Winner: Lantern District
Runner Up: Capo Beach

Lantern District stood above the rest in this year’s Best Neighborhood poll. For many, the Lantern District is what they think of when they think of Dana Point. With classic California beach style homes, hilly streets that offer amazing ocean views, and the redeveloping downtown Dana Point, the Lantern District remains one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the area.

Winner: Salt Creek
Runner Up: Strands

Salt Creek runs away as the best beach in Dana Point in this year’s poll. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, as Salt Creek checks off a lot of the boxes when it comes to what makes a beach great. Make sure not to miss Young’s Beach Shack at Salt Creek which has a diverse breakfast and lunch menu which includes burgers, hot dogs, poke bowls, breakfast burritos, salads, and more! Young’s Beach Shack is open daily from 7 am until sunset.

Located at Pacific Coast Highway & Ritz Carlton Dr

Winner: Festival of Whales
Runner Up: Boat Parade of Lights

The Festival of Whales surpassed the competition and was awarded 2023 Best Annual Event in Dana Point. As we all know, Dana Point is host to a number of great annual events so winning this poll was no easy feat. The Festival of Whales has been an annual tradition in Dana Point for 53 years. In 2024, the festival will be taking place March 1-3 to celebrate the annual return of the California gray whales.

Winner: Catalina
Runner Up: Palm Springs

Catalina Island has taken the 2023 Best Weekend Getaway Spot award. Dana Point’s central location makes weekend getaway’s a breeze, Catalina in particular. Dana Point is home to 1 of only 3 ferries that regularly crosses to Catalina Island. Popular activities on Catalina Island include snorkeling, hiking, camping, and many other outdoor activities. Other popular choices in the poll included San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Baja California.

Winner: Dana Point Hardware
Runner Up: Killer Dana Surf Shop

A mainstay in Dana Point since 1976, Dana Point Hardware takes home this year’s Best Local Retail Store award. 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 wins this year’s best overall restaurant in our annual Dana Point Unplugged poll. Coastal Kitchen is known for it’s incredible American foodfare and it’s beautiful design. Coastal Kitchen is located in a historic location in Dana Point’s first ever commercial building, dating back to the 1920s.

Located at Pacific Coast Highway & Blue Lantern

Winner: Turks
Runner Up: Stillwater Spirits & Sounds

A legendary place among locals, Turks wins Best Bar of 2023 in Dana Point. Turks was founded in 1984 in the Dana Point Harbor and has remained a favorite ever since. Beyond serving your favorite cocktails, Turks has a great food menu. So if you’re looking for a watering hole with an authentic, local, Dana Point vibe, Turks would definitely be the place to check out.

Located in the Dana Point Harbor near Wind & Sea

Winner: Apizza Doho
Runner Up: Truly Pizza

For this years Best Pizza, we have two newer businesses in Dana Point gathering the most votes, with Apizza Doho winning the Best Pizza in Dana Point award. Apizza Doho makes an east coast style pizza, specifically Connecticut style, that locals have been raving about since they opened in 2022.

Located at The Row on Pacific Coast Highway

Winner: JC Beans
Runner Up: Coffee Importers

JC Beans gathered the most votes for the Best Coffee Shop of 2023 award. Established in 1994, JC Beans has been a local favorite for nearly 30 years. The interior has a library sort of feel and is the perfect place to sit and relax, study, or work. There is also an outdoor seating area and a drive-thru, so JC Beans has you covered no matter how you want to enjoy your coffee.

Located on Pacific Coast Highway near Ruby Lantern

Winner: Lupe’s
Runner Up: Carlos Mexican Restaurant

Lupe’s was able to pull off winning the Best Mexican Food of 2023 in Dana Point award. Established in 2016, Lupe’s quickly became a hotspot for anyone craving some delicious Mexican food. Lupe’s is well known for their birria dishes which includes birria tacos, burritos, consome, and more.

Located on Stonehill in the Albertsons parking lot

Winner: Luciana’s Ristorante
Runner Up: Coastal Kitchen

Wondering where to go on your next date night? Dana Point Unplugged members proclaim Luciana’s Ristorante to be the best date night restaurant in Dana Point and it’s not hard to see why. Established over 30 years ago in the Lantern District, Luciana’s checks off all of the boxes for experiencing a great date night. Mouth watering Italian food? Check. A cozy, intimate atmosphere? Check. Great service? Check. Again, not hard to see why so many Dana Point Unplugged members choose Luciana’s Ristorante as their go to date night spot.

Located on Del Prado near Ruby Lantern

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

RJ’s Cafe opened in 2003 and has been a go-to breakfast spot for locals ever since. The menu is extensive having most breakfast and lunch options, and it’s pretty hard to go wrong with whatever you decide to try. RJ’s Cafe is a popular place for a reason, something to keep in mind on weekends when it can get quite busy.

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

A Dana Point staple since 1988, Tutor & Spunky’s wins the Best Sandwich Shop of 2023 award. Locals have been coming to Tutor & Spunky's to get their sandwich fix and it’s easy to see why. With sandwich names such as Doheny Beach, USC Forever, San Juan Cap, and LA Lakers, Tutor & Spunky’s is deeply entrenched in local culture. And you never know who you may see there, as many celebrities have been spotted over the years grabbing their favorite sandwich. You also gotta love a place that has a sticker saying “This is not a good place for a diet” at the front entrance.

Located at Pacific Coast Highway & Blue Lantern