Landmark Spanish mission founded in 1776 with historic exhibits and beautiful gardens. $18 per person for a nice, short activity.
Best barbeque ever. A little pricey but worth the cost and wait. Our favorite order is the brisket, pork belly, mac and cheese, beans, bread, and banana pudding.
Walk along Los Rios Street Historic District for the garden, small shops, and local restaurants, then make your way down River Street to the new Marketplace. If you like coffee, try Hidden House Coffee on the intersection of these two streets.
The address is to a short out-and-back walk on top of the cliffs at Dana Point that we enjoy; park at the Nature Interpretive Center (and borrow binoculars if you'd like!). Dana Point has a lot of good restaurants and places to look around too. Truly Pizza has truly delicious pizza. There's a State Beach called Doheny. 10min drive.
Once you find a parking spot, the Main Beach and shops/restaurants are lovely to walk through. There's a trail along the coast starting at the Main Beach and going north with a lot of park spaces and greenery which is one of our first favorite walks in CA. 20min drive.
Where we got engaged and usually celebrate our anniversary at the Crystal Cove Shake Shack. 25min drive. $15 parking per car.