Photo: Stephanie Cabral
Making the Most of your Summer GO.SEE.DO
Picket Fence Media’s three community papers offer a continuum of local events, activities, business openings and relaxation ideas in the “Getting Out” section to enjoy year round.
This year in our third annual Go See Do issue, we geared our attention toward the free-spirited artisans and music lovers and are highlighting the summer’s biggest local concerts and music festivals. If music isn’t your forte, readers can also get a few ideas for affordable staycations, try the best beer and wine flights in the tri-city area and plan a family day at the beach without fear of the sharks. In this issue, you’ll learn about the plethora of music events—both large scale and free shows—coming up this summer in our local communities. Doheny State Beach is set to host the second Ohana Music Festival featuring grunge king Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam as one of the festival headliners as well as SoCal’s own Social Distortion, Jack Johnson, Pixies and Fiona Apple. Prior to the early September fest, South Orange County residents will be able to set sail on the Dana Wharf’s Live Music Cruise or snack on deep-fried oreos during one of the many OC Fairgrounds shows. If wallets are tight this year, South Orange County offers plenty of live music opportunities free of cost, with a big-name show at Salt Creek Beach in August. Music elitists can pick and choose their entertainment plans by genre too, with a short list of some of the must-see shows. Families, couples and the group on a budget can enjoy a few nights away from the house with one of our affordable staycation itineraries. Those interested in expanding their wine and beer palettes can call a Lyft to our list of tri-city wineries and breweries for the best flights. Finally, exploring South Orange County lakes is a calm and safe alternative to salt water adventuring with duffy rentals, paddle boarding, picnicking and bonfires. Go See Do has both date-specific events and evergreen ideas for everyone.
The Isley Brothers will perform at Pacific Amphitheatre Thursday, Aug. 10. Photo: Courtesy
Ohana fest returns to doheny
Orange County Music this Summer
BY RACHAEL MATTICE
For the second year, Doheny State Beach is set to host the Ohana Music Festival, featuring returning grunge icon Eddie Vedder from the popular 90s band Pearl Jam as well as SoCal’s Social Distortion, Jack Johnson, Pixies, Fiona Apple and more. The music festival added an additional date from last year, making it a full weekend of music and local food and beverage vendors on the beach from Friday, Sept. 8 through Sunday, Sep. 10.
Eddie Vedder’s second performance at the Ohana Music Festival comes with unexpected anticipation this year. Given recent news in the sub-genre, his show might be emotional for some devoted fans.
Although ticket costs are upwards of three digits, and the headliners will close before the local bars come to life, concert goers will also be contributing a portion of their expenses back to South Orange County outdoor organizations such as the San Onofre Parks Foundation and Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association.
Single-day tickets for the festival start at $99.50 and weekend general admission passes start at $275. All ticket options are available for purchase online via www.ohanafest.frontgatetickets.com. For daily lineup and set times, visit www.theohanafest.com.
OC Fairgrounds Concerts at Pacific Amphitheatre
Venture out of South Orange County by taking a trip up north to the OC Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa for one (or several) of their countless concerts at the Pacific Amphitheatre. This year, the OC Fair opens its gates to the public on Friday, July 14 and runs through Sunday, Aug. 13.
Bands such as Dashboard Confessional, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Blue Oyster Cult, The B-52’s, Violent Femmes, Peter Frampton, Justin Moore, Steve Miller Band, the Commodores, Boz Scaggs, Colbie Caillat and the Isley Brothers are all making appearances this year.
Prior to the shows, concert goers can enjoy the fairgrounds free of cost with the purchase of a Pacific Amphitheatre ticket and get their fill of turkey legs, deep fried Snickers or watch the piglet races. Additional discounts are available online at www. ocfair.com.
Tickets for the Pacific Amphitheatre shows range by artist, but all can be viewed on the OC Fair & Event Center website at www.pacamp.com.
Dana Wharf Live Music Cruise
Feel like spending time out on the water without the fear of sharks or renting a boat? Dana Wharf Whale Watching in Dana Point presents a Live Summer Music Cruise from May 27 through Oct. 28. Guests can cruise aboard the Dana Pride with both upper deck and inside seating while enjoying local bands such as Cali Conscious, Waterhouse and Flock of 80’s with a complimentary glass of Dana Pride Punch.
