Three Reasons People Love Living in Dana Point

 

When people think of California, they most often think of Southern California. Attractions like Hollywood, Los Angeles, and the miles of stunning coast have drawn visitors from around the world.

Dana Point offers all of the beauty and culture that cities like L.A. or San Diego have without the same bustle. There’s no shortage of fine dining opportunities. Some offer the height of luxury, while others promise sophistication with a family’s touch. You could spend hours walking along the coast and never run out of things to see. 

Of course, if you visit Dana Point, you have to go to the beach, but there are still hidden gems where you’re sure to get a stretch of sand to yourself. Here you’ll never be far from a breathtaking view at any number of the Dana Point attractions.

If you’re looking for the finest of fine dining, 180BLU is sure to exceed your expectations. This luxury restaurant is located within the Ritz-Carlton and offers a very different experience than the hotel’s other restaurant. The atmosphere is much more calm and relaxed, with its lounge style and open-air seating. 180BLU has a menu that focuses on smaller plates, desserts from Raya, and handcrafted beverages. Enjoy a luxury meal and exquisite cocktail as you look out over the Pacific coast and watch the sun melt into the waves.

The Ritz-Carlton’s other restaurant, Raya, provides a more sophisticated dining experience. Though guests can still enjoy a unique view of the ocean during their meal, they do so inside the restaurant. Raya serves Latin American cuisine that uses only the finest local produce, organic meats, and sustainable seafood. You will not be disappointed by this restaurant’s elegant environment.

If you’d still like a fine dining restaurant with more family-style energy, Luciana’s Ristorante is an ideal stop. You would be hard-pressed to find another restaurant that provides the same excellent Italian cuisine as Luciana’s. Their dishes blend classic Italian recipes with ever-evolving modern tastes. Their success comes from generations of devotion to the food and a desire to bring the best meals to Dana Point residents. Luciana’s even started their own olive oil brand when none in the area met their standards.

Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern offers the most casual dining experience of these options while still maintaining a high standard of excellence. Another family-owned business, Jimmy’s dream is to create a welcoming, authentic, high-quality meal. Their love for the community shines through their environmentally focused business practices and community efforts. 

The first stop on anyone’s list of local attractions should be the beach. Salt Creek Beach, specifically, is one of the highest-rated in the area. Here visitors can find warm sand and crystal blue waters for whiling the day away in bliss. The offshore reef makes this a hotspot for surfers, but it’s still safe for swimmers and anyone hoping to explore the thriving tide pools.

If the mainland beach is a little too crowded for you, take the Catalina Express to Catalina Island. Here visitors can find several small shops, lovely restaurants, and far less occupied beaches in and around the picturesque town of Avalon. The Catalina Express offers 30 departures a day and only an hour-long ride, meaning you can stop by for a short vacation or just a day trip.

The Bluff Top Trail is a short historic walk just above the shore that offers a stunning view of the harbor. Fill your lungs with the fresh salt air on your invigorating walk as you learn about the rich history of the city. Make sure to stop and check out The Hide Drogher!

If you want to get more in touch with the community, Dana Point Farmers Market, held every second Saturday of the month, is the place to be. Visitors can work with local vendors to procure the best produce, meats, food, and knickknacks the city has to offer. All the while, you’ll be supporting the community and getting to know your neighbors. 

A huge part of why so many people love Dana Point is the neighborhoods. Everyone who lives and works here, from restaurant owners to small business vendors, holds a deep devotion to the community. There’s an opportunity for a luxury experience around every corner, and a breathtaking view people travel miles upon miles to see. Outside of Dana Point, communities like Laguna Beach, San Clemente, Laguna Niguel, and San Juan Capistrano all encompass the same vibrant energy.

If you’re ready to settle down in an oceanfront home, contact Ashley Rosenhain today and become the next resident of one of these luxury California coastal communities. 

* Header Image: Visit California