Things To Do
(Breakfast) Stacks Pancake House
A longtime local favorite known for massive breakfasts, tropical pancake flavors, and classic cozy beach-town breakfast energy. (Jack's favorite breakfast spot!)
(Breakfast) Bear Coast Coffee
Laid-back coastal coffee shop with great drinks, light breakfast bites, and an easy walk to the beach afterward - perfect for grabbing a coffee before walking the San Clemente Beach Trail.
(Breakfast) Urth Caffe Laguna Beach
Iconic Laguna brunch spot known for coffee, pastries, outdoor seating, and the perfect people-watching atmosphere downtown. Anticipate paying for parking nearby.
(Dinner) Hook & Anchor - Dana Point
Cozy coastal seafood spot with fresh oysters, lobster rolls, craft cocktails, and a relaxed harbor-town feel.
(Dinner) South of Nick's San Clemente | Mexican Kitchen + Bar
One of San Clemente’s most popular dinner spots with elevated Mexican food, great margaritas, and a lively atmosphere - reservations recommended for dinner.
(Dinner) Driftwood Kitchen
Beautiful oceanfront restaurant with floor-to-ceiling coastal views, fresh seafood, and one of the best sunset dinner settings in Laguna Beach - reservations recommended. Anticipate paying for parking nearby.
(Beach) Salt Creek Beach
Wide sandy beach with beautiful bluff views, great surf, and a classic Orange County coastal vibe - whether you spend the day down on the sand or relaxing on the grassy hill overlooking the ocean. Anticipate paying for parking.
(Beach) T-Street Beach
Classic San Clemente surf beach with a relaxed local feel and easy access to the scenic beach trail. Anticipate limited parking on busy beach days.
(Beach) Victoria Beach
Beautiful hidden cove known for its iconic pirate tower, rocky shoreline, and postcard-worthy Laguna scenery. Anticipate paying for parking and a short walk to beach access.
(Shopping) Dana Point Lantern District
Walkable downtown area filled with boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants, rooftop cocktails, and coastal charm.
(Shopping) Avenida Del Mar
Charming downtown street lined with local boutiques, cafés, restaurants, and classic Southern California surf-town energy.
(Shopping) Downtown Laguna Beach
Coastal downtown packed with art galleries, ocean views, shopping, restaurants, and some of the best people-watching in Orange County. Anticipate paying for parking throughout downtown.
(Day Activity) Disneyland Park
Spend the day at the Happiest Place on Earth with iconic rides, classic Disney nostalgia, food, shopping, and nighttime entertainment - about an hour from the coast depending on traffic. Reservations and advance ticket purchases are strongly recommended.
(Day Activity) Capt. Dave's Dana Point Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari
Dana Point is known as the Dolphin & Whale Watching Capital of the World, with year-round cruises offering chances to see dolphins, whales, sea lions, and beautiful coastal views.
(Day Activity) Mission San Juan Capistrano
A beautiful historic landmark with gardens, Spanish architecture, exhibits, and a peaceful walking experience just a short drive from Dana Point.
(Day Activity) River Street Marketplace
Beautiful open-air marketplace filled with restaurants, wine bars, coffee shops, boutiques, and outdoor seating - perfect for an easy afternoon of shopping, drinks, and strolling through historic San Juan Capistrano.