MUST-VISIT “BEST OF” SPOTS HEADING INTO SUMMERTIME
COUNTY-SPONSORED TROLLEY CONNECTS ALL THREE CITIES
es are prepared half-size, 8 inches or 10 inches, and come on either sliced bread, wraps, or rolls. In San Clemente, another San Diego-based chain took the spot. Board and Brew crafts fresh, made-fromscratch sandwiches using hormone-free, locally sourced, and sustainably produced ingredients. Since 1979, its “secret sauce” has made it a go-to choice for sandwiches, including the “Left Coast” pastrami, the Veggie Supreme, the Baja Chicken, and the Turkado.
For locals and visitors who enjoy the taste of the sea, some local sushi spots made the list as the best in their respective communities. Totoya Sushi & Tapas in San Juan Capistrano made the list with its intimate dining experience, serving a range of Japanese food, including sushi, sake, tapas, carpaccio, and baked scallop rolls. Offering dine-in, patio seating, and take-out, Totoya is the perfect spot for those seeking a fresh taste of Japanese cuisine. Gen Kai Sushi in Dana Point was ranked as the best sushi and poke. Their passion for fish creates a unique dining experience for sushi lovers. The restaurant’s sushi chefs prepare a vari-
ety of rolls, nigiri, sashimi, and specials right in front of the diners who order the many different menu items, including the “deluxe dragon” roll, a “crazy genkai” roll, or albacore nigiri. 9 Style Sushi is serving up traditional Japanese dishes made with high-quality ingredients and great vibes in San Clemente. The authentic sushi restaurant’s chefs meticulously prepare rolls such as the Koba Koba rolls, the Garlic 9 roll, as well as bluefin tuna and Spanish mackerel. Reservations for 9 Style Sushi are recommended for diners looking to try it this summer.
For many locals and tourists, the best way to get to know one another is to experience the best bars in town over a shared drink. The storied Swallow’s Inn in San Juan Capistrano takes the top spot in this year’s competition. With their many years of mastered recipes and how to have a good time, this bar serves up good food and cold drinks while also hosting live music for local and national acts every day of the week. The atmosphere exudes nostalgia, offering guests a distinctly unique and hyperlocal expe
rience. Another local reader’s favorite is Turk’s in Dana Point, located in the Dana Wharf. The waterfront hangout with nostalgic decor is a family-owned and operated establishment. The founder, Turk, a bodybuilder, surfer, movie star, and fisherman, keeps the patrons coming back for the tasty food, good drinks, and friendly service. Lastly, in San Clemente, the Red Fox Lounge, established in 1955, offers a counter-culture vibe, music, and an extensive array of drinks. Whether someone is looking for an espresso martini or a cold beer, this lounge has something for everyone.
Stepping away from the food scene, there are many activities to do in South Orange County. One of which is going to local secondhand and thrift stores to give stocked items a second chance at life. The Old Barn Antique Mall in San Juan Capistrano is an excellent example of this. Offering vintage clothing, jewelry, kitchenware, and furniture, they are just one block from the Mission San Juan Capistrano. They are stocked with over 60 dealers that sell their treasures in the almost 10,000-square-
foot antique store. Similarly, in Dana Point, 2nd Hand Treasures offers a wide variety of goods. This store caters to a diverse range of shoppers across multiple generations, offering a selection of vintage and designer furniture, home decor, clothing, and jewelry. For readers in San Clemente, La Tienda offers the best bargains with a wide range of reasonably priced used goods, including clothing, electronics, furniture, and appliances. Proceeds from their sales support Joshua House, a charity that helps men struggling with problems such as addiction and homelessness rebuild their lives.
