Go.See.Do. Summer 2023

LET’S Go, See AND Do THINGS THIS SUMMER

WELCOME BACK to another edition of Go.See.Do—our biannual guide for fun and exciting happenings in and around South Orange County.

And though it hasn’t quite felt like summer just yet with the sun still hiding behind these cloudy days, we’ve found some opportunities to help us all get out of this “June Gloom” slump.

To start, we send readers off this summer on some docent-led tours with the help of our local historical groups who can highlight all the rich history found in Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.

There’s no shortage of bars in South County, and with that, there’s no shortage of spots to catch some of your favorite tunes from local cover bands or even discover new bands you’ve never heard. Here, we’ll outline some of the various music venues so you can see which one best matches your vibe.

And speaking of live music, we run

down the list of rock, soul and country acts performing this summer as part of our respective cities’ free concert series at parks and beaches.

For those looking for something a bit more low-key, we get the lowdown on San Clemente’s no-so-secret speakeasy—a concept that is becoming increasingly popular and is taking the ’20s part of the 2020s to heart.

In between all this fun and exploration, we make a food run to some of the many taquerias in South County. As we chow down on these delicious tacos for some much-needed sustenance, we break down these shops’ menus and what sets them apart.

And as our coastal weather starts to heat up, we highlight all the breweries in our three towns that have outdoor patio space for games, activities and fun under the sun—whenever it does come out of hiding. Here’s to a fantastic and adventurous summer!

TRAILER RENTALSVintage

CAMPING AT CALAFIA BEACH

BY COLLIN BREAUX

With the beach stretching in front of you, eye-catching rock formations to walk and climb through, and generally pleasant ambience, Calafia State Beach is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

You can also rent a vintage trailer there in which to camp.

Rentals are available through The Holidays Camp Community, and can be made online at reservecalifornia.com and then searching “San Clemente SB (Holidays Vintage Trailers).”

The nightly cost during the current “high” season, which lasts through Oct. 31, is more than $200.

“Our trailers are positioned in a way so that they face each other and share a central, communal median area,” The Holidays said on its website. “Each of our trailers can accommodate four adults plus a smaller child in an overhead bunk. The trailers have a sink for running water, refrigerator, and stovetop area to cook.”

Pillows and other sleeping supplies are provided.

Even though you’ll be camping, rest assured that you’ll still be able to use your smartphone and other tech devices, because rentals come with solar-powered USB chargers.

“Because the trailers are on DRY camping sites, not hook-up sites, the electric outlets and bathrooms are not in use,” The Holidays explained in its rental description. “The bathroom has been conveniently turned into a closet/storage area for your use.”

Campsites also have outdoor bins with games and beach activities, as well as a firepit and outdoor grill.

Campers are welcome to bring tents. Dogs are allowed on-site and in vehicles and tents but not inside the trailer. Calafia State Beach does not allow dogs on the beach.

Check-in is at 2 p.m., and check-out is at 11 a.m.

Scott Kibbey, south sector superintendent for the Orange Coast District of California State Parks, said there is also a delivery option available for the vintage trailers throughout the district, which spans from Bolsa Chica State Beach to San Onofre State Beach.

Visitors to Calafia State Beach can explore rock formations if they get tired of being on the beach. Vintage trailers are also available to rent if people want to camp while in Calafia.

Photo: Collin Breaux

The Holidays Camp Community. Photo: Courtesy of The Holidays Camp Community

Summer CONCERTS

BY C. JAYDEN SMITH

The summer season provides a perfect opportunity for California residents to spend more time outdoors, and despite the gloomy weather that’s plagued Southern California recently, sunny days are ahead.

South County residents have ample chances in the coming months to kick back in the sun and enjoy live music, as the cities of Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano will host numerous concert events from July to September.

Performers will include bands that cover music throughout past decades and groups that write original tunes.

In Dana Point, starting on July 7, the Ocean Institute will hold the first of a threepart concert series known as Summer Jams. All proceeds will go toward the Ocean Institute and the Music Preserves Foundation, the latter of which is an organization that

aims to educate the Dana Point community through the presentation of music.

Attendees will get to experience an artist interview and access to the intertidal touch tanks and shark tank exhibit at the Ocean Institute.

Vicki Tafoya and the Big Beat, specializing in 1950s-era rhythm and blues, will perform on July 7.

Country band Kareeta plays on July 21, performing music from its 2021 debut album Kareeta

Rock and roll artist Marc Ford follows on Aug. 4, with Mojave Ghost as the opener.

