The Ideal Family End-of-Summer Staycation
As the final weeks of summer was approaching and the new school year drawing near, I began searching for one last family getaway – an opportunity to savor sunshine, adventure, and togetherness before our son heads off to college and our daughter starts her sophomore year in high school. Wrangling the teens social schedules, my husband’s work commitments and my own calendar, I thought a retreat closer to home might be just the ticket.
Situated on Orange County’s scenic coastline, Dana Point offers the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement for families looking to make the most of these precious days. With recent upgrades to its hospitality scene, an abundance of outdoor activities and a welcoming, small-town vibe, Dana Point stands out as an unbeatable staycation destination.
A Fresh Take on Family Comfort: Hilton Garden Inn Dana Point – Doheny Beach
Central to Dana Point’s renewed appeal is the Hilton Garden Inn Dana Point – Doheny Beach (Hilton.com), which emerged from a $15 million transformation in August 2024. This full-scale renovation has elevated the property into a contemporary retreat, ideal for families seeking both comfort and convenience.
Guests can choose from spacious ocean-view rooms with king or queen beds, or opt for the expansive Surfside Suite for extra space to spread out. Either way, it’s the ideal “home base” for an end-of-summer (or any time of year, really) retreat. Every room is equipped with thoughtful amenities – mini-fridges for snacks, microwaves for quick meals, pod coffee makers for early risers and large flat-screen TVs for family movie nights.
The lobby bar and Doheny Surf full-service restaurant made mealtimes easy between its laid-back surf-culture vibe and menu of casual California cuisine. The Boneyard breakfast burrito (named after a local surf break) arrives chock full of applewood smoked bacon, cage-free eggs, Monterey Jack cheese, potatoes and house salsa, while the eggs benedict is worthy of special mention for its hollandaise sauce that is more akin to a pepper gravy than a traditional hollandaise.
My husband and I loved the Longboard Rooftop Bar – a relaxing locale in which to savor a glass of fine wine or a craft cocktail against a backdrop of stunning sunset views. For active families, the fitness center now features Peloton bikes, and practical touches like guest laundry facilities ensure longer stays are hassle-free.
Endless Beach Days and Outdoor Fun
Dana Point’s coastline is a veritable playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Doheny State Beach, just steps from the Hilton Garden Inn, is renowned for its gentle waves and wide sandy stretches – perfect for young swimmers and sandcastle builders alike. For families with toddlers, Baby Beach in Dana Point Harbor offers calm, shallow waters, making it a safe and popular spot for little ones to splash and play. Prefer to picnic? The city’s Pines Park or Lantern Bay Park both offering sweeping ocean views and plenty of space for play.
Adventures on the Water
A hub of activity, visitors can try their hand at a plethora of activities in Dana Point – from kayaking to “pirate ship” adventures and sunset cruises. For those like my teens who live for days spent on surf and sand, Pure Watersports (PureWatersports.com) provides rentals for kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and surfboards–ideal for both beginners and seasoned adventurers. Our family leans toward a little more action on vacations so an exhilarating morning spent astride Pure Watersports’ high-performance Kawasaki and Yamaha jet skis definitely topped on the agenda for fun, fast access to the open ocean.
Renowned as the “Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World®,” Dana Point is home to the iconic Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari (DolphinSafari.com) – a family-friendly adventure that combines a bit of education and a whole lot of unforgettable, inimitable fun on the high seas. For over two decades, Captain Dave’s excursions have provided a front-row seat to witness a variety of diverse marine life from fish, sea birds and sea lions to dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. In fact, via custom catamarans outfitted with exclusive underwater glass viewing pods, guests can experience an eye-to-eye encounter for a thrilling perspective not found on typical tours.
Run by the husband-and-wife team of Captain Dave and Gisele Anderson, our weekday outing was uncrowded, eco-friendly and capped off with Mrs. Capt. Dave’s legendary triple fudge brownies, a treat that delighted both our teens and their parents. With a longstanding reputation for excellent customer service and a commitment to responsible wildlife viewing, Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari is a staycation highlight that brings guests closer to the wonders of the Pacific, creating memories that last long after the boat returns to shore.
Local Flavor
When it’s time to refuel, Dana Point’s dining scene delivers. Young’s Beach Shack (YoungsBeachShack.com) at Salt Creek Beach is a go-to fave for fresh seafood, hearty lunch options and picnic provisions perfect for a day on the sand. Our son, who can literally eat his weight in seafood, went straight for the tuna poke bowl which tops sticky rice with fresh cuts of fish, sriracha aioli, avocado, mixed greens while our daughter opted for the equally delicious beer battered local catch “fish and chips.” While there is outdoor seating adjacent to the eatery, we took our order “to go” and noshed surfside for a picnic on the sand.
For a more elevated meal, Craft House (EatatCraftHouse.com) – a vibrant gastropub led by Chef Blake Mellgren – offers locally sourced fare and a lively atmosphere that welcomes families.
My son and I are our family’s resident seafood aficionados, while my husband is a steadfast “meat-and-potatoes” man so we loved the diverse menu offerings from the signature Craft House fried chicken dinner and grilled meatloaf – a must-try for comfort food fans crafted (pun intended) of beef, pork and bacon paired with mashed potato and topped with tomato jam. The steak frites was particular hit – 8 oz. wagyu grass fed skirt steak grilled to perfection and accompanied by a yummy chimichurri and tallow (chef avoids cooking with seed oils in favor of beef tallow and olive oil) fries. The Farmer’s Market burrata salad arrived as a blend of mixed greens, tomato, crispy quinoa, sunny cal farms seasonal fruit and of course creamy burrata.
For my part, I’ve always been more of an “appetizers as an entrée” diner, preferring to sample several dishes to cobble together a “main meal.” This practice provided the opportunity to try the charred snap peas, spicy tuna crispy rice and delish grilled Mexican street corn enhanced with spiced cream, garlic, shallot, cotija, lime and cilantro.
Another popular eatery in this charming seaside town is the aptly named Coastal Kitchen (CoastalKitchenDanaPoint.com) – a vibrant dining experience centered on fresh, clean flavors with a focus on seafood and steaks.
The kitchen’s open design allows diners to watch chefs prepare meals in an ambiance that reflects the restaurant’s coastal location and its nautical-inspired interior in hues of blues and crisp whites is complemented by expansive open glass doors and cozy outdoor fire pits. With a full bar and inviting patio space, Coastal Kitchen balances casual elegance and warmth.
Its Sauteed Grouper with crispy rock shrimp, pan-crisped Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes and Hawaiian Ribeye (14-oz marinated 72 hours) are signature dishes that reside alongside creative starters such as the chef’s flavorful daily tacos featuring local proteins (tri tip, filet, salmon, ahi), smoked trout dip with toast points and Cajun shrimp with basmati rice and griddled ciabatta. Other popular picks include the falling-off-the-bone tender “true Danish” baby back ribs accompanied by house-made BBQ sauce and the half rotisserie chicken enhanced by a house-made rub and citrus glaze.
As summer winds down, Dana Point invites families to slow down, reconnect, and savor the last rays of sunshine. With its blend of natural beauty, upgraded accommodations, and endless opportunities for adventure, Dana Point is the ultimate staycation destination – perfect for making memories before the school bell rings again.
