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The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

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Resort view from the Pacific Ocean
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The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

Planning Your Trip

Orange County’s year-round sunshine means packing swimsuits and light layers. Let us help you plan for full-day getaways that include time on the beach followed by a fine dining experience in one of Orange County's fantastic restaurants.

Family walking along the trail to the ocean.
Family walking along the trail to the ocean.
What to Pack
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

California is known for its easygoing, individual style. Casually dressed tech and media moguls exemplify the idea that formal dress isn’t a requirement in many fields. Dressing for weather and nature — particularly if you’re traveling elsewhere in the state, where climate and landscape can vary widely — is more the priority, though when in doubt for business or formal events, it never hurts to err on the side of looking sharp.

Resort Essentials

Dana Point and Laguna Beach epitomize Southern California’s eclectic brand of casual sophistication. Plan for an active, outdoor itinerary without sacrificing style.

  • The bare essentials: swimwear, sun protection, casual wear, sandals and a beach tote.

  • You’ll need a wetsuit for surfing and stand-up paddle boarding, though those can be rented. Bring your preferred workout gear, including athletic shoes, for the resort’s fitness center or a walk or jog along the beach.

  • Leave your towels, chairs and umbrellas at home — the resort’s Beach Butlers will set you up on the beach with these items.

Beach Vacation

Packing your beach bag shouldn’t be stressful. The idea is to relax by the ocean, after all. But a little forethought can translate into uninterrupted sand time.  

  • Plan to wear your swimwear with sandals and a cover-up or casual wear to the beach. Bring along sun protection (sunglasses, a sun hat and sunscreen) and your favorite reading material in your beach bag.

  • If you’re traveling with little ones, consider gear such as kid-friendly sunscreen, swim diapers, beach toys, hats and rash guards. A lightweight beach tent provides a shady place to play or nap.

  • For evenings, bring a light jacket. Nighttime attire is seaside chic: a collared shirt with light-colored pants and boat shoes or loafers for men (skip the socks and tie); a lightweight dress or jumpsuit with sandals for women.

Day Trips

Fascinating day trips abound in Southern California, from heavy-hitting highlights such as Disneyland and the San Diego Zoo. Here’s what to pack.

  • Southern California boasts mild to warm weather year-round. You won’t need more than a light jacket for evenings.

  • Plan to be outside and active. Bring casual clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.

  • Bring a hands-free tote bag or backpack to carry your essentials, including camera, snacks and water.
Beautiful mountain views from the bike paths at La
Beautiful mountain views from the bike paths at La
What To Reserve
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

Even if you intend to spend most of your Southern California getaway on the beach, Laguna Beach offers an array of activities worth abandoning the ocean for a few hours. Reserve your spa treatment, romantic dinner at Raya or whale-watching excursion ahead of your visit to Laguna Beach.

Embrace your sea legs in one of the world’s premier coastal destinations. See why Dana Point is called the Whale Capital of the West (in addition to majestic blue whales and graceful gray whales, you’ll spot plenty of dolphins and other sea life, too) when you reserve a whale-watching excursion through the resort’s Eco-Adventure Center. You can also book surfing and stand-up paddle boarding through the concierge. A naturalist-guided hike through Dana Point’s tide pools — magical miniature universes of marine life — can be reserved through the Ocean Institute (ocean-institute.org). No reservation is needed, of course, for a relaxing day on the beach.

When it comes to day trips in Southern California, the hardest part is narrowing down the options. This area is home to a wealth of world-class attractions, so much so that your Golden State bucket list won’t lack for potential adventures. Among the most famous to seek out are Disneyland, California Adventure, LEGOLand, SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo and San Diego Wild Animal Park. If you want to get off the beaten path of the mainland, the charming Catalina Island makes a great day trip, and getting there is part of the fun: It’s accessible from Dana Point via high-speed ferry or helicopter service.