Tickets for each of the Summer Jams events are $35, with interviews beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the show running from 7-9 p.m.

Visit oceaninstitute.org to learn more about the concerts and purchase tickets.

Over at Sea Terrace Park, the city of Dana Point will host its Concerts in the Park, which are free to attend and will feature food and alcoholic beverages to purchase.

Each event will have one band play from 3-4 p.m. and another from 4:30-6 p.m.

Journey tribute band Journey USA and Jumping Jack Flash, a tribute to The Rolling Stones, will play on July 9; the ’90s cover band Sega Genecide and ’80s band Flashback Heart Attack will play on July 16; Fooz Fighters and Led Zepagain are scheduled on July 23; and Pyromania—The Def Leppard Experience and Wildshot Guns and Roses Tribute will perform on July 30.

SouthBound and Company’s “Skynyrd and Frynds Tribute” and Fortunate Son—A Tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival will play on Aug. 6, and reggae band Common Sense and dance group Tijuana Dogs will perform on Aug. 13.

Sea Terrace Park is located at 33501 Niguel Road, behind the Dana Point Library. Having started its San Juan Summer Nites concert series on June 21, the city of San Juan Capistrano will host three more concerts in the following three months. Each event, at Historic Town Center Park at 31872 El Camino Real, will feature food trucks and beer and wine for purchase, a local business exposition and children’s activities.

Flashback Heart Attack will perform on July 19, followed by country western band Smith on Aug. 16, and Tijuana Dogs on Sept. 20.

All performances are from 6-8 p.m.

The City of San Clemente will host five Summer Concerts from July to August at

the Municipal Pier, at 622 Avenida Del Mar. Yachty by Nature, a yacht rock group that features soft rock from the ’70s and ’80s, will play on July 6. Country rock group Kelly Boyz Band will play on July 13, followed by Paging the 90s on July 27, 80z Allstars on Aug. 3, and Tunnel Vision on Aug. 17.

The concerts will run from 6-7 p.m.

Matt Mauser, frontman for Tijuana Dogs, called his group the “anti-tribute band” in an interview with Picket Fence Media. The band plays songs from AC/DC to Eminem to Frank Sinatra.

“We have, basically, no kind of real genre other than just to keep people entertained,” said Mauser. “It’s a show more than it is just coming out and (playing) one style of music.”

Each show is different, Mauser said, as the group intentionally plays without a set list and rather chooses what to play after “reading the crowd.” He added that connecting with people is also important, which happens when the musicians are able to pay attention to what’s happening around them.

One of Flashback Heart Attack’s founding members, a guitarist with the stage name Don Bronze, spoke to Picket Fence Media about playing for cities, which the group doesn’t get to do much.

“The ones that we do get to play are always a good time,” said Bronze, who helped start the band roughly 14 years ago. “I think it’s fun, because it’s more of a family vibe … and we do a lot of stuff that’s corporate events or private events or 21-and-over.”

Performing in more than 100 events yearly has allowed the group, who are all friends outside of playing music together, to be comfortable together and willing to try different things.

“It’s more or less, ‘Don’t take yourself too seriously’; it’s that mentality,” Bronze said. “Just make sure it’s high-energy, engaging, and things that people can relate to.”

Concerts at Sea Terrace Park. Photo: File

Concerts at Salt Creek Beach Park. Photo: File

LAGUNA BEACH

222 Forest Ave. (949) 376-7955

SAN CLEMENTE 218 Avenida. del Mar (949) 218-8489

brusselsbistro.com

A LOOK at LOCAL MUSIC VENUES

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

The South Orange County cities of Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano offer a variety of music venues where patrons can enjoy live entertainment along with their dinner.

Many of the local venues feature cover bands, dance bands and local artists— something for any music lover.

And each venue offers a different experience for attendees, from intimate indoor performances to outdoor, under-the-sun shows, to bar entertainment.

Here’s a look at some of the many music venues in South Orange County to see which ones best match your own vibes.

DANA POINT

STILLWATER SPIRITS & SOUNDS

24701 DEL PRADO, DANA POINT. 949.661.6003. DANAPOINTSTILLWATER.COM

Looking to bring in more live entertainment and nightlife to Dana Point, Stillwater Spirits & Sounds owner Damian Collins showcases a variety of local artists and bands each week.

