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Flowers and bushes overlooking the ocean
Resort View
Miles of sandy beach stretch below our resort, offering the perfect landscape for a relaxing stroll.
A man and boy with surfboards
Surfing Destination
Surfers from around the world come to Dana Point for it collection of world-famous breaks, including Salt Creek, just below the resort.
A man helps a boy on a surfboard
Surfing Lessons
The hotel’s Surf Experience includes a two-hour lesson and can be customized to beginning and experienced surfers.
Hands holding a tiny crab
Baby Crab
Kids can join one of the resort’s nature experts to explore the beach and meet the creatures who call it home.
A whale's fluke sticks out of the water
Whale Watching
The Whale Capital of the West, Dana Point offers the chance to see these majestic mammals in their natural habitat.
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Resort View
Miles of sandy beach beckon from below our clifftop resort, where guests can enjoy breathtaking sunset views.

A SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RESORT FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

The ideal destination for a corporate retreat, family vacation or romantic weekend, this Laguna Beach resort offers activities that embrace its natural surroundings. Head out on a family-friendly eco-adventure, surf some of the best waves in the country, relax poolside, start the day with yoga on the beach or allow the resort to put together an itinerary based on your interests.
Create special memories during your stay and take advantage of the beauty Laguna offers when you reserve your next adventure.

The iconic seaside resort offers a variety of exciting activities perfect for children and adults alike. Whether you want to channel the quintessential California surfer as you learn to surf or take an exciting E-bike tour of Dana Point, there is something for everyone to enjoy at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. 

Make your room reservation and then select one of our unique Surf Experiences to enhance your stay. Click here to check out the surf at Salt Creek Beach.

A man helps a boy on a surfboard

Surf Experience

Learn how to surf in true Southern California style with an expert surf instructor this summer. Communicated in a way that will make surfing accessible to everyone, beginners will enjoy the thoroughness of the lesson, while experienced surfers will love the personal coaching. The Surf Experience includes transportation to and from the surf spot, a 2-hour lesson, all equipment including surfboards, wetsuits, towels and more. Available upon request and based on availability | Ages 9 and up. 

Reserve the So Cal Surf Experience package now.

STAND UP PADDLEBOARDING & KAYAKING ADVENTURE

With access to the calm waters of Dana Point Harbor, stand up paddleboarding (SUP) and kayaking are amazing ways to explore the Southern California shoreline. Experience a SUP or kayaking lesson including 2 hours of instruction by a CPR/First Aid certified instructor including all equipment. Available upon request and based on availability | Ages 8 and up.

BEACH BANZAI

Enhance your body boarding skills at Salt Creek Beach with an expert instructor. Learn how waves are created and the history of wave riding. Study the effects of a rip current. Discover the longshore drift. Then catch a wave and have fun body boarding. Available upon request and based on availability | Ages 8 and up.

TENNIS & PICKLEBALL CLINIC

Enjoy a private Tennis or Pickleball lesson or a group clinic for 2 or more guests. All abilities welcome! The focus can be tailored to your own ability level and needs. Join us for an introduction to Tennis or Pickleball basics and/or to improve your strokes while playing fun games with our in-house Tennis Pro. Includes complimentary Tennis Racquet and/or Pickleball paddle rentals and water bottles for one hour. Pricing varies, please inquire with Eco-Adventure Center. Available upon request and based on availability | Ages 5 and up.

LE TOUR DE DANA POINT

Zip around on our private custom guided E-bike Tour. Take off directly from the resort and explore the coastal town’s bike paths and beautiful scenery with the comfort of Electric bicycles assisting with those uphill sections. Join our expert naturalists as they lead you to amazing viewpoints and local hidden gems, while pointing out the local history, flora, and fauna. Available upon request and based on availability | Ages 12 and up.

The Eco-Adventure Center inspires guests with Southern California’s unique ecosystems and connects their spirit to their larger global systems. Led by expert naturalists, the Eco-Adventure Center is dedicated to showcasing Southern California’s natural wonders. Throughout these unique excursions, the local surroundings become a natural classroom and living laboratory. Adults, families and kids learn through experience, which instills them with deep appreciation and respect for nature. As well, they will understand how to live more environmentally responsible back home.

Watch a Whale of an Experience as graceful marine mammals glide across the Pacific Ocean. If you would like to make unforgettable memories through Whale Watching or any of the other incredible experiences below, please contact The Eco-Adventure Center at 949-240-5072 for reservations.

A colorful butterfly sits atop a flower.

BIRDS, BEES & BUTTERFLIES GARDEN TOUR

Explore the beautiful Eco-Adventure Garden and search for native birds, bees and butterflies with our expert guides. This special experience is complimentary to in-house guests and reservations are required. All ages welcome.

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Sea Walk

Start your day on a leisurely walk down by the beach and learn about local wildlife, nature, and history from one of our expert Naturalists. Discover how we help protect our precious ecosystem on this relaxing stroll. This special experience is complimentary to in-house guests and reservations are required. All ages welcome.

Squid Dissection

Plunge into the alien world of squid and octopus, exploring their unique adaptations and incredible behaviors. We invite you to become a scientist for the day in our interactive squid lab, where you will dissect a squid with guidance from our expert Naturalists. This hands-on experience introduces cephalopod biology, behavior, and the important role they play in the ocean ecosystem. Available upon request and based on availability | Ages 8 and up.

Festival of Arts Gallery

Eco Artist

Show off your art skills and watch an upcycled art project come to life under the supervision of our expert Naturalists. Choose from several different art projects focused on the ocean and the environmental impact we have on it. We talk about sustainability and leave no trace behind while we incorporate recycled and upcycled materials to create amazing souvenir art pieces. Available upon request and based on availability | Ages 5 and up.

Children exploring tide pools

Explore The Shore Hike

Investigate the vital intertidal zone as we explore the shore. The shoreline is an important ecosystem where the land meets the sea. The amazing creatures that live here have adapted to life in the ever-changing tides. Available upon request and based on availability | Ages 5 and up.

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Koi Ponds

Children can enjoy watching the Koi swim in the Koi ponds around the resort.Most people think Koi are just big goldfish, but they aren’t. They are actually a special bred of carp that the Japanese have worked with for hundreds of years. They are affectionately known as living jewels or swimming flowers. They start out small, but can easily grow up to 31 ½ inches. Their average lifespan is 25 to 35 years, though some have lived for more than two hundred years. The fun thing about Koi is that even though they come in many different colors, they are all unique and there are never two that look exactly alike.

Pools & Recreation

Resort guests enjoy a variety of recreational activities.

  • Beach
  • Two swimming pools
  • Two whirlpools
  • Two tennis courts
  • Basketball
  • Play structure
  • Ping Pong
  • Fitness Center
  • Yoga
  • Pilates

Beach Butler setting up an umbrella

Beach Butlers

The Beach Butlers offer personalized beach services to guests enjoying a relaxing day at Salt Creek Beach.  Beach Butler services include setting up beach chairs, umbrellas, towels, and offering food and beverage. The Butlers are also fully equipped with sun screen and tanning lotion. The Beach Butlers also provide transportation to and from the beach on the Beach Shuttle.