For those looking to gain equestrian or surf experience this summer, many stores in the community offer supplies to prepare for a summer of adventure. In San Juan Capistrano, local business American Horse Products took the award for best equestrian gear. Opening in 1999, they offer a wide range of supplies to meet the needs of all riders, including saddle equipment, horse bedding, feed, and livestock supplies, as well as apparel, home decor, and jewelry. While the equestrian stores
end in San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point and San Clemente offer a wide array of shops giving surfers their every ned. In Dana Point, the legacy store, Killer Dana Surf Shop, is a quarter mile from the beach and has all that a surfer may need to hit the waves. With a wide selection of surfing and beach gear, the shop also offers surfboards for sale and rent, as well as other essential beach items. Similarly, as a legacy surf store since 1954, Hobie Surf Shop has been delivering quality and creativity to its local community. Beyond their wide selection of surfboards, Hobie carries wetsuits, rash guards, swimwear, and patches from several collections, including its very own.
For those looking to take in the scenery and engage in an activity, there are numerous yoga offerings available in the three communities. Align Pilates and Yoga in San Juan Capistrano is a highly recommended spot for small classes and private instruction in Pilates or yoga. It offers classes Monday through Saturday, including aerial yoga, which incorporates traditional yoga poses with ceiling suspension
using a hammock or sling. In Dana Point, iHeartYoga is part of a larger community of yoga practitioners, teachers, and leaders. They offer yoga experiences in their studio and at the park. Their Yin, Gentle Flow, Vinyasa Flow, and Cardio Sculpt classes are designed for a range of experience levels. Similarly, in San Clemente, YNG Studios offers classes for all levels of yoga exercises. With an emphasis on “Restore’yng” and “Shred’yng,” the business aims to unite the community and help people enhance their comfort in daily life.
While getting out to do an activity in the park is nice, some may enjoy just the ambience of being in nature, or watching the sunset along the coast, or looking out into the mountains. In San Juan Capistrano, Ronald W. Casper’s Wilderness Park offers visitors 8,000 acres of protected wilderness reserve. As the largest park in the Ocean County Parks system, Casper Wilderness Park features native coast live oaks, California sycamores, and seasonal wildflowers. There are several park amenities available once inside. The daily park-
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ing fee is $3 per vehicle, Monday through Friday, and $5 on weekends. The amenities include camping, hiking trails, picnic areas, and a nature center with interpretive programs. In Dana Point, Salt Creek Beach was voted the best park and beach. The popular destination for surfing, bodyboarding, and relaxation is about a mile long, situated between two cliffs. The beach also features tide pools and a seven-acre park with a large, grassy area perfect for family picnics and watching the sunset. The park and beach are connected to several walking paths, restrooms, a basketball court, and water fountains. Dogs are also welcome in the park area, but they are not permitted on the sand. In San Clemente, Linda Lane Park is a short walk from the San Clemente Pier and offers a large play area for children, along with a grassy area and picnic tables. There is easy access to local volleyball courts and the nearby beach.
Closing out the limited list of listed winners, the best place to take out-of-towners is a great thing to know, especially with summer vacations and relatives visiting. Mission San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point Harbor, and the San Clemente Pier were
all voted as the top destinations in their respective towns. The origin of San Juan Capistrano is the Mission, established in 1776 as the seventh of 21 missions in California by the Spanish. Founded by Junípero Serra, the mission is a picturesque visit with the perfect amount of history to keep kids’ brains engaged over the summer break. The Dana Point Harbor, or the “Dolphin and Whale Capital of the World,” is among the most beloved spots in Dana Point and is the ideal place for an out-of-towner to get a glimpse of all the city has to offer. Although it is currently under construction with major updates forthcoming, it offers dockside dining, shopping experiences, and recreational amenities throughout the year. The San Clemente Pier, built in 1928, is a historic landmark many bring their visiting company to for views. This historic landmark is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, strolling, or biking along the beach. It is also home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and other amenities.
While these are many of the businesses spotlighted in the annual “Best Of” categories, there is still a long list of winners not listed here to visit over the summer break. To learn more about the others highlighted in the 2024 voting, visit picketfencemedia.com.