The venue features country artists on Wednesdays, cover bands on Thursdays, and typically ’80s and ’90s music through the weekend. Patrons can enjoy table dining service indoors or on the patio while enjoying live performances from local artists.

THE POINT RESTAURANT AND BAR

34085 PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY, DANA POINT. 949.464.5700. THEPOINTRESTAURANTANDBAR.COM

In addition to karaoke, trivia and bingo, The Point Restaurant and Bar hosts a variety of live entertainment from country artists, pop, and rock and roll to dance bands and ’80s hair metal cover bands. The sports bar this month celebrated its 10-year anniversary with live music.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

THE COACH HOUSE

33157 CAMINO CAPISTRANO, SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO. 949.496.8930. THECOACHHOUSE.COM

Since The Coach House opened in 1980, the San Juan Capistrano venue has hosted a wide variety of artists, from country music to reggae and jazz to rock and roll.

At The Coach House, patrons can enjoy dinner along with the show. Though the smaller venue offers an intimate experience with artists, owner Gary Folgner notes The Coach House is able to draw in larger artists than other clubs its size.

TREVOR’S AT THE TRACKS

26701 VERDUGO STREET, SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO. 949.493.9593. TREVORSATTHETRACKS.COM

Trevor’s at the Tracks aims to support local musicians, offering live music on its outdoor patio seven days a week. All the artists performing at Trevor’s at the Tracks play only once a month, so the venue is able to showcase a wide variety of local talent.

In addition to its daily live music performances, the restaurant partners with local vendors to provide a fresh, environmentally continuous menu that echoes its motto: Locally Acquired, Globally Inspired.

SAN CLEMENTE

IVA LEE’S RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE

555 N. EL CAMINO REAL, SUITE E, SAN CLEMENTE. 949.361.2855. IVALEES.COM

In addition to offering traditional Cajun cuisine, Iva Lee’s Restaurant and Lounge offers live music on Thursdays through Saturdays. Patrons can enjoy the live entertainment from the venue’s dance floor, or they can enjoy dinner at lounge tables as they watch the show.

Thanks to owner Eric Wagoner’s experience in the music industry, the venue features a range of musical acts from blues to classic rock to modern dance, with an emphasis on dance and cover bands lately.

BEACHFIRE BAR & GRILL

204 AVENIDA DEL MAR, SAN CLEMENTE, 949.366.3232. BEACHFIRE.COM

Beachfire Bar & Grill, which offers coastal cuisine and signature cocktails, features performances from local musicians five days a week.

There’s no cover charge to enjoy live music at Beachfire. The restaurant boasts of hosting headliners from all over South Orange County and featuring a range of genres from soul to island sounds.

Trevor’s at the Tracks.

Photo: Courtesy of Trevor’s at the Tracks

Belgian and French Cuisine in the Heart of Southern California

The Lost Inferno

SAN CLEMENTE IS HOME TO AN IMMERSIVE GOONIES SPEAKEASY EXPERIENCE

BY BREEANA GREENBERG

Growing up, The Alchemists chief executive officer Leonard Chan’s two favorite movies were The Goonies and E.T. So when he had the opportunity to collaborate with Bar Consultant Dominic Iapello to create a new speakeasy at the site of the former Taka-O Japanese Restaurant in San Clemente, he looked to bring the movie to life.

“The Goonies and E.T. both made such an impact on me growing up, I knew eventually I would want to theme out a concept based on one of the two,” Chan said. “Naturally, E.T. doesn’t translate to a bar very well, but The Goonies and Tiki are a natural match.”

In The Goonies, a group of kids sets out to find ‘One-Eyed Willy’s’ lost ship, The Inferno, in a hidden cave off the coast of Astoria, Oregon.

The Lost Inferno in San Clemente brings the shipwreck to life, creating a “moody and dark shipwreck into a cave grotto filled with a bunch of Easter Eggs from the movie,” Chan said.

The speakeasy offers a list of classic tiki cocktails and original creations by Iapello.

“Currently, we are still working our way up to running a full kitchen, so we are offering only cocktails at the moment here,” Chan said.

The Lost Inferno also offers a magic show called “Enchanted Escape,” run by Jeromy Chan and Derek “Hubb” Irwin on the first Sunday of every month.

Upstairs from The Lost Inferno, there’s a Japanese speakeasy, Momoku No Usagi, that offers unique, crafted cocktails and Temaki handrolls. The menu was created by Chef Jason Yamaguchi.

