Winner: Lantern District
Runner Up: Capo Beach

The Lantern District retains its title as the best neighborhood in Dana Point in 2024. It was a tight race with Capo Beach but the Lantern District won in the end. The Lantern District has continued to develop with new shops and restaurants coming to the area regularly.

Winner: Salt Creek
Runner Up: Strands

Salt Creek runs it back and wins the 2024 Best Beach Award. This iconic beach has great surf, a beautiful landscape, and tons of amenities for fun in the sun. Be sure not to miss Young’s Beach Shack to get some great food while enjoying a day at one of California’s best beaches.

Located at Pacific Coast Highway & Ritz Carlton Dr

Winner: Summer Concerts in the Park
Runner Up: Ohana Fest

This vote was one of the biggest changes from last year with both 1st and 2nd place changing. The Dana Point Concert in the Park series is a beloved summer tradition that brings the community together for free live music in a picturesque outdoor setting. Hosted at Sea Terrace and Lantern Bay Parks, the series features a diverse lineup of talented bands and artists, offering something for every musical taste. Families and friends gather with picnic blankets and chairs to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, food vendors, and stunning coastal backdrop.

Winner: Catalina
Runner Up: San Diego

Catalina gets back to back wins for best weekend getaway from Dana Point in 2024. San Diego took Palm Springs spot in 2nd place this year. Catalina Island is a picturesque destination known for its stunning natural beauty and relaxed charm. Part of the Channel Islands, it offers visitors pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse outdoor activities, including hiking, snorkeling, and kayaking. The island’s main town, Avalon, features charming streets lined with shops, restaurants, and historic landmarks like the Catalina Casino.

Winner: Dana Point Hardware
Runner Up: Dana Point Nursery

Local favorite, Dana Point Hardware, wins best local retail store in Dana Point for a second straight year. Dana Point Hardware has most of what you need when it comes to hardware supplies. So next time you need something from around the house, shop local and save a trip by checking out Dana Point Hardware.

Located on Del Prado near Ruby Lantern

Winner: Coastal Kitchen
Runner Up: Giana Bakery & Provisions

Coastal Kitchen remains in 1st place for best overall restaurant in Dana Point for 2024. It’s no surprise that Coastal Kitchen takes the top spot again as they checkmark pretty much everything that makes a great restaurant. Giana Bakery & Provisions gets 2nd place for a second straight time as well.

Located at Pacific Coast Highway & Blue Lantern

Winner: Turks
Runner Up: Stillwater Spirits & Sounds

It’s no surprise at all that Turks retains it’s title as Best Bar in Dana Point for 2024. Let’s be real, everyone loves this place! A true locals hidden gem, Turk’s continues to be an authentic bar that’s kept true to it’s roots over many years.

Located in the Dana Point Harbor near Wind & Sea

Winner: Apizza Doho
Runner Up: Truly Pizza

Dana Point, the city of pizza. At least that’s what it feels like with all of the great pizza places that have opened up over recent years! Standing above the competition for a second straight year is Apizza Doho with it’s Connecticut style pizza that locals rave over!

Located at The Row on Pacific Coast Highway

Winner: JC Beans
Runner Up: Coffee Importers

Local favorite JC Beans wins the 2024 Best Coffee Shop in Dana Point for a second straight year. JC Beans Coffee House is a cherished local gem in Dana Point, known for its cozy atmosphere and exceptional coffee. Housed in a charming, rustic space, it offers a welcoming spot for locals and visitors to enjoy a wide selection of expertly brewed coffee, teas, and freshly baked goods.

Located on Pacific Coast Highway near Ruby Lantern

Winner: Lupe’s
Runner Up: Carlos Mexican Restaurant

Lupe’s wins best Mexican food in Dana Point for a second straight year with Carlos Mexican Restaurant coming in 2nd place again.

Located on Stonehill in the Albertsons parking lot

Winner: Luciana’s Ristorante
Runner Up: Casanova Ristorante

Let’s be real, Luciana’s Ristorante is hard to beat for a date night, and Dana Point Unplugged members agreed as they voted the winner to be Luciana’s Ristorante for a second straight year. There was however a change at 2nd place with Casanova Ristorante overtaking Coastal Kitchen.

Located on Del Prado near Ruby Lantern

Winner: RJ’s Cafe
Runner Up: Proud Mary’s

RJ’s Cafe and it’s delicious breakfast and great vibes has won Best Breakfast in Dana Point for a 2nd straight year. RJ’s Cafe continues to be a powerhouse in Dana Point despite a plethora of great dining options such as Proud Mary’s, Stacks Pancake House, and more!

Located on Dana Point Harbor Dr & Golden Lantern, across the street from the Dana Point Harbor

Winner: Tutor & Spunky’s
Runner Up: Monarch Beach Market

The iconic Tutor & Spunky’s wins Best Sandwich Shop in Dana Point for a 2nd straight year. A mainstay in Dana Point for over 30 years, Tutor & Spunky’s has continued serving great sandwiches to locals and looks to continue to do so for the foreseeable future!

Located at Pacific Coast Highway & Blue Lantern

Winner: Killer Dana Surf Shop
Runner Up: Hobie Surf Shop

Best Surf Shop is a new category this year for the Best of Dana Point awards and the very popular Killer Dana Surf Shop was able to garner the most votes from Dana Point Unplugged members. Killer Dana Surf Shop had a successful relocation to the Lantern Bay Village Shopping Center this year and created a stunning surf shop that has all sorts of items for sale. They even kept the Thrifty Ice Cream that Rite Aid sold at this location previously!

Located at Golden Lantern & Del Prado