Between Los Angeles and San Diego is the city of Dana Point (population 34,000), a fantastic and relaxed surfing destination in Orange County, California. In this small, sparkling community, mansions in modern or grandeur-meets-mission style line the beach and nestle amongst the hills, vying to outdo each other with their spectacular outdoor showers and generous square footage. Range Rovers, Mercedes, and BMWs are just like grains of sand, and their population is tight and tanned. Lodging options for travelers range from luxury resorts to bed and breakfasts, but the big daddy of all of them, the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, offers a prime location with the best views, top bars and phenomenal restaurants, with ready access to the long, clear stretch of Salt Creek Beach. Here are some ways to enjoy a few days in this sunny, cash-rich surfing mecca.
Day 1: Surf
In any season, Dana Point is first and foremost a surfing destination.
The city’s rich surfing history includes being home to the surf publications Surf Journal and Surfer Magazine, and surf product companies such as Hobby Surf Shop. Part of the 1966 documentary Endless summer was filmed here, which has been widely credited with inspiring a global “surf and travel” culture and lifestyle.
Surfers at Dana Point are still mourning the death of Killer Dana, the iconic wave destroyed by the construction of the Dana Point Harbor in the 1960s. You can hear all about monster waves in their proper names KillerDana surf shop, where the staff will enthusiastically show you black and white images of the Killer Dana wave—before and after its destruction. They will happily recommend and debate amongst themselves the merits of varied local beaches: Doheny is suggested for novices, Salt Creek is the unanimous favourite, and Huntington Beach is the subject of much debate. You can buy surf gear and souvenirs at KillerDana, including surfboards, wetsuits, bikinis, flip-flops, flat-brimmed hats and unique socks. If you know your way around the waves, you can even rent surfboards and boogie boards for your own private surf adventure.
If you are new to surfing, there are many opportunities to learn. The Ritz-Carlton offers special surf lessons for guests of all skill levels, and lessons can even be found at small local businesses such as Girl in Curl which sells surfboards, beachwear, accessories, and kooky decor items for ladies and girls, in addition to offering surf lessons and camping.
Stunning Sunsets and Food You Won’t Forget
After a day of surfing or simply spotting surfers, you are ready for an evening of great views, food and drink. The best place to see the sunset at Dana Point is at 180 blue, a bar at the Ritz-Carlton perched atop a high cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, with uninterrupted views of Catalina Island. Arrive early for an amazing vantage point, and relax to the relaxing sounds of the waves, mellow lounge music and panoramic views as you sip cocktails (try the spicy-sweet Tamarind Togarashi Margarita) and tuck into some of the juiciest, juiciest oysters on the market half shell with chipotle-honey sauce and lime. After you have snapped your selfies against the pink and orange sky, and watched the sun disappear in blazing glory, head indoors for an unforgettable meal at Raya.
Chef de Cuisine Raya, Steve Wan, hails from Los Angeles and has worked in numerous culinary capacities at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel for more than a decade. Mr. Wan has expertly crafted a coastal pan-Latin menu with an Asian flair that includes flavors of Brazil, Peru, Mexico and Spain, but with a quintessentially southern California feel. The menu changes three times per year and is based on seasonal ingredients. The indoor restaurant has large windows to show off the same incredible ocean views as the outdoor bar, but you will not notice it anymore once you start eating. Start with a soft, savory Brazilian cheese roll topped with herb butter, but leave room for the rest. While Raya serves melt-in-your-mouth NY strip steak, and delectable wild mushroom flatbreads and truffle oil made with masa corn crust, the real star of the show is the seafood. For starters, try raw salmon on a sushi rice cake, served with a dramatic sizzle in a mini cast iron pan. Sushi-style salmon is seared on the outside by the hot pan, and the more you stir it, the more it will cook. Another great appetizer option is the ceviche tasting duo. On one side is sea bass seasoned with coconut milk and a pop of thai basil, balanced by a vibrant bite of sweet mango. On the other hand there’s savory ahi tuna with soy sauce and crispy vermicelli, served with crispy fried yucca and banana chips for dipping. Moving on to the main course, the seafood risotto brings together all the flavors of the sea—crab, shrimp, mussels, and calamari—on a saffron-scented al-dente risotto with an unforeseen burst of smoky chorizo. Raya’s wine list is spectacular, and you’d better let the expert staff select the wine pairings for each dish—from floral Sancerre to spicy, rich Cabernet Sauvignon. For dessert, a light and creamy panna cotta encrusted with a dollop of tangy passionfruit curd and chunks of crunchy merengue was the perfect delivery.