When Chan and Iapello first walked through the former Taka-O site, he envisioned splitting the space into four distinct dining experiences.

The team opened the first two concepts, The Lost Inferno and Momoku No Usagi, during Labor Day Weekend in 2022 with

the hopes of opening the final concepts, a Shabu Shabu by the end of summer at the original sushi bar and a Yakiniku dining experience by the end of the year.

“We wanted to honor the original space and thought bringing the old lit-up sign from the front of the building inside and creating a more intimate sushi experience upstairs,” Chan said. “My love of all Japanese whiskey and all of the super fun tiny bars—there are over 200 in a small, six-alley area in Shinjuku—in Golden Gai really gave me the inspiration for Momoku No Usagi.”

The two speakeasies have their own distinct entrances and offer unmistakably different experiences, Chan explained.

“At our sister bar, The Blind Rabbit in Anaheim, we created a hidden entry and wanted to make sure we would bring some of that magic and love to San Clemente,” Chan said. “We are hoping it’s a bit of an adventure in just seeing the space once the entrances are revealed.”

Chan noted that he’s been asked over and over why the two speakeasies don’t have signs, explaining that it’s a deliberate move.

“We love the old sign left by the Sugano family and believe that it should always remain,” Chan said. “Part of the adventure is just finding us, and we want to keep it that way. We’ve been fortunate that we’ve been given a big hug by most of the community in San Clemente and are happy to let the good juju flow by word-of-mouth and people seeking us out.”

When customers walk into the speakeasies tucked away off the I-5 freeway, Chan said he hoped people take in a new experience each time they stop by.

“Our goal is to create a new experience every time you come, whether it’s something new on the walls, a couple new cocktails, or simply coming in with different friends for a new vibe,” Chan said. “Most of all, have fun and escape from all the noise that life sometimes creates.”

The Lost Inferno, a speakeasy at the site of the former Taka-O Japanese Restaurant in San Clemente, offers an immersive Goonies experience with classic tiki cocktails and original cocktail creations. Upstairs from The Lost Inferno, there’s a Japanese Speakeasy, Momoku No Usagi, that offers unique, crafted cocktails and Temaki handrolls.

Photos: Courtesy of The Alchemists

No longer a Prohibition-era spot to enjoy illegal libations, speakeasies seem to be having a resurgence. Chan explained that “as people’s tastes are evolving and becoming more refined, they are seeking out more engaging escapades.”

“Thankfully, I don’t have to always travel to more metropolitan areas to get my speakeasy or craft cocktail fix; the demand for these experiences has grown to surrounding areas and beyond,” Chan continued.

Though Chan said he enjoys a dive bar,

“sometimes I want to be wrapped up in a spot and let the time melt away”—a unique experience that speakeasies can offer.

“We’re hoping that guests have a good time simply finding us,” Chan said. “From there, we want everyone’s experiences to be warm, inviting, and, most of all, fun.”

“We are hoping that once you walk through our doors, you can leave the daily grind behind you and embrace escapism,” Chan continued. “We’re a big hugs over handshakes kind of people, so get to know your neighbors.”

TACO TUSSLE The

YOUR GUIDE TO (A FEW) OF THE BEST TAQUERIAS IN SOUTH OC

BY SHAWN RAYMUNDO

We here in Southern California are blessed to be surrounded by an abundance of amazing taquerias.

A simple Google or Yelp search for “tacos” in the immediate area reveals there’s no shortage of shops, stands or restaurants to pick up some tacos for lunch and dinner—or perhaps even breakfast.

So how do you decide which taco shop to visit? Well, that’s where we here at Picket Fence Media have come in to give our thoughts on the tastiest tacos in our three towns.

Because of the sheer volume of eateries that serve delicious and renowned tacos in South County—Ricardo’s Place, Sole Agave, Asada Cantina + Kitchen, Sancho’s Tacos, among many others—we’ve limited this list to just some of the area’s notable (and lesser-known) grab-n-go taco stands and shops.

LUPE’S MEXICAN EATERY

33621 DEL OBISPO ST. DANA POINT, 949.558.5430. EATLUPES.COM

Starting off strong on this list of taquerias is Lupe’s—which shouldn’t come as a shock, considering it’s won six overall medals, including this past year’s Gold Lantern, for Best Taco in our annual People’s Choice Awards.

Using handmade corn tortillas, Lupe’s takes the simplicity of a street taco and adds a bit of its own flair.

