Personal With the Bay
One of the few true sheltered harbors along the Orange County coast, Dana Point Harbor is homeport to a replica of Richard Dana's historic ship, The Pilgrim, that once sailed into the area from Boston. Now designated a California Historic Landmark, the brig serves as a living nautical classroom of the Ocean Institute.
Dana Point Marina is the jumping off point for dolphin and whale-watching and wine and sunset cruises. On a previous sail with Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale-Watching, we were treated to pods of playful dolphins frolicking about the waters and of course, a few sightings of migrating whales. The harbor is also popular with kayakers, stand-up paddlers and sail-lovers.
We were also treated to a fun-filled night of wine tasting aboard a 63-foot luxury catamaran on the OC Wine Cruise, a 90-minute calm-watered harbor excursion accompanied by fruit, cheese and soft jazz. Patrons sampled luscious red, white and rose wines from The Organic Cellar as the setting sun disappeared on the horizon, only to be replaced by a star-studded night sky.
There's nothing like starting the day with yoga cliffside at Lantern Bay Park, overlooking panoramic vistas of the harbor. These well-attended classes led by instructors from I Heart Yoga are donation-based and reflect California's quintessential coastal lifestyle at its best.
Then there are those amazing Pacific beaches immortalized in Beach Boys melodies. The powdery sands of resplendent Salt Creek Beach and Monarch Beach attract beachcombers and water enthusiasts. The Dana Point Harbor Beach, known as "Baby Beach," is popular for its calm and protected waters.
Dine on Delectable Coastal Cuisine
To the delight of the Dana Point locale, internationally-renowned chef Richard Sandoval brought his signature Latin flavors to RAYA in the Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel. Exquisitely-prepared Pan-Latin coastal creations feature locally sourced produce, sustainable seafood and organic meats.
The two-tier elegant yet relaxed restaurant with stunning ocean views features shared small and large plates. We started with a trio of Sea of Cortez oysters served with a chipotle-honey mignonette, then moved to a magnificent tasting of Charred Octopus with chorizo adobo.
Arroz Negro, with Maine lobster, prawn, mussel, calamari, Dungeness crab and Spanish chorizo with black forbidden rice, is a must-do for seafood aficionados. For landlubbers, the Lamb Shank Pibil with smoked bamboo rice, sweet plantain, spinach, cotija, and sour orange vinaigrette was downright incredible. Unsure about wine pairings? Servers here are also sommeliers who can suggest the perfect dinner combinations.
Coastal Kitchen in the heart of Dana Point is a delightful lunch choice. But a word of warning, this place fills up fast- and for good reason. The nautical-inspired navy and white décor are perfect, given the location. Food here is as fresh as it gets and hospitality is key.
Crab Cake Salad made with jumbo lump crab, arugula, Ruby Red grapefruit wedges with a champagne vinaigrette was extraordinary delightful. You won't find a Cuban sandwich this good in all of Orange County, and their red cabbage slaw is probably the best we've ever tasted-anywhere. But save room for dessert as we did with a shared piece of tantalizingly flavorful Key Lime Pie.
Bourbon Steak, a Michael Mina Restaurant, has been voted Orange County's #1 restaurant by the Orange County Register. One superbly exquisite dinner here and we understand why. This modern American steakhouse with breathtaking ocean views at Monarch Beach Resort managed to find the perfect combination of concocting the best cuisine with the highest quality ingredients. The result is a heavenly evening of palate-pleasing pleasures.
Shared appetizers like the Ahi Tuna Tartare were exactly the top-quality experience we expected but it was the 'Instant' Bacon, a pork belly with daikon, kimchi, masago arare and a bourbon-soy glaze, that blew us away and left us yearning for more.
Many entrees are finished table-side, a trademark of the award-winning restaurant. We chose a Chef Michael Mina signature dish to discover why these are designated winners. Now we know after sampling the Maine Lobster Pot Pie, served in a fabulous brandied lobster cream with market vegetables. Being a steak restaurant, our server recommended the Hay-Smoked Snake River Farms Rib Eye tasting. Suffice it to say, we've never had steak this flavorful or melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Too full for dessert? How about mini warm spiced beignets with a side of Vanilla Creme Brulee? Service here was spectacularly attentive without being obtrusive, a hallmark of a top-notch award-winning restaurant.
When all is said and done, it's hard to believe there's so much to do and see in the 6.4 square miles of Pacific paradise. As with any impressive coastal location, one visit is never quite enough.
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