California cuisine is legendary for a reason. Chefs and restaurants here have been pioneering local, seasonal food for decades, along with the idea that eating well means living well. And some of the region’s best food is being prepared right on the property. Savor pan-Latin coastal cuisine by the acclaimed Chef Richard Sandoval alongside amazing ocean views in RAYA, or savor a modern approach to authentic Indian dishes in KAHANI. Forgot to make a reservation? Enjoy refreshing handcrafted beverages, small plates, and epic sunsets at 180blu, the resort’s outdoor oceanfront lounge.

Have you ever seen a work of art literally come to life? The highlight of Laguna Beach’s annual Festival of Arts, Pageant of the Masters, thrills audiences with incredible re-creations of famous artworks, staged with real people and accompanied by a full live orchestra. Don’t miss this dazzling 90-minute presentation in addition to the Festival of Arts Fine Art Show, featuring works for sale by 140 Orange County artists.  

restaurants in Laguna Beach terrace at 180blu
restaurants in Laguna Beach terrace at 180blu
Itineraries
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

Beaches are a central part of the Orange County, CA, experience, but Dana Point offers plenty to explore beyond the sand. Our resort experts have crafted exciting itineraries that balance ocean-based activities with art, food, wellness and more.

24 Hours In

Situated halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, Dana Point is nestled into the California coastline. With breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean from sandy bluffs, whales and dolphins frolicking off the shore and delicious fresh seafood abounding, it’s a perfect vacation spot for the whole family. Whether you’re looking for an active day of surfing or just soaking in the views, you can pack a whole lot of fun into a short time in Dana Point.

Mom on the beach watching her family enjoy time in
Friends enjoying sharable plates at one of our ren
Friends enjoying a variety of cocktails by the poo
Morning

Stretch Start. Begin your day with a yoga or Pilates class in the gazebo. Center your mind and loosen your body while taking in the gorgeous views and clean ocean air. Yoga begins at 9 a.m., and Pilates class follows at 10 a.m.

Local Flavor. Breakfast at Proud Mary’s is reminiscent of an island escape with its stunning harbor view, Jimmy Buffett atmosphere and tasty breakfast menu. 

 

Midday

Ocean View. Whether you want to venture down to the shore or just spend time gazing at the waves, there’s an option for everyone to get their best view of Salt Creek Beach. You can take the shuttle down to the beach itself or settle into one of the Adirondack chairs on the luxurious lawn of The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel overlooking the Pacific Ocean. 

Lunch at Raya. Keep the ocean views going during lunch at Raya, the Pan-Latin restaurant created by acclaimed chef Richard Sandoval. The menu features locally sourced produce, organic meat and sustainable seafood in delectable dishes like Lobster Tacos and All Natural Beef Churrasco.

 

Afternoon

Whale Watching. Arrange a tour with The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel Eco-Adventure Center to see the magnificent whales and other sea creatures that live off the Dana Point coastline. From blue and gray whales to common dolphins and sea lions, get ready for two hours of awe.

P.M. Pick-Me-Up. Stop into The Coffee Importers just along the Dana Point Wharf for an espresso and a frozen treat from the Scoop Deck — or combine the two with a Café Crema, which is a scoop of French vanilla ice cream topped with two ounces of hot espresso and whipped cream. 

 

Evening

Sunset Beach. Drive up the coastline into Laguna Beach to take in the sunset while you eat dinner at Las Brisas. The restaurant is known for its sophisticated takes on Mexican classics like chicken mole and their tostada salads. After dinner, sip a margarita on the patio while enjoying the last moments of the day and the beautiful views over the ocean. 

Eco Adventures

Dana Point has a diverse and deep array of activities for those who want to get in touch with nature. From surfing in the waves of the Pacific Ocean to watching the whales jump off the shore, the beaches offer so much to experience. The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel can help arrange a wide variety of activities for individuals, families or groups through its Eco-Adventure Center.

Ritz Carlton Hotel image
Couple riding electric bikes at resort.
Man on surf board, surfer

To reserve your program with The Eco-Adventure Center, please call 949.240.5072 or email grprclagunaniguelecoadventurecenter@ritzcarlton.com

Morning

Coffee First. Start your morning with a cup of coffee at JC Beans Coffee House, a well-loved local hang out. Relax on the patio, or on chillier mornings, cozy up with your coffee next to the fireplace. 

