to the Harbor and amphitheater-like setting beckon the brides to be. For the same reasons the betrothed choose to exchange their vows in Heritage Park, couples seeking a unique spot for a romantic picnic also pick this grand outdoor space. And if a couple isn’t from the area, a pic- nic basket can be prepared by local retailers who will be more than happy to oblige and prepare a meal. Couples can relax together with a massage at the full-service Spa at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott, which created a menu of treatments specifi- cally for two. Inside awaits a 14,000-square-foot facility where couples can let go of their troubles and take advantage of the deluxe spa suite with private outdoor whirlpool tub, steam show- ers and a treatment room built for two. Spa treatments range from 60 to 90 minutes. The Sig- nature Couples Retreat, for example, is a custom massage for two that ends with some downtime in a private whirlpool and a glass of Champagne and strawberries. Dana Point’s eateries rival those from across
Southern California. Couples can share a roman- tic meal — overlooking Dana Point Harbor — at Cannon’s Seafood on Green Lantern or satisfy their appetite at Salt Creek Grille on Pacific Coast Highway. Round out the evening by satiating the sweet
tooth at 180blu, a dining lounge within the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. The restaurant offers ocean-front dining and specialty mixed drinks from the bluffs above Salt Creek Beach. Head straight for the hand-crafted confections and try 180blu’s dessert sampler or pick two items and share the delights. It’s a sweet way to top off the evening. Couples looking for entertainment will enjoy the live music Friday and Saturday nights. Richard Henry Dana, Jr. could hardly have
imagined this rugged coastline as more roman- tic, yet more than 150 years later, the city named for him continues to live up to its first notable description.
Girls WEEKEND Leave behind your worries and meet up with
friends in scenic Dana Point and discover the perfect coastal retreat to celebrate an occasion, bond with friends and spend time in the fresh air.
What’s a girl’s trip to Dana Point without some fun in the sun? Visitors seeking rays without the hassle of sand can lounge in the outdoor playground at Salt Creek Beach off Pacific Coast Highway. With its gradually sloping hills amid 18 sprawling acres, Salt Creek Beach is a sunbather’s paradise. If beach-goers don’t mind a little sand, head down toward the water, spread out a blanket and while away the hours on the pristine beach. Pick up a box lunch at one of a dozen nearby eateries or stroll over to the snack shack. Meals can be enjoyed on the picnic tables that dot the expansive park or picnic-style on the grass or sand. The killer views of the water and the surfers below, round out the experience.
30 DESTINATION Dana Point
Yoga at Doheny State Beach. Photo: Rod Foster
Parking is available for a fee in the garage. Reach a zen-like state with a session of yoga.
A group of girlfriends can clear their minds and stretch out their bodies at Sun Salute Yoga Stu- dio on La Plaza, just off Pacific Coast Highway. Classes can be purchased individually or in monthly or yearly memberships. Sun Salute also offers outdoor classes at nearby parks — a real treat — so participants can seek inner peace and do it as the sun rises or sets. Wine chicks will love a tasting at Da Vine
Food & Wine in Dana Point Harbor. Owners Marla and Steve Balmuth select wines only from small-production or boutique wineries, mean- ing customers taste vino that’s as unique as it is flavorful. To complement their wine, customers can also order a cheese platter or appetizers, which rotate seasonally. The owners bring years of experience to the table and impart their knowledge on the subtleties and notes in each glass.
While at the Harbor, why not shop ‘til you
drop? In an open-air atmosphere, shoppers can find just the right gift for a loved one or beloved keepsake for themselves. Whether it’s the bling of Harbor Jeweler, contemporary styles of White Pelican or the offerings of dozens of other
GIRLS’ WEEKEND ACTIVITIES
Yoga – outdoors Sunbathe at Salt Creek Beach Go to a Wine Tasting
Dine out at a Fabulous Restaurant Spend a Night out Listening to Live Music
stores, the Harbor provides plenty of options. Across town, at the city’s first shopping center, Monarch Bay Plaza’s boutiques and salons can prep any party for a night on the town. It’s also a convenient spot to grab a coffee, snack or meal. For a night out, Mahe’s dishes make any occa- sion special. The restaurant on Dana Point Har- bor Drive features indoor and outdoor seating as well as a sushi bar and teppan tables. In ad- dition to traditional sushi plates, the eatery puts its own spin on the Japanese fare with menu items like the Heat Wave — a combination of spicy tuna, crab, jalapeños, cream cheese, salmon, soy paper and light tempura. From the dinner menu, pick the mochiko chicken — a Statler breast made crispy and flavored with tahini, chiles and soy sauce. Beyond sushi and seafood, try Salt Creek
Grille on Pacific Coast Highway, Luciana’s on Del Prado or Brio Tuscany Grille on Camino Del Avion. After delighting in a finely prepared meal,
tap into Dana Point’s nightlight. Customers at Mahé can stick around for live music or try the righteous tunes on Pacific Coast Highway at StillWater Spirits and Sounds. With “sounds” in its name and an electric guitar in its logo, the restaurant takes its music seriously and brings in bands nearly every night. Also, consider Hen- nessey’s Tavern and the fourth-floor patio bar Vivo at the Doubletree Suites. With all its restaurants, businesses and activi-
ties, options to go, see and do in Dana Point are limitless.
Dana Point for Guys A bachelor’s weekend. A reunion with old
friends. A corporate outing. Dana Point knows how to make a guys’ gathering one to remem- ber. The Monarch Beach Golf Links is truly a
golfer’s paradise. The 18-hole stretch tucked behind the St. Regis Resort offers scenic ocean views and an unrivaled golfing experience. The course’s claim to fame is a two-hole
Wine tasting at DaVine Food & Wine. Photo: Rod Foster
stretch that runs right along the Pacific Ocean. The par 4, third hole is the first of these ocean holes, and it is about as Pebble Beach-esque as golfers can get. The hole doglegs to the left but the tee box is set up so players are looking directly at the rolling waves of the Pacific. As you approach the green, you will marvel at how close you really are — no more than a short chip shot — to the water. The sound of waves crashing into the sand serves as the back- ground soundtrack for you as you putt. The golf course is not extremely difficult, but it is a challenge. Luckily, there are several sets of tee boxes to choose from that help accommo- date all skill levels. If you’re looking to splurge a bit while on a weekend getaway, Monarch Beach Golf Links is the perfect place to do it. Across town, the crew can grab drinks at one of Dana Point’s famous watering holes: Turk’s. The bar overlooking the wharf is covered in
DANA POINT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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