Evening cruises run an hour and a half, or the length of a headliner’s set, every Saturday from 8-9:30 p.m. for adults 21 and up.
Tickets are relatively affordable at $25 per person and can be purchased in advance online via www.danawharf.com.
The Steve Miller Band. Photo: Courtesy
Justin Moore. Photo: Courtesy
Eddie Vedder. Photo: Allison Jarrell
Andrew McMahon
Dana
Point’s local musicianturned-celeb
to perform free concert at Salt Creek Beach
BY RACHAEL MATTICE
Concert tickets can wreak havoc on entertainment budgets rather quickly, especially the cost to see high caliber musicians and bands. Andrew McMahon and the Wilderness, Dana Point’s local indie-pop musician-turned-star, has made it possible for locals to enjoy a large production-quality show for the entire family free of cost.
OC Parks’ Summer Concert Series will host the former Something Corporate and Jack’s Mannequin songwriter under the moniker Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness on Thursday, Aug. 17 at Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point. Concert goers can still bring blankets and their Tommy Bahama Costco chairs like other traditional OC Parks shows, but will be encouraged to stand up and move at McMahon’s show.
“I grew up here and so much of my music was written within miles of Salt Creek, so I think it’s the perfect place to play these songs,” McMahon said. “However people decide they want to listen is up to them, but it’s always my goal to get people on their feet. I hope whoever shows up to this one leaves feeling like they were entertained and would come back again.”
Other than the OC Parks’ series, a lot of local restaurants and bars—with both classy and laid back ambiances—provide free live music for enthusiasts and book a lot of local talent who eventually become the next best-selling artist like McMahon.
* See next page for a brief list of bars and restaurants with free live music.
For more information on McMahon in the Wilderness and his new album “Zombies on Broadway,” visit his website at www.andrewmcmahon.com. For more information on the OC Parks Summer Concert Series and McMahon show, visit www.ocparks.com/events.
MORE Concerts at Salt Creek Beach
OC Parks Summer Concert Series presents Family Style and Tijuana Dogs on Thursday, Aug. 24 at Bluff Parks at Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point. Taking place from 6-8 p.m., the free concert will offer local food trucks and a beer and wine garden in addition to live music. For more information on this event as well as other OC Parks concerts throughout the summer, visit www.ocparks.com/events.
“The
Coach House was my stomping ground in the early days,” McMahon said. “{Gary Folgner} was a huge supporter of my first band, Something Corporate. We used to pack that place full of Dana kids on a Saturday night and try out new songs. I’m really grateful a spot like that existed and supported me when I was coming up.”
San Juan Summer Nights
San Juan Capistrano has a free summer concert series of their own starting on Wednesday, June 21, although planners should expect only one show a month. Concerts will be held on Wednesday evenings on the grounds of Historic Town Center Park from 6-8 p.m. Food, wine and beer will be available for purchase. Take a look at the schedule:
WEDNESDAY, JULY 19: U2 Experience
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16: The Trip, Classic Rock
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20: SMITH, Country
Those interested in additional details can visit www.sanjuancapistrano.net/events.
Andrew McMahon. Photo: Courtesy
Family Style. Photo: Courtesy of Family Style
Dana Point Concert Series
Starting on Sunday, July 9, the city of Dana Point will commence their annual Summer Concert Series at Sea Terrace Park. The free weekly Sunday concerts from 2:30-6 p.m. will host two different bands and musical acts through Aug. 20. To assist attendees, the city will offer a free shuttle service from Dana Hills High School between 1-7 p.m. Interested in one of the shows? Here’s what’s on the schedule:
SUNDAY, JULY 9
2:30 – 4
P.M. The Neil Deal: The Best of Neil Young & Crosby, Stills Nash & Young
4:30-6 P.M. The Sam Morrison Band Tribute to Bob Seger & Southern Rock
SUNDAY, JULY 16
2:30-4 P.M. Rio: A Tribute to Duran Duran
4:30-6 P.M. Crimes of Passion: Pat Benatar Tribute
SUNDAY, JULY 23
2:30-4 P.M. Saturday Night Fever: A Tribute to the BeeGees
4:30-6 P.M. ABBAFAB: ABBA Tribute
SUNDAY, JULY 30
2:30 – 4 P.M. Small World Band
4:30-6 P.M. Dead or Alive: The Bon Jovi Experience
SUNDAY, AUG. 13
2:30-4 P.M. Neon Nation: The Ultimate Live 80’s Experience
4:30-6 P.M. Queen Nation: A Tribute to the Music of Queen
SUNDAY, AUG. 20
2:30-3 P.M. My Generation: A Tribute to the British Invasion
3:30-4:30 P.M. The Ultimate Stones
5-6 P.M. Sgt. Pepper
For additional info, go to www.danapoint.org.