Day 2: Explore Dana Point
For early risers or those on the east coast, the Dana Point Headlands Trail is the perfect morning activity. Park your car at Strand Vista Park on Selva Road, and look for a path across the park. It’s more like a series of disjointed segments than a trace, but you can easily connect them to create your own path. Explore the territory of the endangered Pacific pocket rat dotted with cacti and bushes, take Insta-worthy shots at some of the fascinating scenery, breeze past the beachfront mansions, and see the dawn and early morning kayakers in the harbor from the bench above Hilltop Park.
One of the attractions of the Dana Point is its walkability. You can traverse the whole city from end to end and back on foot. Begin at the massive arch that marks the start of the Lantern District, at the south entrance of Del Prado Avenue where it intersects with the Pacific Coast Highway. Read about the town’s name, Richard Henry Dana, Jr., a Harvard-educated adventurer and author Two Years Before Mastwhich describes Dana Point and its neighbor, San Juan Capistrano, as “the only romantic places on the beach”.
Next, head to Bonjour Café and Bistro, which serves breakfast all day and is known for the best French toast in OC. If you prefer a savory breakfast, try la bouchée aux aspeges: asparagus, sun-dried tomatoes and brie with scrambled eggs on two puff pastry, topped with hollandaise. You can dine al fresco and folks watch here over coffee and a mellow samba soundtrack, but the menu strongly suggests leaving your laptop at home, reminding you that “This isn’t Starbucks… relax and enjoy your meal.”
Continue winding east on Del Prado Avenue, and turn right on Street of the Golden Lantern to head to Dana Point Harbor, where you can appreciate the savvy names of Dana Point resident boats and yachts (“Kiss My Bass” was once a favorite). . Follow the harbor boardwalk to browse specialty shops, or recharge with a latte, cake or ice cream from Coffee Importer.
On the way back, stop by Schwack Beach Grill (Schwack burger house) serves “Breki, Core, Din Din and Schwacketizers” to the beat of reggae music. This local favourite also gives ambitious or impulsive customers the chance to buy a $600 Combo: Schwack Burger (up to ten patties), fries, and a customized surfboard. The ahi tuna burger was also a hit.
Hours with the locals
For fun at Dana Point, head over to Spirits and Sounds of Calm Waters on Del Prado Avenue for craft cocktails, great food and a friendly live music scene. Parties take place here Wednesday through Sunday, with music ranging from 80s hits to classic rock. On Thursday nights, locals from all over OC come here for a relaxed dinner in front of a table fire on the stone patio, then move indoors for Sessions in Stillwater: a jam-night session with seasoned local musicians. There’s no extra charge, and the space is relaxed but stylish — clean and clearly designed for music, with a large stage in a corner of a high-ceilinged dark wood building with exposed beams and pipes. The walls are covered in black and white photography similar to the Prohibition era. The menu includes traditional bar favorites with a California twist, such as fish and chips with chili tempura, in addition to artisan sausages served with pretzels and homemade sauerkraut. Emerald green shishito peppers sautéed in olive oil and sea salt is a special and delicious appetizer. Edgar, the charismatic manager, mixes delicious and ingenious cocktails such as “The Last Cocktail”, with Plymouth gin, rosemary pear essence and sparkling wine or “Tito’s Negroni” which is given an aromatic touch of burnt orange zest. “Doc Brown’s Old Fashioned” contains pinot noir syrup for added depth. Dance is inspired.
Next morning
When you wake up to the sound of the waves crashing on the shore, you might wish you could spend more time at Dana Point. You’ll realize you never got the chance to mountain bike, stand-up paddle boarding, or whale watch here, and you will have an urge to practice yoga and meditation on the beach. Phone down and ask for a late checkout—48 hours is not enough.