Surf’s Up. Time to get active in the water. You have your choice of surfing, body boarding, stand-up paddle boarding, skim boarding, kayaking — it’s hard to choose. Whatever your pleasure, you can opt for a lesson first or get right into the waves. Talk to the staff at the Eco-Adventure Center to help select and schedule an activity.

 

Midday

Burger Break. Surfing works up an appetite, which is why The Shwack is a favorite among local beachgoers. Get a signature Shwackburger or a chicken sandwich, featuring all-natural chicken with no antibiotics or hormones. Wash it down with one of their 12 craft beers on tap. 

 

Afternoon

Botanical Preserve. Spend a leisurely afternoon walking the 34 miles of trails that snake through the Niguel Botanical Preserve. With 2,000 plant species filling 18 acres, you can see plants from geographic regions ranging from Australia to Chile to South Africa.

 

Evening

Wine Cruise. If you’re in town on a Friday, enjoy a sunset cruise from Dana Point while sampling biodynamic wines. The 90-minute OC Wine Cruise highlights wines from The Organic Cellar, which features organically grown and pesticide-free wines.

Enjoy Upscale Comfort Food. Jimmy’s American Kitchen serves all your hearty favorites, from their famous cheeseburger to Southern fried chicken. Pair your meal with a Pizza Port Chronic Amber Ale, brewed right down the road in Solana Beach.

Morning

Calm Start. Begin your morning with one of the daily yoga and pilates classes offered to guests on the oceanfront lawn. Go through various poses and movements to stretch and lengthen muscles, while taking in panoramic views of the pacific ocean.

 

Midday

Healthy Lunch. Urth caffé is an l.A. Institution for healthy food and has expanded its vegetarian-friendly menu to laguna beach. Try one of their famous pecan sticky buns or go for a lighter option with an organic egg white omelet with local vegetables.

 

Afternoon

Sealed Deal. The pacific marine mammal center is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of marine mammals, specifically seals and sea lions. Healed patients are released back into the ocean after treatment. The center is open to visitors daily, who can watch the care being given to the animals — and if you’re lucky, you’ll arrive on a beach release day.

 

Evening

Beach Walk. Take a pre-dinner stroll along the main beach in laguna and watch as the sun dips below the horizon.

Oceanfront Dining. Nothing enhances a meal like a view of the glowing sunset over the pacific ocean. Driftwood Kitchen specializes in ocean-to-table cuisine, with innovative dishes like their whole fried branzino with mochiko rice flour and grilled swordfish with sunchokes. Sit outside on the patio to enjoy cool ocean breezes with your meal.

Morning

Garden Tour. Start your day by learning about what goes into the organic garden at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, with an 8:30 a.m. tour. You’ll be educated on sustainable gardening practices, as well as the native plants of Southern California. And you’ll see the fruits, vegetables and herbs that go into the delicious food you eat at the hotel. 

 

Midday

Juice Up. Stop in at locally owned organic café Thrive Juice Lab for cold-pressed juice, a smoothie or your choice of acai or pitaya bowl. For a healthy lunch, pick up a salad or soup, and choose a superfood booster to add on. 

Hit the Trail. The Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park is an ideal place to set out on a hike or bike ride. The park is made up of 4,500 acres of wilderness and open space. The park has over 30 miles of trails, bordered by rare and endangered plants. 

 

Afternoon

Whale Watching. One of the most notable attractions of Dana Point is the whale and dolphin watching off the Dana Point wharf. Head down for a cruise out on the water of the Pacific Ocean to see the majestic gray or blue whales, frisky dolphins and adorable seals appear out of the waves. 

 

Evening

Savor the Spice. Come along Chef Sanjay’s culinary journey from New Delhi to Dana Point and enjoy a contemporary approach to Indian regional specialties in KAHANI that places creative artistry, quality of ingredients, and respect for authentic flavors and ingredients at the forefront of cooking. After dinner, head to 180blu to enjoy a handcrafted cocktail on a patio sitting 150 feet above Salt Creek Beach.

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