San Clemente Beach Concerts
Just like San Juan Capistrano and Dana Point, San Clemente also offers free live music during the summer months. Most of the shows are held on a Thursday evening at 6 p.m. on the beach near the San Clemente Pier or downtown on Del Mar. Here’s what’s on the roster:
THURSDAY, JUNE 29: 2000 Lbs. of Blues on the beach
TUESDAY, JULY 4: 4th of July fireworks at the beach with music
THURSDAY, JULY 6: The Kelly Boys at Linda Lane Park
THURSDAY, JULY 27: Common Sense on the beach
THURSDAY, AUG. 10: Unlimited Stones on the beach
SUNDAY, AUG. 13: Fiesta Festival, live music throughout Those interested can look at the city’s events calendar online at www.san-clemente.org.
More Music Freebies
If spontaneity is more fitting rather than scheduling something on the calendar, several music venues, restaurants and bars offer live shows on a weekly basis. Whether it’s a classy ambiance, a dive bar or a Sunday Funday spot after surfing, these tri-city establishments have all styles acquired for.
If seeking a classy ambiance, check out these places:
The Cellar (San Clemente)
Iva Lee’s (San Clemente)
Barnoa Wine Bar (San Clemente)
Brio Tuscany Grille (Dana Point)
StillWater (Dana Point)
Mahe (Dana Point)
Salt Creek Grille (Dana Point)
Luxe Restaurant and Martini Bar (Dana Point)
Five Vines (San Juan Capistrano)
Rancho Capistrano Winery (San Juan Capistrano)
If seeking a laid back environment, check out these places:
The Brewhouse (San Juan Capistrano)
H.H Cotton’s (San Clemente)
Knuckleheads (San Clemente)
Nomads Canteen (San Clemente)
Hennessey’s Tavern (Dana Point)
The Swallow’s Inn (San Juan Capistrano)
Five Vines owner Suzy Fisher. Photo: Alex Paris
The BrewHouse.
Photo: Alex Paris
Ear Candy notes for summer
BY RACHAEL MATTICE
The average music lover will be satisfied with most live sets regardless of who is performing or their set list. However, music enthusiasts are much pickier and prefer specific styles rather than the house residency group. Here is a list of a few prominent South Orange County concerts taking place this summer, by genre.
Country
Whether it’s line dancing or throwing down one scotch, one whiskey and one beer, these country music concerts will satisfy any two-steppin’ plans this summer.
DOO-WAH RIDERS
Where: Swallow’s Inn
When: Thursday, June 29 from 7:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.
Tickets: Free for those 21 and up Band website: www.doowahriders.com
JUNIOR BROWN
Where: The Coach House
When: Saturday, July 8 at 8 p.m.
Tickets: $22 and available online via Ticketweb Band website: www.juniorbrown.com
JUSTIN MOORE AND TYLER RICH
Where: Pacific Amphitheatre at OC Fairgrounds
When: Thursday, July 27 from 7:45- 9:30 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $37.50 and are available online via Ticketmaster Band website: www.justinmooremusic.com
Blues, Jazz and Soul
Dana’s Doheny Blues Festival may have passed, but locals can get their southern fix of jazz, blues and soul at a few of these shows in the Southern California area.
2000 LBS. OF BLUES
Where: San Clemente Beach/Pier
When: Thursday, June 29 at 6 p.m.
Tickets: Free Band website: www.2000lbsofblues.com
TOMMY EMMANUEL
Where: The Coach House
When: Tuesday, July 18 and Wednesday, July 19 at 8 p.m.
Tickets: $39.50 and are available online via TicketWeb Band website: www.tommyemmanuel.com
THE ISLEY BROTHERS/THE COMMODORES
Where: Pacific Amphitheatre at OC Fairgrounds
When: Thursday, Aug. 10 from 7-10 p.m.
