Vis del Mar, Dana Point

If I was ever to actually live in coastal community it would have to be Capistrano Beach. This is a beach community that is a throwback to the time when small beach towns weren’t full of commercial clutter and throngs of tourist. In fact, it’s the only beach community I know where there is great beach access without having to fight huge crowds. Capistrano Beach, amazingly, remains a well-kept secret.

The beach is also pleasantly different than those found further north. You can still find quiet spots along the long and narrow beach, or you can plant yourself closer to the action near Doheny State Beach.

Wanting to escape the crowds and expensive rents of a Newport Beach summer rental, we chose to vacation in Capistrano Beach. We rented a small house up on the bluff near Pine Park on Calle Fortuna. There was a path that led right down to the beach just across Pacific Coast Highway.

Everything we needed for beach fun was available right on Capo Beach. There were surf boards, roller blades and fishing gear could all be rented. We brought our own bikes so we were able to explore the beaches from Dana Point down to San Clemente.

Dana Point and the Harbor and the multitude of restaurants kept us busy in the evenings, however, my favorite spot was back in Capistrano Beach on PCH called Olemedi’s, a great Mexican restaurant.

Some nights we took in a sunset right on the beach. I enjoyed the view from Pine Park where the setting sun washed through the pines and the water appeared as a much deeper blue.
Capistrano Beach is the best of beach community and small town flavor.