Good afternoon, and happy Wednesday!
Summer 2025 may be winding down, but the coast is still buzzing. From live music and festivals to fresh cafés and new restaurants, there’s plenty to soak up before school’s back in session — or to wow your out-of-town visitors. Make the most of these final sunny weeks and keep the summer vibes going while they last.
This weeks lineup:
Is it time to take your pup on an adventure? Check out these 5 local trails.
No Doubt tribute bands + more live music this weekend.
We found a breezy, beachy Capo Beach home for sale that exudes indoor-outdoor living.
Get over to this adorable cafe in SC for your next picnic.
ADVENTURE AWAITS
I have a hunch.
If you’re a dog owner like me, I’m guessing your dog would absolutely love it if you took them to a new trail for a walk.
Maybe a beach trail, a dog park or a coastal hike.
Luckily for us (and them), South OC has endless trails for dogs to explore.
So depending on yours and your dog’s preferences, here are five of our favorites:
Badlands Park - Laguna Niguel
Tucked away in the hills of Laguna Niguel, this out and back trail has some of the best ocean views the Laguna Beach coastline you’ll find in South OC. It’s also relatively flat and usually offers ample street parking by the entrance. Picnic tables also make for a great stop for a picnic lunch. This is a go-to walk for us.
Rancho San Clemente Ridgeline Trail - San Clemente
A moderate 3.5 mile out and back walk awaits in San Clemente at the Rancho San Clemente Ridgeline Trail. This trail boasts panoramic sweeping views of San Clemente and the coastline (you can even see as far as Dana Point Harbor). Rolling hills on a paved trail throughout make it fun for your dog and promises a good workout.
Views from the Badlands Trail in Laguna Niguel are hard to beat.
Creekside Park & Sycamore Creek Trail - San Juan Capistrano
Just off Del Obispo park in Dana Point is the Sycamore Creek Trail, a short but well-maintained dirt trail leading to the San Juan Creek Trail. If your dog is up for it, you can take them up to Creekside Park from there, which has a huge fenced-in dog park (plus a separate section for the little guys). The park has ample space for dogs to run and play, with a clean wood chip surface and spots for shade.
Sea Summit Trail - San Clemente
You’ve probably driven past this trail on your way to SC dozens of times. The Sea Summit Trail has a nice mix of well groomed trails, stairs and ocean views, and connects to a couple of parks with accessible restrooms. Pro tip: head over there right before sunset. You and your pup will love it.
Salt Creek Beach Trail & Bluff Park - Dana Point
Last but certainly not least, we have to mention Salt Creek Beach Trail & Bluff Park. Your dog will love running around in the park and exploring the connecting trail that overlooks the beach, which extends 5 miles all the way up to Laguna Niguel. The best time to go? Weekdays around 6pm, when it’s a little less crowded and you can enjoy a scenic picnic dinner.
LIVE MUSIC
August 14th
No Duh - The Ultimate Tribute Band to No Doubt @ Salt Creek Beach from 6pm-8pm: OC Parks presents a free concert in the park this Thursday. Jam out to a phenomenal tribute band and some of the best No Doubt classics. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy food and drinks from concessions. Info here.
San Clemente Summer Concert Series - The Wheeland Brothers @ SC Pier from 6pm-8pm: Catch the last show of the summer as part of SC’s Summer Concert Series this Thursday with the fun & lively Wheeland Brothers. Deets here.
August 15th
Anthony Small @ Prado Square from 4:30pm-6:30pm: Soak up the acoustic tunes of local artist Anthony Small this Friday while enjoying a refreshing beer from the Dana Point Ale House.
Seaside Sessions at The Wharf: Ava August @ 4pm-6pm: Enjoy a seaside happy hour with live music, weekly at The Wharf.
The Motels @ The Coach House in SJC at 8pm: Catch the popular California ‘80s band The Motels this Friday at the Coach House and rock out to some of their classics like Only the Lonely and Suddenly Last Summer. Buy tickets here.