Tickets: Starting at $35 and are available online via Ticketmaster Band website: www.facebook.com/isleybrothers/
SAN DIEGO BLUES FESTIVAL
Where: Embarcadero Marina Park North on the San Diego waterfront
When: Saturday, Sept. 9 from noon to 8 p.m.
Tickets: Starting at $20 and are available online Band website: www.sdbluesfest.com
Rock and Metal
Metalheads and rockers can get ready to sweat through the speedy riffs, thunderous blast beats and chiropractic-inducing headbanging for this summer’s various sub-genre shows in the rock and metal spectrum.
Westfield Massacre, Firing All Cylinders, Desolate the Few
Where: The Karman Bar in Laguna Niguel
When: Thursday, July 13 at 8 p.m.
Tickets: $10 for those 21 and up available via Brown Paper Tickets Band website: www.facebook.com/adhdentertainment
GLAMel Toe
Where: Hennessey’s Tavern in Dana Point
When: Friday, July 21 and Friday, August 28
Tickets: Free show for those 21 and up Band website: www.facebook.com/glameltoe
Metalachi
Where: The Hangar at OC Fairgrounds
When: Sunday, July 23 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $17.50 and are available online via Ticketmaster Band website: www.metalachi.com
Steve Miller Band and Peter Frampton
Where: Pacific Amphitheatre at OC Fairgrounds
When: Wednesday, Aug 9 from 6:30-10 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $50.50 and are available online at Ticketmaster Band website: www.stevemillerband.com
Dokken
Where: The Coach House
When: Saturday, Aug. 5 at 8 p.m.
Tickets: $30 and are available online via Ticketweb Band website: www.dokken.net
Reggae
Reggae ought to be crowned the summer music of SoCal with recurring annual performances by popular genre bands. Concert goers who preach positive vibes, equality and one love will find their event of choice is always in surplus in the warm communities of South OC.
THE WAILERS, STEEL PULSE, FORTUNATE YOUTH
Where: Pacific Amphitheatre at OC Fairgrounds
When: Saturday, July 8 at 5:30-10 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $27.50 and are available online via Ticketmaster Band website: www.thewailers.net
THE SIMPKIN PROJECT, COMMON KINGS, STEEL PULSE
Where: Pacific Amphitheatre at OC Fairgrounds
When: Sunday, July 9 from 5:30-10 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $27.50 and are available online via Ticketmaster
Band website: www.thesimpkinproject.com
COMMON SENSE
Where: San Clemente Pier, 622 Avenida Del Mar
When: Thursday, July 27 at 6 p.m.
Tickets: Free concert Band website: www.commonsenseband.com
NAHKO AND MEDICINE FOR THE PEOPLE, HIRIE, REBELUTION
Where: Pacific Amphitheatre at OC Fairgrounds
When: Friday, Aug. 11 and Saturday, Aug. 12 from 6-10 p.m.
Tickets: Start at $27.50 and are available online via Ticketmaster Band website: www.rebelutionmusic.com
The Commodores Photo: Courtesy
Dokken. Photo: Courtesy
Tommy Emmanuel Photo: Courtesy
Junior Brown Photo: Courtesy
GLAMel Toe Photo: Courtesy
Steel Pulse Photo: Courtesy
Take a Flight
Local Wineries, Breweries Offer Drink Flights for All Tastes
BY ALLISON JARRELL
South Orange County is brimming with wine bars and brewpubs ready to showcase their best beverages, so why not sample a few at a time with a flight? Most restaurants in the area are willing to let you sample a few varieties of beer or wine at a time, so take advantage of the opportunity and discover your new favorite libation this summer. What follows is just a sampling of the beer and wine flights you can find throughout the tri-city area.
SAN CLEMENTE
THE CELLAR
156 Avenida Del Mar. 949.492.3663. www.thecellarsite.com
The Cellar is the best of several worlds—it’s a wine bar, cheese shop, and a cozy, classy environment where visitors can take a seat after traversing Avenida Del Mar and enjoy some fine dining and a drink. Patrons can choose from a variety of cleverly crafted wine flights, some of which include California Dreamin’ (Chardonnay), Ventura Highway (California’s Central Coast), and Love is Blind (a blind tasting where customers can choose red or white wine). The Cellar also offers an array of shareable dishes, including a customizable cheese board, as well as craft beer flights for that friend who isn’t into vino.