Each is filled with your choice of protein, such as beer-battered fish, grilled chicken, carnitas, shrimp—or spicy shrimp—and steak, just to name a few. There’s even a Surf & Turf taco with both shrimp and steak.

Lupe’s also has Signature Tacos, offering customers the opportunity to try octopus, steak and cactus, ahi tuna, or a combination of octopus, smoked tuna and shrimp— which Lupe’s has dubbed the Oceanside Taco.

And though it varies by the protein, each taco is topped with other flavorful ingredients including, but certainly not limited to, cotija or mozzarella cheese, onions, cilantro, and guacamole or avocado, cabbage, as well as red, white and chipotle sauces.

Despite all these great choices, my Hispanic roots are always going lead me to the al pastor. And, órale, Lupe’s does not disappoint. The pork is marinated to perfection and is oh-so tender. It’s hands down my favorite meat on the menu.

PEDRO’S TACOS

2313 S. EL CAMINO REAL, SAN CLEMENTE. 949.498.5904; 550 N. EL CAMINO REAL, SAN CLEMENTE. 949.498.5908. PEDROSTACOS.COM.

This San Clemente staple is all about the stoke by supporting the local surf vibes, earning the title of Best Taco in our annual People’s Choice Ole Awards for several years running—and deservedly so.

With two locations in San Clemente, both along El Camino Real, Pedro’s Tacos epitomizes the local taco stand, serving up soft tacos that are inspired by flavors of the Baja peninsula. Since 1986, surfers have visited the stands hungry and left satiated.

From carne asada to the highly popular shrimp, these tacos are filling and full of taste as they include a healthy serving of protein, and a generous amount of cabbage, pico de gallo and sauce. These tacos are great for us carnivores, as well as pescatarians and even vegetarians—try the potato taco, mmhmm

LAS GOLONDRINAS

27124 PASEO ESPADA, SUITE 803, SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO. 949.240.3440; 34069 DOHENY PARK RD. CAPISTRANO BEACH. 949.240.8659; 400B CAMINO DE ESTRELLA, SAN CLEMENTE. 949.240.9011. LASGOLONDRINAS.BIZ

Another local staple with multiple locations around our three towns, Las Golondrinas is the place to go if you’re searching for some stuffed tacos—especially on Taco Tuesdays, when it sells tacos at a discounted price.

Here, taco connoisseurs will find the standard stalwarts—carne asada, chicken, carnitas and fish. But what sets Las Gol apart? It sells mole, a traditional sauce used in Mexican cuisine to marinade meats, particularly chicken.

Customers can also get chile verde and potato tacos. And if you’re in the mood for some more crunch, Las Gol also offers crispy tacos with either shredded beef or chicken that are topped with cheese, lettuce, tomato and salsa.

EL CAMPEON

31921 CAMINO CAPISTRANO, SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, 949.240.3141. ELCAMPEONINC.COM.

A taqueria, a carniceria, a panaderia, and a market all in one, El Campeon has got everything you need to enjoy some delicious Mexican cuisine on the go or prepare your own meals for later.

But as far as the tacos are concerned, well, El Campeon is a tough one to beat. It’s got so many options from your standard carne asada, pollo and carnitas to the more traditional Mexican offerings including chicharron (pork skin), cabeza de res (beef head) and lengua (beef tongue).

No matter what your preference, each taco, served on soft corn tortillas with onion and cilantro, are flavorful, tender, juicy and well-marinated.

And, of course, you’ve got to wash it all down with your favorite aquas frescas. Be sure to head over to the panaderia (bakery) side to grab some pan dulce, or Mexican sweet bread.

ADOLFO’S MEXICAN FOOD

700 S. EL CAMINO REAL, SAN CLEMENTE. 949.441.7584

Adolfo’s is your typical no-frills, hole-inwall Mexican eatery that serves up all your favorite dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner—and then a late-night dinner (early breakfast?) after an evening in Downtown San Clemente’s “Triangle.”

These soft tacos are not for the faint of heart. They are packed with your protein of choice, so much so that you can practically make another filling taco with all the meat that spilled out as you were grubbing.

Pedro’s Tacos. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

Lupe’s Mexican Eatery. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

SUDS and SUN

SOAK UP SOME COLD BREWS AND WARM SUN AT SOUTH COUNTY’S OUTDOOR BREWERIES

Adolfo’s doesn’t try to sell you on specialty tacos, either; rather, it keeps things simple by offering the standards: beef, chicken, carne asada, carnitas and al pastor, topped with pico de gallo, as well as shrimp and fish, served with cabbage.