August 17th
Concerts in the park:
Sega Genocide @ 2:30pm-4pm: Bring a blanket, snacks and drinks and head to Sea Terrace Park for a free community concert. Deets here.
Tijuana Dogs @ 4pm-6pm: And another one! Come later or stay longer for the second act.
FITNESS, ARTS & LEISURE
August 13th
River Street Run Club: Meet outside Hobie at River Street Marketplace at 6:30pm for a 3-5 mile run
Western Movie Night summer finale at The Swanner House in SJC from 6pm-11pm: Get ready to do-si-do over to Western Movie Night for a night of line dancing, dinner, western movies and more. Yeehaw! Tickets here.
August 15th
Coffee party @ Sur from 6pm-9pm: Waeve is throwing a party at local favorite Sur this Saturday. Think groovy tunes, small bites, beer/wine and delicious coffee, of course. Sign up here.
August 16th
Dana Point Farmers Market @ La Plaza Park from 9am-1pm. Local jewelry, fresh produce, clothing, candles and more.
Motel mini market: The market is back! Meet at 2415 S El Camino to browse eclectic and vintage finds, supporting local vendors. Coffee by Nova Coffee, pizza with Petes Pizza. 10am-2pm. Info here.
Ramps & Amps at Domingo & Sepulveda in Capo Beach from 10pm-7pm: Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping experience! This free event will feature skate and BMX demos, public street courses (bring your own board, helmet and pads), live music sets, food trucks, and drinks on the street (21+), and more! Learn more here.
Bark & Brew @ Outlets in San Clemente from 4pm-7pm: Come out for a festival with live music, pet vendors, fun activities for kids and pups, and beer. All proceeds benefit the Pet Project Foundation. Deets here.
August 17th
San Clemente Farmers Market at Del Mar @ 9am-1pm: Shop for fresh local produce, baked goods, and enjoy the good vibes on a summery Sunday morning.
Clothing swap & gourmet mini donuts @ High Tide Coffee in San Clemente from 10am-2pm: Bring gently used, clean items. accepting all clothing, shoes, and accessories for women and children. All extra items will be donate to Laura's house, working to end the cycle of domestic violence. Info here.
CAPO BEACH DREAM HOME
It’s fun to browse Redfin and discover some of the awesome homes that come on the market.
We had to share this newly listed home in Capo Beach; if anything just to admire (but if you know of a buyer, we’ve shared the listing agents info below).
27062 Calle Juanita in Capo Beach is beach living at it’s finest.
27062 Calle Juanita, in Capo Beach, was built by an award winning architect and has just about everything there is to love about coastal living— inside and out.
The main living area has an open floor plan, where the kitchen, living room and dining area flow together. The primary suite opens to a beautiful custom pool (we think could be in the shape of two surf boards?), a spa and garden. There’s plenty of outdoor living space to enjoy, both from the wrap around patio and on the lower level poolside. Conveniently located by the trolley and very short drive to grocery stores and retail on Camino de Estrella.
The scoop:
3 beds, 2 baths
2,296 sq feet
16 days on market
Built in 2011
5,488 sq feet lot size
Amenities: pool, spa, soaking tub, solar and EV-ready
Interested? Contact the agent Debra Vaughan at 714-914-2821
LEVEL UP YOUR PICNIC GAME
They’ve got tropical smoothies bursting with flavor, artisanal sandwiches and custom charcuterie boxes.
We’re referring of course to The Picnic Cafe on Del Mar in San Clemente.
Blueberry Ricotta toast from the Picnic Cafe on Del Mar.
The Picnic Cafe is any picnic lovers dream spot. They’ve thought of anything and everything that could make your picnic extra delicious, and beautiful. Their full menu is complete with smoothies, (we love the Blue Coconut Cloud), toasts (shoutout to Avenida Avocado Toast), sandwiches and custom charcuterie boxes. You can also build your own picnic boxes, complete with a small bouquet of flowers.
So when you’re planning your next picnic, stop in to the Picnic Cafe for a delicious treat (best enjoyed on the beach).
Thanks for reading & catch ya out there
— Hannah B
