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# A visitor's guide to Dana Point: where to stay, eat and play
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/if-you-go-20070922/
- Published: 2007-09-22T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T02:55:51.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Environment, Santa Monica, #archive-import

WHERE TO FIND IT: Dana Point sits between Laguna Beach and San Clemente just west of the I-5 Freeway in South Orange County. From the Westside, take the I-405 south to the I-5, exit to PCH beach cities and drive north about 1 mile.

TOURING THE AREA: Dana Point is a mostly residential community with several large resorts and a world-class sport and fishing marina. For more information: (949) 496-1555, www.danapointvisitorcenter.com.

WHERE TO STAY: Within walking distance of the Marina is the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, 25135 Park Lantern, (949) 487-7576, www.lagunacliffs.com. Rooms start at $229.

WHERE TO EAT: Jolly Roger at the Marina features traditional steak and seafood, moderately priced. 34661 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point. For more information: (949) 496-0855\. Harbor Grill is a step up featuring California-style fresh seafood. Its located at 34499 Golden Lantern St. For more information: (949) 240- 1416\. VUE has the best Sunday champagne brunch in town. Ocean views. 25135 Park Lantern. (949) 487-7555 THINGS TO DO: Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr. (949) 496-2274\. Whale watching. Dana Wharf, 34675 Golden Lantern For information: (949) 496-5794.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on September 22, 2007.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/092207.pdf?ref=smdp.com)