PRIMO FOODS SAN CLEMENTE

2801 S. EL CAMINO REAL, SAN CLEMENTE

This hidden gem found on the south end of San Clemente markets itself as the home of the 69-cent Taco Tuesday and Friday. Any other day of the week, though, customers can order these fantastic tacos for 99 cents each—still an exceptional bargain for South Orange County.

Primo mainly operates as a small, corner grocery store, but in the back, customers can order from a menu of delicious Mexican eats such as tortas, burritos, quesadillas, rolled tacos, nachos and menudo, in addition to the tacos. And for those looking to host parties and gatherings, Primo also offers catering services.

But back to the reason we’re all here: tacos. These street-style tacos, topped with cilantro and onion with salsa and limes on the side, certainly pack a flavorful punch no matter the protein choice.

Treating yourself to a plate of six, eight, or—what the heck—even a dozen carne asada, pollo asada, al pastor, adobada, cabeza or carnitas tacos, just name to a few, won’t break the bank and will most definitely satisfy your hunger.

I should warn, though, that Primo’s tacos are known to attract a large gathering of customers for lunch—most notably on Tuesdays and Fridays. But if you have the time in your lunch break, the wait is well worth it.

BY ZACH CAVANAGH

As the summer months come upon us and the sun finally starts to break through the cloudy days, we may never be more eager to get out to our local patios and soak in some rays. South Orange County has increasingly become a hotbed for local breweries and craft beers. Many of these local spots also offer patio space and outdoor seating to make for a perfect summer weekend adventure, including a handful hosting special events and live music. If you’re looking for a place for yourself, your friends or even your furry companions to cool off with some cold suds, check out our rundown of the outdoor spaces at some of South Orange County’s best breweries.

San Juan Capistrano

CAPISTRANO BREWING CO.

31721 CAMINO CAPISTRANO

Nearly a completely open-air location, Capistrano Brewing Co. may offer the best full-sensory experience of the outdoor locations with a full view of Mission San Juan Capistrano, the smells and tastes from its partner, Heritage Barbecue, and, of course, the taste of its own beers on tap.

DOCENT BREWING

33049 CALLE AVIADOR, SUITE C

While there’s plenty of room inside with activities upstairs at Docent Brewing, the craft brewing pioneer also offers plenty of tables out back to take in the summer sun along San Juan Creek.

THE DOG PAWRK BREWING COMPANY

27122 PASEO ESPADA, SUITE 904

A tucked-away secret to some, the Dog Pawrk Brewing Company is a standout. Dog Pawrk also offers outdoor seating and, as the name implies, is a fully dog-friendly facility featuring live music on Saturdays.

Dana Point

DANA POINT ALE HOUSE

24479 DEL PRADO, UNIT A

In celebration of its first year in business, the Dana Point Ale House is opening its outdoor seating area and beer garden with an event on June 24 with live music, specialty beers and barbecue.

DELAHUNT BREWING

34901 LA PLAZA

Another location that opens its doors wide open is Delahunt’s Taproom and Taqueria in Dana Point. There’s patio seating outside that’s dog-friendly.

STATION CRAFT

34150 PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY

Absorb the sunshine along PCH on the elevated patio at Station Craft. As you may notice as a running theme in these locations, Station Craft has the wideopen doors to let that coastal breeze through, and it’s an easy spot to pull off the street in the busy Lantern District for a wide array of brews and food.

San Clemente

ARTIFEX BREWING

919 CALLE AMANECER, SUITE A Artifex offers an outdoor patio area to enjoy some original San Clemente brews, plus there are regular food trucks throughout the summer and the occasional night of live music.

LOS MOLINOS BEER CO.

151 CALLE DE LOS MOLINOS

On a warm summer day, there may be no more open spot than Los Molinos Beer Co. With plenty of patio seating and the walls opened wide to let that coastal breeze flow through, it’s a perfect spot to guzzle some grog. Plus, it’s dog-friendly, and live music is offered on Saturdays.

LOST WINDS BREWING COMPANY

924 CALLE NEGOCIO, SUITE C

Through its taproom, Lost Winds has the back door open to a patio to enjoy its local brews, but the outdoor area also hosts some must-see events. The headliner is Lost Winds’ monthly Pints & Pistons car show on the fourth Sunday of each month with classic cars and pint specials on tap.

