Parking & Recommendations
St. Edward the Confessor Catholic Church
For the ceremony, please park in the lot located between the church and the football field of St. Edward the Confessor Parish School. You may input the coordinates 33.470709, -117.688591 in your maps app to navigate directly to the appropriate parking area.
Ole Hanson Beach Club
For the reception, please park at either the Segunda Deshecha lot or Boca De La Playa lot. Segunda Deshecha: 33.432241, - 117.632526 - Closer to the venue - $1.50 per hour Boca De La Playa: 33.432159, -117.632729 - $1.50 per hour until 5:00 PM and free afterwards - Located at beach level, requires a short uphill walk via ramp to reach the venue
Dana Point Harbor
If you have some free time, Dana Point Harbor has waterfront restaurants, little shops, whale watching tours, and scenic walking paths along the marina. It’s also home to the Ocean Institute, where you can check out marine life exhibits and historic tall ships.
Doheny State Beach
Doheny State Beach, right next to Dana Point Harbor, is a popular spot for beach days, surfing, picnics, and camping by the ocean. People also hang out around the fire pits at night, making it a fun place to roast marshmallows and watch the sunset.
Strands Beach
Strands Beach is a great spot for a beach walk or workout, with a long stairway down to the sand and scenic walking paths along the coast. Once you’re there, it’s perfect for laying out on the beach, enjoying the ocean views, and spotting the beautiful cliffside homes nearby.
Salt Creek Beach
Salt Creek Beach is known for its large grassy hill overlooking the ocean that’s perfect for picnics, along with public grills and plenty of space to hang out before heading down to the beach or staying for sunset.
San Clemente Pier
San Clemente Pier has a more classic laid-back beach town feel, with oceanfront walking paths, surf spots, local cafés, and sunset views right on the sand.
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Mission San Juan Capistrano is one of California’s most historic missions, originally founded in 1776, and is known for its beautiful gardens, fountains, and old Spanish-style architecture. The surrounding downtown area also has cute shops, restaurants, and cafés, making it a fun spot to spend an afternoon walking around.
Heritage Barbecue
Heritage Barbecue is known for its Central Texas-style BBQ. It has a Michelin Bib Gourmand award (which recognizes really good food at a good value), and people especially go for the brisket, ribs, smoked meats, and the fun outdoor atmosphere near the Mission.
South of Nick's San Clemente | Mexican Kitchen + Bar
South of Nick's is one of San Clemente’s most popular dinner spots, known for its upscale Mexican food, strong margaritas, and lively atmosphere downtown. People especially love it for date nights, group dinners, and favorites like the filet mignon taquitos, enchiladas, and butter cake dessert.
Trevor's at the Tracks
Trevor’s at the Tracks is a really unique spot set inside a historic 1890s train depot right by the tracks in downtown San Juan Capistrano. It’s popular for its big outdoor patio and cocktails and you can literally sit and watch trains roll by while you eat.
Fisherman's Restaurant & Bar
Fisherman's Restaurant & Bar is a fun casual spot right on the pier where you can grab seafood, drinks, or brunch with amazing ocean views. It’s especially popular around sunset since you’re literally sitting over the water with the waves underneath you.
Proud Mary's Restaurant
Proud Mary's Restaurant is a casual breakfast and lunch spot right on Dana Point Harbor with great marina views and a fun laid-back atmosphere. It’s especially popular for brunch, Bloody Marys, and sitting out on the patio by the water.
Hook & Anchor - Dana Point
Hook & Anchor is known for its lobster rolls, oysters, seafood pasta, and cocktails in a fun coastal-style setting. It’s a great dinner spot if you want something a little more upscale but still relaxed, especially for seafood and happy hour near the harbor.
Sonny's Pizza & Pasta
Sonny's Pizza & Pasta has been a local favorite for over 40 years and is known for its old-school family-run Italian atmosphere. The restaurant started with family recipes passed down from Sonny Genovese’s Italian family, who originally owned restaurants in Hollywood before moving to San Clemente in the 1970s.
Coffee Importers
Coffee Importers is a longtime Dana Point Harbor favorite that’s been around since the late 1970s and is known for its coffee, bagels, smoothies, pastries, and ice cream. It’s a great casual spot to grab breakfast or coffee by the marina and relax while watching the boats go by.