PIZZA PORT
301 N. El Camino Real
949.940.0005, www.pizzaport.com
ANGELINA’S PIZZERIA NAPOLETANA
32860 Pacific Coast Highway
949.429.1102, www.angelinaspizzeria.com
Located in Monarch Bay Plaza, Angelina’s offers its patrons the chance to enjoy authentic Neapolitan pizza and Italian fare accompanied by flights of fine wine from various regions in Italy, such as Tuscany, Chianti, Piedmont and Puglia. Wine flights are available all day and include options like rosé, white, red or red reserve. Each flight comes served on a handcrafted wood board and includes three different wines. Customers can also add a bruschetta pairing to any flight—enjoy a Chianti Classico with Bruschetta Pomodoro (cherry tomatoes and fennel) or a Kimìa Moscato with Bruschetta Funghi (gorgonzola cheese and mushrooms). Each wine comes with a printed token so you can remember which sips were your favorite.
CRAFT HOUSE
34094 Pacific Coast Highway 949.481.7734, www.eatatcrafthouse.com
The Craft House is fairly new to the Dana Point food scene, but it’s already making waves with lovers of both fine dining and craft beer. The local eatery features eight craft brews on tap, and guests can select any four beers to make their own flight. The craft beer all comes from breweries within 40 miles of the restaurant—from San Diego to Paso Robles. Worth checking out is the eatery’s house beer on tap called 1914 Heritage Ale—an extra special bitter style co-branded with AleSmith Brewing Company of San Diego.
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
THE BREWHOUSE
31896 Plaza Drive, Suite D3 949.481.6181 www.thebrewhousesjc.com
A perennial winner of “Best Beer Selection” in San Clemente, Pizza Port is a great choice for local beer aficionados and visitors alike. The brewers at Pizza Port craft their own beer—made fresh on the premises—and offer a little bit of everything, from IPAs, porters and stouts, to pale ales, saisons and Belgian tripels. If you can’t decide on one of Pizza Ports’ 60-plus handcrafted beers on tap, they also offer about a dozen guest beers on draught at any given time. Better yet—try a little bit of everything with a flight (or two) and sip away while enjoying a fresh-baked pizza pie. Head online to Pizza Port’s website to take a look at what’s on tap.
With 30 rotating craft beers on tap and more than 100 bottles stocked, The BrewHouse is an oasis for beer aficionados in South Orange County. Many of the bar’s draught beers come from Southern California, with a specific focus on featuring up-andcoming Orange County breweries, like Chapman Crafted in Orange, or Network Brewery in Santa Ana. True lovers of brew will also find gems from across the country—from Colorado’s Left Hand Brewing to Michigan’s Founders Brewing Co. Stop by and try a taster of a local IPA, or grab a flight and sample an array of beers from around the county and country. Added bonus—you can plan in advance by checking out what’s on tap on The BrewHouse website.
FIVE VINES WINE BAR
31761 Camino Capistrano, #11 949.800.9145, www.fivevineswinebar.com
For four years in a row, Five Vines Wine Bar has taken home the gold for “Best Wine Selection” in San Juan Capistrano, and it’s no secret as to why the cozy wine bar keeps earning that accolade. Five Vines offers guests a selection of more than 60 small lot boutique wines from around the world, which can be enjoyed by the taste, glass, flight or bottle. Taste your way through the bar’s entire rotating wine list with flights of three 2-ounce tasters—choose from a preselected flight or create your own. Guests can also enjoy their wine with an array of small bites and live music on Friday and Saturday nights.
The BrewHouse. Photo: Alex Paris
The Cellar. Photo: Allison Jarrell
Pizza Port. Photo: Allison Jarrell
Angelina’s Pizzeria Napoletana. Photo: Allison Jarrell
On a Budget
Local Staycation Itineraries for Everyone
BY KRISTINA PRITCHETT
Now that the kids are out of school and the weather is warming up, it’s vacation planning time. But, vacations don’t have to be outside of South Orange County. There’s so much to do in the area that allows residents to stay local for their vacations. They don’t have to be expensive, and better yet, they can be customized for the people who are planning the day trips. Below are some ideas for families, couples and the friends in Dana Point, San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.