The dog-friendly outdoor patio of Los Molinos hosts live music during the summer months tucked away in the streets of San Clemente.

Photo: Zach Cavanagh Photos: Zach Cavanagh

Primo Foods San Clemente. Photo: Shawn Raymundo

Adolfo’s Mexican Food.

Photo: Shawn Raymundo

BY COLLIN BREAUX

South Orange County is full of history and places to see.

One interactive way to learn about anecdotes from the past and check out the sights of the area is through historical tours given by docent organizations. Volunteers are available to guide people in San Clemente, Dana Point, and San Juan Capistrano and teach them about the unique legacies and features each city offers.

San Clemente Historical Society

As the “Spanish Village by the Sea” founded by Ole Hanson, the beachside town and surfer spot is a rich area for historic tours.

The San Clemente Historical Society will host a walking tour on July 1 that will begin at 9:20 a.m. The Historical Society asks participants to meet at the Historical Society Booth during the Village Art Faire on 100 N. Calle Seville.

The walking tour will give visitors and locals a chance to learn about the “vibrant history of Avenida Del Mar and surrounding buildings,” according to the Historical Society’s website.

The tour is expected to last about 45 minutes. Additional tours will be held on Aug. 5 and Sept. 2.

The Historical Society also does private and company tours for five or more people. To make an appointment, email info@sanclementehistoricalsociety.org.

Dana Point Historical Society

The Dana Point Historical Society shares Dana Point’s history at the DPHS Museum in City Hall Plaza three days a week: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, from 1-3 p.m. Tours can also be made by appointment.

“The museum is free and manned by volunteer docents, most of whom are retired,” DPHS President Barbara Johannes said. “We believe that historic buildings, sites and historical photographs give a sense of continuity and appreciation to the citizens of Dana Point.”

Docents also provide walking tours by appointment in the Historic Lantern District that include historic homes, parks and the history of Dana Point and DP Harbor below.

“Donations are suggested for these tours to benefit the DPHS, a 501(c)(3) all-volunteer nonprofit,” Johannes said. “To arrange for visits or tours by appointment, call 949.248.8121 during museum hours or leave a message.”

San Juan Capistrano Historical Society and Friends of the Library

San Juan Capistrano docents regularly give walking tours in the city, which is full of historic buildings—from the numerous

DOCENT TOURS

A FUN WAY TO SEE AND LEARN ABOUT SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY

The Friends of the Library tours cover the 200-year architectural history of San Juan and start at 10 a.m. The walk generally lasts about 90 minutes and ends at the San Juan Capistrano Library, which opened in 1921 and has recently undergone interior renovations.

As for the Historical Society tours, those start at 1 p.m. According to historian Jan Siegel, the 45-minute tour includes visiting all the buildings on the Society property on Los Rios Street and a short walk down the historical street.

Call 949.489.0736 for information on the Friends of the Library tours and 949.493.8444 for information on the Historical Society tours.

San Juan Capistrano Docent Society

The San Juan Capistrano Docent Society also gives tours of the city’s adobes and the people who lived in them.

“Starting with the first adobe, Mission San Juan Capistrano, a San Juan Capistrano docent will lead you through the different eras of San Juan Capistrano, telling the story of the people of this unique town and the eras in which they lived,” docent Helen Gavin said. “We are fortunate to have five original adobes on Camino Capistrano alone.”

The tour starts and ends at the Blas Aguilar Adobe on El Camino Real.

“Participants will pass the Mission on a walk to Los Rios Street,” Gavin said. “From there, the tour will return to Camino Capistrano, ultimately passing the Historic Town Park, returning to the Blas Aguilar Adobe. The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.”

The adobe tours are also available upon request at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

“To arrange a tour, call 949.551.1914 or email info@sjcdocentsociety.org,” Gavin said. “Please visit our website, sjcdocentsociety.org.”

adobes to the Los Rios Historic District, which contains California’s oldest residential street.

“Volunteers provide tours every week of Los Rios Street and the Historical Society buildings and museum,” historical advo-

cate Ann Ronan said. “Volunteers also give downtown tours of the city’s unique architecture, including the postmodern library, every Saturday.”

The tours start at the downtown train depot kiosk.

Above: Mission San Juan Capistrano. Photo: Daniel Salcius/Unsplash Right: Docents in San Juan Capistrano often take people on tours around the downtown area, where they provide historical tidbits on the town.

Photo: Courtesy of the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society

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