Conveniently located between Los Angeles and San Diego, the small beachfront city of Dana Point is the perfect spot for travellers who want to enjoy some SoCal relaxation and sunshine.

You don’t need long to fall in love with Dana Point. Below are a few things you can experience in just 48 hours:

Day One
Grab a tasty breakfast burrito or acai breakfast bowl from Doheny Surf at DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Doheny Beach. Once full and ready for the day, discover why surfing is so prevalent in Dana Point with a surf lesson at Doheny State Beach. Girl in the Curl offers private lessons that guarantee to get budding surfers up and standing.

Once the Pacific Ocean waves have been conquered, head to Coastal Kitchen for lunch, which uses only the finest and freshest ingredients in its sandwiches and salads.

Post-lunch, enjoy a relaxing stroll through the nearby Dana Point Headlands Conservation Area, home to scenic hiking trails, secluded beaches and incredible ocean views. Just before sunset, secure a spot on the deck of 180blu at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel and watch the beauty unfold with a craft cocktail in hand.

Day Two
Head to The Coffee Importers along Dana Point Harbour for breakfast, which specialises in hearty bagels and freshly brewed coffee. After breakfast, embark on a whale and dolphin watching cruise with Captain Dave’s Dolphin and Whale Safari. Dana Point is renowned for its whale watching, with winter being the best time to spot grey whales.

Once back on dry land, the afternoon calls for some rest and relaxation, and there’s no better place to unwind than the Miraval Life in Balance Spa at Monarch Beach Resort. The Coastal Stone Massage is one of the signature treatments and promises to soothe any aches and pains, leaving guests feeling truly zen. Stroll back to the harbour in the evening for dinner at the award-winning restaurant, The Harbor Grill, where there’s a range of tasty meat and freshly-caught seafood on the menu. House specialities include Cajun seafood gumbo and Mediterranean-style bouillabaisse.

Where to stay?
Dana Point has accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets, from DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Doheny Beach (above) and Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, to the Monarch Beach Resort and Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel.

Getting to Dana Point
The journey to Dana Point from Los Angeles or San Diego is around one hour by car. Alternatively, visitors can take the scenic Amtrak train to San Juan Capistrano station then hop on the free Dana Point Trolley to the city centre.

For more information, visit visitdanapoint.com.

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