New and renovated hotels, recent restaurant openings and exciting wildlife viewing opportunities are happening in Dana Point in Southern California. The beach community has a rich history starting back in 1835, when Richard Henry Dana Jr., declared in his book "Two Years Before the Mast" that this area along the coast was one of the most romantic spots in the world.
NEW HOTEL OPENING: EL CAMINANTE BAR & BUNGALOWS
Perched along the Pacific Coast Highway and across from Capistrano Beach, a new romantic spot in Dana Point is the new El Caminante Bar & Bungalows. It opened last summer as an adult boutique Spanish hacienda getaway.
The lobby and each of the 30 thoughtfully decorated guest rooms have artisanal touches. Walk on custom Saltillo tile flooring and appreciate the hand-painted Talavera murals. The authentic antique Monterey furniture, vintage light fixtures, wet bar and in-room record player add to the ambiance of this property.
Open the hand-carved Dutch doors to allow a cool marine breeze inside. All ground floor bungalows have a fire feature on their semi-private patio. Enjoy a nightcap out on your patio while gazing up at the stars. Feel the warmth from your gas powered chiminea, while listening to the sound of nearby waves crashing. This multi-sensory experience induces relaxation for a good night's slumber.
The property invites guests to linger over handcrafted cocktails and shareable plates at 'The Bar', a lounge with outdoor terrace looking out to the Pacific Ocean. True to Dana Point's relaxed lifestyle, seating is comfortable while the staff at El Caminante prepare an array of coffee beverages in the morning, plus light breakfast items that include scones, quiche, toast and fruit.
Enhance your stay with wellness amenities such as sound bath sessions, complimentary electric bikes, California State Park passes, Hyperice massage equipment, and ALO Moves app workouts. Check for special offers throughout the year.
RECENT RESTAURANT OPENING
From oceanfront eateries to contemporary open-air restaurants, Dana Point’s dining scene is even more exciting with the opening of the nationally recognized Truly Pizza. This upscale, garden setting, two-story pizzeria offers an appealing menu. The owners and chefs make two different styles of uniquely different whole pizza pies.
Truly Pizza makes a variety of square focaccia crust and round pies. Order a cheese or charcuterie board and salad to enjoy while your pie is being made. The culinary team also makes gourmet sandwiches that go well with a regional craft beer or glass of wine. Be sure to finish your meal with their rotating soft serve sundae ice cream.
HOTEL REBRAND & RENOVATION: HILTON GARDEN INN
Near the Dana Point Harbor and across from Doheny Beach is the Hilton Garden Inn Dana Point-Doheny Beach. Debuting last summer after a $15 million dollar, the full-scale rebrand and renovation offers some exciting new activations and experiences.
The new family-friendly hotel has a new appealing beach-chic decor with soft blue colors and sandy neutrals that reflect its seaside location. Artwork and custom surfboards by designer R’Sleigh add the coastal surf theme.
Step into the lobby to check-in and notice the new grab-and-go shop for guests to purchase food and beverage items before a day at the beach, or to enjoy in your room.
Off the new lobby there is a eye-catching bar and full-service restaurant named Doheny Surf. It's also conveniently off the sparkling heated pool area for families to enjoy a meal before or after some pool time.
The menu at Doheny Surf is California-inspired during breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Menu favorites include egg dishes, fish tacos and black bean burgers made with local fresh ingredients.
Adult guests enjoy taking the elevator up to Longboards Rooftop bar for light bites, tropical drinks and local craft beers. This area is a favorite in the late afternoon for it's stunning sunset and ocean views.
All 298 guest rooms have standard and ocean view rooms with a new king bed or two queen beds. The top-level room is the spacious Surfside Suite with outdoor terrace.
All rooms and suites feature amenities such as ZERO% brand bath amenities, a mini-refrigerator, microwave, pod coffee maker, in-room safe and 55-inch flat screen television.
Recognizing the needs of travelers with pets, the hotel offers pet-friendly rooms for a comfortable stay for all guests.
Other property offerings include a heated swimming pool, fitness center with new Peloton equipment, and washer and dryer facilities.
DANA POINT HARBOR REVITALIZATION PROJECT
Dana Point Harbor broke ground on a multi-million-dollar renovation in 2021. This seven-year revitalization project is reconstructing the commercial core of the marina, plus restoring the docks and developing two brand new hotels: Dana House and Surf Lodge. The project includes almost 1000 new parking spaces, plus new shops and restaurants.
Since Dana Point is the 'Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital in the World,' be sure to reserve a Dana Wharf whale and dolphin watching tour. It's been around since 1971, when it was the first whale watching company in Orange County. A marine naturalist and the captain inform guests about the abundant ocean life along the Dana Point coastline.
Seasonally, the water around Dana Point attracts thousands of gray whales, humpbacks, and blue whales in the summer. Year-round, guests can see fin whales, minke whales, thousands of dolphins and even a few sharks.
At the Dana Point Harbor locals and visitors can take a 90-minute boat trip on a Catalina Express ferry to the town of Avalon on Catalina Island.
Explore European-inspired charm paired with modern experiences, from a two-hour zip line tour to off-road wilderness experiences with sweeping ocean views. Take one of the guided wildlife tours through its rugged interior, and be sure to enjoy a meal at one of its newest beachfront restaurants before getting back on the Catalina Express to go back to Dana Point.
