2022 PRESIDENT'S COUNCILLAGUNA NIGUEL, CA
June 1 – 6, 2022 (Directors)June 3 – 8, 2022 (Consultants)
Dana Point and Laguna Beach are located along one of the prettiest stretches of coastline in southern California, halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego in Orange County. Whales and surfers play in the pristine Pacific waters offshore, and on land, there are miles of beaches, cliffs, coves, canyons and protected natural areas to explore.
The area has attracted artists for over a century and is still known for its thriving arts scene, with over 100 galleries and several well-known annual art festivals, a popular playhouse, a museum devoted to California art, and architecture that ranges from charming historic bungalows to opulent modern mansions.
If you’ve ever yearned to surf, this is a great place to take a lesson. Take a boat trip in search of whales, trophy fish, or just the pleasure of being on the water on a beautiful day. There are over a dozen golf courses in the area, and plenty of trails for mountain bikers and hikers to enjoy.
Laguna Beach, with seven miles of soft sand and coves, attracts nature enthusiasts, art lovers, golfers and beachgoers. Just down the road is Dana Point, where the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel presides over the ocean from atop the coastal bluffs, backdropped by picturesque rolling hills. Surfing, fishing, world-renowned golf courses, spa experiences, shopping and dining are a few of the activities you can enjoy here.
The climate in Laguna Niguel/Dana Point is enjoyable, with comfortable temperatures year-round. Days are typically sunny with cool evenings. Average high temperature for the month of June is 23°C, the warmest month of the year is August with an average maximum temperature of 25°C, while the coldest month of the year is December with an average minimum temperature of 6°C.
There’s a thriving culinary scene in Laguna Beach/Dana Point, where restaurants up and down the coast invite you to linger over a meal where the food is as good as the views. You owe it to yourself to grab a tasty taco or burrito at least once – after all, you’re in Southern California. For more elevated fare, there are plenty of breezy, hip, organic, fresh-food eateries; international and fusion cuisine; elegant farm-to-table establishments; and lots of high-end fine-dining restaurants. Yet the atmosphere is rarely stuffy – instead, you’ll find a laid-back, casual elegance that’s very welcoming.
There are several outstanding places to enjoy a cocktail and/or a meal while you take in a spectacular coastal sunset: the Rooftop Lounge, Las Brisas, the Deck on Laguna Beach, Skyloft, The Loft, and of course 180blu at the Ritz.
For those looking to dance or hear live music, the area’s bars and clubs offer everything from acoustic singer-songwriters to EDM to rock and top-40 and reggae.
Hop on one of these old-looking (but actually modern), open-air, wood-trim shuttles at the Ritz-Carlton and go right into town; the trip takes about 30 minutes, with stops along the way at various neighbourhoods and beaches before stopping at Main Beach. Service runs from 4:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. Fridays, 11:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, making it a great way to get out and enjoy the area.
This oceanfront gem is beloved by all for its beautiful vistas, gardens, public art, and beach and tide-pool access. Locals come to picnic, walk their dogs (on leash only) or have their wedding photos taken here, while visitors soak in the amazing southern California vibe.
Explore the Golden State’s art, both historical and contemporary, in this museum entirely devoted to works about California or created by California artists. The permanent collection has 3,500 works, many from the early days of Laguna Beach as an artists’ colony, after the Laguna Beach Art Association was founded in 1918.
This area has a multitude of beaches to explore, many with amazing homes perched above them. A perennial favourite is Main Beach, in the middle of the town of Laguna Beach. Close to restaurants and shops, it also has a fun boardwalk where you may find buskers, artists and vendors. The Dana Point area is rich in surf history and its beaches are popular for surfing, tide pools, walking and ocean enjoyment. Come and play at Salt Creek Beach, Doheny Beach, Baby Beach, or Capistrano Beach!
Dana Point Harbour houses 2,500 boats and offers specialty shopping, fishing and excursions, kayaking, Catalina transportation, and a variety of restaurants, from coffee shops to fine waterfront dining.
Take home a part of Laguna Beach’s unique style with a beautiful piece of art you won’t find anywhere else. Over 100 art galleries and artists’ studios showcase all types of media, from paintings and sculptures to blown glass and modern art. From the galleries in North Gallery Row and the showcases of the downtown village to South Laguna, you’ll find it’s easy to spend the day gallery-hopping, exploring all the incredible work of world-renowned artists.
Amazing art isn’t the only shopping experience you’ll find in Laguna Beach. You’ll discover an incredible selection of boutiques, jewellery and gifts. Find rare books to add to your collection and unique home furnishings to make your nest a space to notice. For those hard-to-find items, Laguna Beach boasts plenty of specialty stores that are sure to make your shopping experience a success.
Shops known for surfwear, home décor, gifts, flowers, candy, apparel and general goods. Small specialty centres, independent boutique shops and the Dana Point Harbour satisfy your shopping needs and wants with unique items.
Shop outdoors amid sparkling fountains and breezy, tree-lined walkways in Newport Beach. You’ll find over 200 stores, 40 restaurants, and two cinemas. (30 minutes away)
Showcase mall with Nordstrom’s, Macy’s and more. (20 minutes away)
With more than 40 championship courses to choose from, scenic views, and over 250 days of sunshine a year, golf is the perfect Orange County activity. No wonder the O.C. is internationally known as California’s “Golf Coast.” Guests of the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, can take advantage of preferred tee times at Monarch Beach Golf Links, a Robert Trent Jones, Jr. course nestled into oceanside bluffs with beautiful sea views. Rentals are available.
This has been known as a rich fishing area for centuries. Fishing boats out of Dana Point Harbour offer excursions for young and old, for new and experienced fishermen.
For a panoramic view over Laguna Beach and the ocean, head to the Top of the World scenic viewpoint in Alta Laguna Park. There’s a whole network of trails here leading into the Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. Another winner is Valido Trail near Laguna Niguel, a short but steep climb with gorgeous views. Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center, a 60-acre preserve, offers easy, pretty headland walks with interpretive panels.
