Last year, I wrote about a fun stay at Newport Beach for a birthday girls weekend getaway. This year, we stuck with Marriott but went a bit further south to Dana Point to the Laguna Cliffs Marriott & Spa, where we weren’t disappointed!
Beautiful Baby Beach and SUP time with friends in Dana Point!
Dana Point is an awesome respite from the typical hustle, bustle and traffic of Southern California. It’s a little bit less busy and “yuppie” than some of the other So Cal Beaches. and has a real local charm and peace that we enjoy. The Baby Beach here is fantastic for kids, it’s one we’ve gone to since my kids were toddlers and they still enjoy it today as a summer getaway – the Coast Guard will often even come and spray the kiddos 🙂 It was on this very beach that we launched a fun paddleboarding excursion in the Dana Point Harbor! I love paddleboarding and have blogged about it before as a fun way to enhance travel – I don’t do it nearly as much as I’d like, but am always trying to do more. I enjoyed doing it in Hawaii, and have also done it several times locally here in So Cal, with hopes to do it again in several other destinations throughout the year. Doing a local experience with nature can really connect you with a spot, and Dana Point is one great place to do that!
Gorgeous pools, remodeled rooms,
The Laguna Cliffs Marriott is in a beautiful spot on a hill with scenic ocean views, two pools (one quieter and one that has a splash area for kids), a restaurant, and full service spa. The lobby was nice and welcoming – valet parking is the only option available for onsite Guests, though we noticed some parking on side streets and walking into the hotel. The rooms were remodeled with modern “rainfall” showers, hardwood/laminate floors, coffee mugs and wine glasses along with a Keurig style coffee machine and mini fridge. We had a great view from the room as well!
Gorgeous views from Dana Point Harbor, just across the street! Super dining and shopping options here!
The best thing is that it’s within easy walking distance of the Dana Point village and many waterfront shops and restaurants! It’s also directly across from Doheny Beach, which has fantastic surfing and is a much bigger beach for big kids and families. The Resort fee also includes a yoga class and equipment rentals for beach day fun. While we only stayed one night, you could easily do a few nights here and have a great family getaway on the coast! It was perfect for a girls trip and some chatting/reading/relaxation, and is a popular spot for weddings and receptions as well!
Whether wanting to go out on a boat, go whale watching, hang ten on a board, do some paddling, eat and shop or simply chill with a book, Dana Point is a charming part of Southern California to visit! Contact me to plan your stay! 🙂
We Cain Travel 