The Family in San Juan Capistrano
GETTING OUT
Zoomars Petting Zoo Are your kids into animals? Hop on over to Zoomars to see ponies, pigs, goats, sheep, cows and more. But, there’s more to do than just pet the animals. At the Miner’s Gulch, kids can experience what settlers experienced during the California Gold Rush while they pan for gems, fossils and gold. There’s also a mini train and horse and pony rides. Zoomars is located at 31791 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano
The Mission The historic landmark is just a short drive away in San Juan. The family can see one-of-a-kind artifacts, paintings, visit the iconic bell wall and catch the tradition of the bell ringing, participate in hands-on activities and more. The Mission is located at 27081 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano.
Los Rios Park Do the kids just want to run around for a bit in the afternoon? Los Rios Park offers fun for the young ones right in the middle of the historic city. The park is decked out in a western theme, which could spark the kid’s imagination. There are tables around the park, perfect for an afternoon lunch spot. Los Rios Park is located at 31747 Los Rios, San Juan Capistrano.
DINING OPTIONS
Ruby’s Diner Right in the middle of town is Ruby’s Diner and is a good spot to take a lunch break. Order a burger, fries and of course, a milkshake, while the kids enjoy the 1940s American diner theme with the booths, and the Sky Ranch Saloon. Ruby’s is located at 31781 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.
Mission Grill Need to fuel up for breakfast? Mission Grill serves all three meals with an American-Mexican mix of specialties that have been carried down through generations. Grab a seat under the shaded umbrella tables overlooking the hills and enjoy the meal. Mission Grill is located at 31721 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano.
3:16 Bakery Looking to cure that sweet tooth? Stop into 3:16 for cookies, cakes, pastries, gelato and frozen yogurt and more. 3:16 Bakery is located at 26762 Verdugo Street, Suite A, San Juan Capistrano.
The Couple in Dana Point
Whether you’re an active couple that likes to get out and move, or looking for a laid back day, Dana Point can offer different options for love birds
GETTING OUT
Wine Cruise Set sail with Dana Wharf on a 90-minute cruise through the Dana Point Harbor while enjoying wine tastings, a sample platter of cheese, crackers, fruits and nuts and more. The cruises are Fridays and Sundays at 5:30 p.m. The wine cruises take place all summer. Dana Wharf is located at 34675 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point.
Bike Rides For the more active couples, grab a bike and ride around to see the views of Dana Point. There are lots of route options, and for those who don’t own bikes can rent surreys, cruisers, tandem bikes and more in Doheny State Beach. Wheel Fun Rentals is located at 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point.
Picnic on the Beach In Dana Point there’s a handful of beaches that offer one-of-a-kind views. Pack a basket full of delicious food, and set out to a spot. Some beaches allow bonfires, so why not make it an evening option?
DINING OPTIONS
Luciana’s Craving an Italian meal? With its outdoor seating and authentic food selections, Luciana’s can set the romantic mood for any date night. Luciana’s is located at 24312 Del Prado Ave., Dana Point.
Harbor Grill When one thinks of seafood in Dana Point, they think of Harbor Grill. Head to the Harbor to try some of the restaurant’s top choices. Harbor Grill is located at 34499 Street of the Golden Lantern, Dana Point.
Chart House Looking to add a view to your romantic evening? The Chart House is seated atop of a bluff overlooking the Dana Point Harbor. They offer seafood dishes, a happy hour and a number of appetizers. The Chart House is located at 34442 Street of the Green Lantern, Dana Point.
The Girlfriends/Friends in San Clemente
If you’re hitting the town with your girlfriends or having a friend’s day, San Clemente has things to do for those who want a relaxing day.
GETTING OUT
Step-by-Step Painting Classes Canvas, Paint and Wine, Oh My! studio offers classes to teach how to paint different scenes step-by-step. Not only is there painting, but participants can bring snacks. For an additional cost, guests can purchase wine and snacks through The Cellar. A menu will be emailed the week of the class. Canvas, Paint and Wine, Oh My! is located at 131-B Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente.
Shopping in San Clemente Looking for new outfits? Del Mar has a variety of boutiques that’s sure to fit anyone’s style. If you’re trying to save a few bucks, grab the girls and
Zoomars Petting Zoo in San Juan Capistrano. Photo: Allison Jarrell
just stroll downtown. Another option is the Outlets at San Clemente. They have a variety of stores, and for the locals looking for an enhanced visit, join the Elite Rewards program. The program allows guests to earn points, to receive discounts and more. Shoppers can visit Avenida Del Mar or the Outlets at 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente
Girl’s Night Out at San Clemente Wine Company Every Wednesday night the San Clemente Wine Company offers drink specials, as well as a $22 wine and cheese plate for two. So grab the girls and enjoy a glass while staying in town. San Clemente Wine Company is located at 212 Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente.
