With top-notch dining, beach-chic hotels and one of the few harbors along the Orange County coast, Dana Point delights locals and visitors alike.
Bourbon Steak Orange County’s dining room PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS
BOURBON STEAK ORANGE COUNTY
Inspired by the modern American steakhouse experience, chef Michael Mina’s Bourbon Steak Orange County at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club currently highlights delectable summer dishes like grilled Spanish octopus, Pacific Coast oysters and Snake River Farms American wagyu tomahawk. This season, diners can enjoy contemporary takes on classic 20th-century cocktails through the Old School New School Cocktail Program, and those celebrating graduations can opt for a group package with a custom beverage and three-course menu. waldorfastoriamonarchbeach.com
CRAFT HOUSE
Opened in 2016 by Orange County native Blake Mellgren, Craft House offers weekend brunch, daily dinner and social hour throughout the week. Sip a handmade cocktail or local beer before digging into a wagyu steak burger, grilled meatloaf or the Craft House Clam Chowda. eatatcrafthouse.com
GLASSPAR
This classic American seafood hall helmed by chef Rob Wilson will feature summer dishes such as salmon tartare, charred Spanish octopus and hearty salads like the salad Lyonnaise and duck confit and tuna carpaccio niçoise. Pull up a seat at the raw bar or find a spot on the outdoor patio where fire pits illuminate the space. glasspar.com
Enjoy fresh oysters at the oceanfront RAYA. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS
KNIFE MODERN STEAK
Award-winning chef John Tesar is bringing his beloved Texas-based steakhouse Knife to Dana Point. Located at Laguna Cliff s Marriott Resort & Spa in the former Outer Reef space, Knife Modern Steak will serve the brand’s popular dry-aged premium steaks, seafood, burgers and salads paired with impressive wines and innovative cocktails. Experience breakfast, lunch or dinner in the restaurant’s chic dining room or on its string-lit outdoor patio overlooking the breathtaking coastline. marriott.com
RAYA
Tucked within The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, RAYA is perched high above the Pacific Ocean, where floor-to-ceiling windows reveal the crashing waves below. Open seven days a week, RAYA invites guests to journey through Latin America with chef Richard Sandoval’s flavorful dishes during breakfast, Sunday brunch, lunch and dinner. ritzcarlton.com
THE RITZ-CARLTON, LAGUNA NIGUEL
Perched atop an oceanfront bluff, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is an unforgettable SoCal escape. Stay in a luxe coastal-inspired room, enjoy cocktails overlooking the Pacific at 180blu or let the concierge set you up on the sand. A culinary series features seaside dining experiences, from barbecues with pitmasters to a beachside beer festival, and Saks Fifth Avenue’s The Fifth Avenue Club offers personal styling and shopping services to hotel guests and locals this summer. ritzcarlton.com
The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel offers skin therapies and massages in 12 treatment rooms. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS
WALDORF ASTORIA MONARCH BEACH RESORT & CLUB
Equipped with a private beach club and sprawling golf course, Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club offers unique experiences for visitors of all ages. Its blissful rooms and suites have fireside terraces, and the resort offers plenty of upscale food and drink options at Bourbon Steak Orange County, AVEO Table + Bar and more. This summer, pick up a curated picnic basket at Part + Parcel Market, enjoy Pageant of the Masters activities sponsored by the resort, or hit the water with the 30-minute “no-fail” surflesson. waldorfastoriamonarchbeach.com
LAGUNA CLIFFS MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA
Tucked just steps from the Dana Point Harbor, Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa offers guests two outdoor pools, nearby hiking trails and a Kahuna Kids Club for the little ones. Book the Discover Dana Point package to enjoy a buffet breakfast, dining credits and a complimentary beach bag to take home. Make a reservation at the new Knife Modern Steak to enjoy a dinner to remember. marriott.com
Stay in a coastal-inspired room with an ocean view at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS
SPA AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, LAGUNA NIGUEL
The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton is a must for anyone wanting a sensory wellness experience. Skin therapies and massages offered in 12 treatment rooms utilize sea salt, minerals and water, a nod to the resort’s coastal theme that will leave guests feeling soothed and recharged. The spa’s featured treatment, the Laguna Wellness Experience, is a firming, hydrating and detoxifying treat inspired by local surroundings. ritzcarlton.com
WALDORF ASTORIA SPA
Curating personal experiences for its guests, Waldorf Astoria Spa’s wellness packages and seasonal offerings consider your overall well-being and mindfulness. Try modern therapies and favorites ranging from a signature CBD massage to a personalized facial with organic algae extracts in beautiful natural surroundings that promote relaxation and self-care. waldorfastoriamonarchbeach.com
TAKE A STROLL IN THE DANA POINT HARBOR
Visit Dana Point Harbor for aquatic activities like sailing, whale- and dolphin-watching, parasailing, fishing and more, as well as prime shopping and dining at the array of shops and eateries. danapointharbor.com
Enjoy a private beach club and sprawling golf course at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDS
ENJOY A BEACH DAY AT DOHENY STATE BEACH OR SALT CREEK BEACH
Take in some sun or enjoy surfing, camping, volleyball and picnicking at one of these idyllic beaches. Doheny State Beach will host the Ohana Festival in late September featuring musical performances by The Killers, Foo Fighters and more.
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