From low-key beach hangs, to big-time updates around town (looking at you, Dana Point Harbor), here’s the latest happening around South OC this week:
An update on the completed phases at Dana Point Harbor - and a sneak peak at what’s to come
Our must-do event: free symphony in the park
San Clemente Ocean Fest
A brand new skate park to take your favorite sk8rs to
THE HARBOR’S NEW LOOK
The city has been abuzz for a while over the revitalizations coming to DP Harbor, but particularly so over the last week.
That’s because the first of the harbor’s new additions opened to the public on July 3rd — a massive, state-of-the-art parking garage.
The brand new Dana Point Harbor parking garage completes phase 2 of the harbor revitalization project.
The garage is quite stunning (yes, even for a parking garage). With 984 spots, it’s equipped with 93 spots for boaters, EV chargers, restrooms, showers and other amenities. It’s also free for the month of July as rates are still to be determined.
The new garage completes phase 2 of the revitalization project. According to Dana Point Harbor website, the next phase will be “commercial core,” which will be a renovation of retail and restaurants along the harbor. Phase 3 is set to start this August, and will be open to the public either in late 2026 or early 2027.
A rendering of what Phase 3, or “commercial core,” could look like when it’s complete.
According to the developer’s plans, the new commercial space will have a mix of casual and fine-dining restaurants, including a food hall, as well as retail stores, public greenscapes, and a new promenade for strolling along the harbor.
The next project will be hotel development. Developers will begin by demolishing the current Marina Inn and two boater service buildings in early 2026.
In its place, they’ll be constructing two new hotels - the Surf Lodge and Dana House. The Surf Lodge will be a 167 room “lower-cost” hotel, and the Dana House, which will be the “higher-end” of the two, will have 130 rooms, including a few two-story beach cottages.
It’s reported that construction for the hotels will start after commercial core is finished, so likely 2026, and wrap up two years later, putting the completion date at 2028.
Hotel renderings as part of the harbor revitalization project. Construction is set to start in 2026 and be complete by 2028.
We’ll keep you posted as we learn more about the latest developments unfolding at the harbor.
WEEKLY BULLETIN
Free symphony in the park @ Pines Park
This Thursday, plan a date night or take the fam to Pines Park in Capo Beach for symphony in the park - put on by the Pacific Symphony. Bring your lawn chairs, a picnic blanket, snacks and drinks and enjoy the show. Learn more here.
July 17th 6pm @ Pines Park in Capo Beach.
San Clemente Ocean Festival
Get ready for the 47th annual Ocean Festival, happening on July 19th & 20th. SC’s favorite summer festival is kicking off, and packed with activities for the whole fam, including a 5k beach run/walk, dolphin dash race, Grom’s Rule surfing contest, and more. Learn more about events and parking info here.
July 19th & 20th @ the Pier in SC.
The Nomadix San Clemente Coffee Crawl for Surfer’s Healing
June 21st kicks off the week long coffee crawl in SC benefiting Surfer’s Healing. Surfer’s Healing is a wonderful organization supporting individuals with autism by giving them an opportunity to learn to surf as a form of therapy. Sign-up for your local passport here, which includes stops such as Sur, High Tide and Bear Coast. Stop in at any participating coffee shop for a complimentary drink and the chance for a prize.
July 21st - 27th at participating coffee shops in San Clemente.
THE LINEUP
July 17th
River Street Run Club: Meet outside Hobie at River Street Marketplace at 6:30pm for a 3-5 mile run.
Symphony at the park: deets above
Summer concert series featuring Kelly Boyz: Free live music at the SC pier starting at 6pm. More here.
July 18th
Beach cleanup: Get your weekend started with a cleaner beach. Meet at Doheny for a beach cleanup from 9am - 12pm in support of the Doheny Beach Foundation.
July 19th
Twin Star Yoga x Bicycles San Clemente community ride: Bring your bike (or rent one) for a fun hourlong ride to SJC and back. Meet at Bicycle San Clemente at 10am.
San Clemente Running Club @ the park by the San Clemente Pier at 9am - meet for a fun 4 mile group run, followed by coffee on Del Mar.
Dana Point Farmer’s Market @ La Plaza Park from 9am - 1pm. Local jewelry, fresh produce, clothing, candles and more.
San Clemente Ocean Festival: deets above.
Motel Minimarket: The market is back! Meet at 2415 S El Camino to browse eclectic and vintage finds, supporting local vendors. 4pm - 8pm.
July 20th
Beach pilates: Need we say more? Meet at Salt Creek Beach at 8:30am for pilates on the beach followed by a panel from Daily Nuori. Sign-up here.
San Clemente Farmer’s Market: Stop by SC’s farmers market from 9am - 1pm for fresh local produce, shop for gifts, and just enjoy the good vibes on a summery Sunday morning. 200th block of Avenida Del Mar.
San Clemente Ocean Festival: deets above.
WATER CONDITIONS
Surf forecast - Lower Trestles
Tides - San Clemente
SKATE ON OVER
After years of development, there’s finally a new skate park in town.
On June 30th, the 42,575 sq feet park opened to the public after years of delays on the Kinoshita Farm. San Juan Capistrano Skate Park can accommodate skaters, BMX riders and scooters. And it’s fully equipped, with a flow bowl area, pool bowl area, and street skating area with rails, stairs and banks - perfect for all levels.
Next up: a sunshade and the completion of a new multi-use trail, scheduled to be ready in a couple of months.
Thanks for reading & catch ya out there
— Hannah B
