Good morning, South OC. We’ve fast forwarded straight from winter to summer it seems. Longer days + extra warm and sunny weather is feeling pretty great. Hope you can get out and enjoy it!
Lucky to call this home!
This weeks lineup:
Updates on San Clemente’s long-awaited Miramar food hall + an opening date for a new mediterranean spot on Del Mar.
Top local news: New market to open this spring in DP, Headlands trail access reduced, phases 3 & 5 of DP Harbor revitalization kick off, and more.
Swallow’s Day celebrations (including line dancing and roping demo), OC Mom Walks happy hour, paint & sip at Casa Romantica and much more.
Home of the week: If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a low maintenance, fully-renovated bungalow a mile from the beach, now’s your chance.
LET’S EAT
The long-vacant Miramar Theatre in San Clemente is finally set to return to life, with the new Miramar Food Hall targeting a soft opening on May 1, 2026.
The revitalized historic landmark will feature 13 vendors—including Seattle’s famous Moto Pizza—along with two bars and unique interior touches like wood repurposed from the site's original bowling alley. While the food hall prepares for its spring debut, the adjacent Miramar Event Center is expected to follow with an opening this fall.
Also happening this spring in SC, the downtown dining scene on Avenida Del Mar is about to get a major upgrade. Zov’s Restaurant Group is in the final stages of completing its new "coastal and bright" location at 155 Avenida Del Mar.
According to CEO Armen Karamardian, the project is nearing completion with an official opening targeted for just after Easter (April 5, 2026).
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THIS WEEK’S HEADLINES
The California Coastal Commission recently reduced public access to the Dana Point Headlands Bluff Top Trail from seven days a week to only four, citing the protection of the endangered Pacific Pocket Mouse. The City of Dana Point is opposing this decision, arguing that habitat conservation and full public access have successfully coexisted for years and should be managed through a transparent local permit process.Voice your opinion by submitting a public comment here.
Mother’s Market & Kitchen is set to expand its SoCal footprint with a new organic grocery and cafe in Dana Point, taking over the former Monarch Beach Market space at 24040 Camino Del Avion. Scheduled to open in Spring 2026, the 12th location for the chain will feature a full-service juice bar, an organic cafe, and wellness-focused groceries. Read the full article here
Phase 3 of the $600 million Dana Point Harbor revitalization is currently underway, involving the demolition of waterfront structures to make room for over 100,000 square feet of new retail and restaurant space. While some parking areas have been converted to boater-only permits, visitors can still get four hours of free parking in the new Golden Lantern structure while shops and boardwalks remain open.
Four local favorites in the harbor—The Brig Restaurant, Beach Harbor Pizza, Village Market, and Bella Bazaar—are scheduled to close their harbor locations on April 30, 2026.
The OC Board of Supervisors is reevaluating a proposal to double the daily waste intake at the Prima Deshecha Landfill following significant pushback from San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano residents regarding traffic and air quality. Local leaders and an online petition with nearly 2,000 signatures are calling for more rigorous mitigation of environmental impacts.
Palmetto Superfoods is continuing its California expansion with a brand-new location now open at River Street Marketplace in SJC.
TOGETHER WITH
Love the skin (and town) you’re in.
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).
ARTS & LEISURE
MARCH 18
Sip & Paint workshop at Casa Romantica at 6pm. 21+. Learn more and reserve your spot.
OC Mom Walks happy hour from 5-7pm at Capo Leisure House. Learn more.
MARCH 19
Trivia night, special theme: The Oscars at 6:30pm at Los Molinos. Get the deets.
50% off select bottles of wine at 4pm @ Salt Creek Grille. Learn more.
Vanessa Collier at 8pm @ The Coach House. Buy tickets.
MARCH 20
Friday morning flow from 9:30am-10:30pm at The Ecology Center. RSVP here.
Pre-Swallow’s Hoos’ Gow Stop city slickers beware, as “deputies” and “sheriffs” may “arrest” anyone who’s not dressed in Western attire. Get roped into the fun from 2-4:30pm @ River Street Marketplace. Learn more.
Pre-Swallow’s Roping Demo learn the technique for roping cattle and horses as you kick-of Swallow’s Day weekend. From 4:30-5:30pm @ River Street Marketplace. RSVP here.
Pre-Swallow’s Day line dancing with DJs and lots of fun heading into the weekend, y’all. 6-9pm at Capo Leisure House. Learn more.
MARCH 21
U-Pick strawberry experience from 9am-1pm @ The Ecology Center. Learn more.
Mercado Street Faire & Swallow’s Day Parade from 9am-5pm @ Historic Town Center Park in SJC. Plan your day.
Swallow’s Day celebrations, including live music, drinks food & VIP lounge from 1-9pm @ River Street Marketplace. Plan your day here.
Super Diamond at 8pm @ The Coach House. Buy tickets
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: 34051 Aurelio in Dana Point. This beautifully upgraded Dana Point bungalow offers the ultimate coastal lifestyle with modern interiors and a private backyard retreat just one mile from the shores of Doheny State Beach.
34051 Aurelio, in Dana Point’s Lantern District.
Property details:
2 bd, 1 ba
820 sq ft
2,000 sq ft lot size
Built in 1960
On the market for 6 days
Features:
Ideal location in highly sought-after Lantern District.
Charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath bungalow on a private 2,000 sq ft lot with a front yard.
One mile to Doheny State Beach with easy access to Dana Point Harbor.
Fully renovated, with an open-concept kitchen that overlooks the living room the feels light and airy; perfect for entertaining.
Energy-efficient mini-split, newer dual-pane windows, tankless water heater, and custom closet organizers.
Private backyard patio perfect for relaxing by the fire and grilling
Attached one-car garage.
Contact Colette Foster, SoCal Properties, at 949-235-1515
Thanks for reading,
— Hannah B
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