DINING OPTIONS
Ellie’s Table With the sounds of surf as the backdrop, grab your friends and go to Ellie’s for lunch. They serve a handful of sandwiches, types of salad and delicious desserts. Ellie’s Table is located at 120 Avenida Pico, San Clemente.
Bear Coast Coffee Need some fuel before you start your girl’s day? Bear Coast rotates the coffee they serve, so there’s always something new to try. Along with coffee, they offer a variety of delicious foods to get your day started. Bear Coast Coffee is located at 618 Avenida Victoria, San Clemente.
South of Nick’s Mexican Kitchen & Bar Looking for good Mexican food before a night out? South of Nick’s offers authentic options for every taste bud. And who can pass up chips and salsa? South of Nick’s is located at 110 North El Camino Real, San Clemente
For getting around town, each city offers a free summer trolley system.
San Clemente Wine Company. Photo: Allison Jarrell
Baby Beach
Technically, it’s not a “lake,” but Baby Beach behaves as such in the enclosures of Dana Point Harbor with calm waters that are hospitable to stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking around the harbor or relaxing on the sand for sunbathing.
The harbor also offers rentals for those laid back sports as well as jet skiing. More information is available at www.danapointharbor.com under “Activities.”
Should the Tides Turn...
Activities not in the ocean can provide fun-filled summer
BY ERIC HEINZ
Although shark activity seems to have slowed down a bit since the relentless sightings and beach advisories in May, they could be hanging around longer, and if that happens, people will need an alternative to enjoying summer on the shore or lakeside. The ocean is arguably the most treasured feature of San Clemente, but it can’t be fully enjoyed when the risk or the thought of apex predators abound, which may give people peace of mind to try something different. Within an hour’s drive at most, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdo or summer activities in or near South Orange County.
Lake Elsinore
Probably the largest lake in the immediate area, Lake Elsinore offers opportunities for summer fun for the whole family. About an hour’s drive through Ortega Highway in San Juan Capistrano, there are plenty of fishing opportunities as well as lessons on various watercrafts, boating and more. Lake Mission Viejo and Rancho Santa Margarita Lake are closer alternatives, but different rules apply for each. Visit www.lake-elsinore. org , www.lakemissionviejo.com or www.cityofrsm.org for more information.
Fire Pits
As long as you keep it in one of the city’s designated enclosures, barbecues and fire pits are allowed on the beaches. Like a series of torches signifying the start of summer, the fire pits are typically all burning from San Onofre to Dana Point Harbor each night. San Clemente beaches and pier are open from 4 a.m. until midnight. If you can find one during the Fourth of July celebrations, they’re a great way to keep warm under a sky bursting with color.
Beach Cleanup
Even though the ocean shores of San Clemente and Dana Point may still have lingering sharks, the beaches constantly need help with cleaning. Some of the prominent beach cleanup organizations in the area include San Clemente Beach Conservation Program (SCBCP), Surfrider Foundation and OC Coastkeeper. Visit SCBCP on Facebook, www.surfrider.com and www. coastkeeper.org/beach_cleanup for updates on current cleanup days.
Local Parks
Parks in San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano have some of the most enchanting views in the area. At Pines Park in Dana Point, people can get a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, let the kids frolic on the playground or enjoy a picnic. The same can be said of San Clemente’s Linda Lane Park, a favorite among locals. San Juan’s Reata Park is an escape from the hustle and bustle of the main city thoroughfares. Nearby Casper’s Wilderness is a great place to take a hike with the family.
For Adults
Many restaurants and bars offer trivia nights, live music and other activities. A list of bars is available at the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce’s website, www.scchamber.com; the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce’s website, www.danapointchamber.com; or the San Juan Chamber of Commerce, www.sanjuanchamber. com. or use Yelp to find various websites and information. There’s usually something going on every week in each of these South County cities.
The Swallows Inn. Photo: Allison Jarrell
Pines Park. Photo: Scott Schmitt
