Good afternoon, and happy April!
This weeks lineup:
A San Clemente favorite for burgers is set to open in Laguna.
Top local news: Vote on name proposals for new harbor hotel, SC sand replacement updates, and that massive federal building in Laguna Niguel is for sale.
Happenings: Easter events for the family, Bon Jovi tribute band, strawberry picking and trivia nights this week.
Home of the week: Checkout this completely turnkey beachy cottage that’s a one-of-a kind gem.
LET’S EAT
Does South OC need another burger restaurant?
Small’s Smash Club thinks so.
The San Clemente spot that opened in 2025 by a pro snowboarder just announced an upcoming new location in Laguna.
Reported from What Now Orange County, Small’s will replace the former Dizz’s As and will feature smash burgers (of course), beef tallow fries, onion rings, craft beer and more.
We’ll keep you posted as we learn more about an opening date announcement.
TOGETHER WITH
Give your skin that healthy glow.
Between the salt air and bright SoCal sun, our skin works overtime. Heading into summer, now is the perfect time to give it a little TLC at Dana Point Dermatology. From expert medical care to aesthetic refreshes, the dedicated team at Dana Point Dermatology is keeping South OC glowing all year long.
Book your consultation today (and mention South Coast Swell).
THIS WEEK’S HEADLINES
The San Clemente City Council recently voted to advance funding requests for a new phase of federal sand replenishment and a separate, nature-based retention project to protect the local shoreline—read the full story here to see how these projects could impact our beaches.
A date night, celebration or just evening out on the harbor now just became even more memorable. Danna Wharf just announced duffy boat rentals in the harbor. Available for 1 or 2 hour rentals, get a group of up to 12 and cruise to watch the sunset (perhaps over drinks and dinner?). Learn more and reserve your duffy here.
The U.S. General Services Administration has partnered with CBRE to sell the iconic Chet Holifield Federal Building, a one-million-square-foot "Ziggurat" sitting on 90 acres in Laguna Niguel. This high-profile listing is part of a federal strategy to reduce real estate holdings and eliminate maintenance liabilities, offering a rare opportunity for transformative redevelopment in Orange County. What will become of the land is TBD for now, we’ll keep you posted as we learn more.
HARBOR NEWS
If you want to leave your mark on the new harbor developments, now is your chance.
R. D. Olson, the developers behind the harbor revitalization, just announced that they’re looking to rename one of the new boutique hotels, “Dana House,” and want your help in deciding the new name.
The options they’re considering are in the poll below. Let your voices be heard!
What should "Dana House" hotel be called instead?
TREAT YOURSELF
Tell us what you think of this new baked goods concept.
It’s no secret that finding gluten-free and refined sugar-free treats in South OC can be a challenge. We found a local baker looking to change that.
They are currently looking for community feedback. If you’ve been hunting for cleaner dessert options, check out their concept and weigh in.
ARTS & LEISURE
APRIL 1
Gilmore Girls trivia night at Los Molinos at 6:30pm. 21+. Learn more.
APRIL 2
Trivia night at 6:15pm @ Dana Point Ale House. Learn more.
Art lecture with Jean Stern at 6pm @ Casa Romantica. Learn more.
Sponge at 8pm @ The Coach House. Get tickets.
APRIL 3
Hatha yoga from 9:30am-10:30pm at The Ecology Center. RSVP here.
Toes on the Nose sip & shop from 10am-7pm @ Toes on the Nose River Street Marketplace. Deets here.
Easter event with scavenger hunt, Easter bunny & decorating from 11:30am-4pm @ River Street Marketplace. RSVP here (free).
Live music Fridays at 3pm in front of Capo @ River Street Marketplace. Learn more.
Line dancing from 6-9pm @ River Street Marketplace. Learn more.
APRIL 4
Strawberry picking from 9am-3pm @ South Coast Farms - 33201 Ortega Hwy. Plan your day.
Sample sale featuring Surf Locos, Taylor Baked, Flare Coffee and more from 9am-2pm @ 944 Calle Amanecer, Suite L. Learn more.
Easter events across South OC:
Egg hunts & Easter bunny from 8-11am @ Pines Park & Sea Canyon Park. Plan your morning.
Spring Splashtacular from 12-4pm @ San Clemente Aquatics Center. Learn more.
Bunny Bonanza from 10am-1pm @ Crown Valley Park. More info.
Bunny Blast from 2-4pm @ Aliso Creed Rd & La Paz Rd. Learn more.
Wanted - The Bon Jovi Tribute at 8pm @ The Coach House. Get tickets.
APRIL 5
Easter dinner from 5-10pm @ Studio Mediterranean - Montage. RSVP here.
FARMERS MARKETS
Fridays: Farmakis Farms Certified Farmers Market from 9am-1pm @ Farmakis Farms in SJC.
Saturdays: Dana Point Farmers Market @ La Plaza Park from 9am-1pm.
Sundays: San Clemente Farmers Market @ Del Mar from 9am-1pm.
Wednesdays: Dana Point Harbor Farmers Market @ 34555 Golden Lantern from 9am-1pm.
HOME OF THE WEEK
Presenting: 34092 Formosa. This renovated Lantern District home is everything you could want in a coastal cottage and more. Completely turnkey, spa-like bathrooms, open and airy, and just a short bike ride down to Doheny and the harbor. It’s truly a rare gem.
802 Avenida Presidio in San Clemente.
Property details:
2 bd, 2 ba
1,050 sq ft
2,000 sq ft lot size
Built in 1961
On the market for 6 days.
Features:
Fully reimagined coastal cottage with single-level living, 2 bedrooms and 2 baths.
Open sunlit floor plan with crisp white interiors, exposed beam ceilings, natural textures.
Gourmet kitchen with custom oak cabinetry, marble-inspired countertops, brass fixtures, designer lighting.
Primary suite opens to outdoors; private fenced patio with fire feature.
Outdoor living includes fire pit seating and outdoor shower area; minutes from the harbor, Del Prado & Doheny.
Contact Jonathan Mann, Strata Property Solutions, at 949-939-3833.
Thanks for reading,
— Hannah B
Interested in sponsoring South Coast Swell?
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