The Southern California shoreline is brighter this holiday season.
Dana Point, California, has brought lights to the sand with its inaugural IlluminOcean celebration, a “wonderland by the sand” which features 22 giant ocean-themed lighting sculptures with over 500,000 LED lights throughout.
Adults and children alike will be awed by such sculptures as whales, sailboats, sea dragons, and even Disney’s The Little Mermaid. During Macaroni Kid Family Travel’s recent visit to IlluminOcean, the multi-colored lights were enhanced by the background sounds of “ooh’s”, “aah’s,” and giggles by many of the children present. Favorite features of the tour (judging by the number of “selfies” witnessed) included an illuminated blue whale, the view from inside his mouth and a captivating series of lit archways.
Sure, there are hundreds of wonderful light displays across the country. What makes IlluminOcean unique is that it is set along the one-mile harbor of Dana Point, against the backdrop of sailboats (many of which are decorated) and the Pacific Ocean. The “Forty Nights of Lights” will take place nightly from now through January 4, 2014, each evening at sundown (approximately 5pm).
The Resorts of Dana Point, including the St. Regis Monarch Beach; the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel; the Doubletree Suites by Hilton Doheny Beach - Dana Point; and the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, with support from community shareholders, created IlluminOcean as a gift to the city of Dana Point.
Dana Point Accommodations
The Resorts of Dana Point are a collective of hotel experiences that provides fabulous accommodations to visitors of the city.
The St. Regis Monarch Beach, a Forbes Five-Star, AAA Five-Diamond awarded resort, is located along the shores of the Pacific Ocean in Dana Point, California. The St. Regis features six ocean view restaurants, private beach, three swimming pools, and family-friendly programs. Macaroni Kid Family Travel had the opportunity to experience the St. Regis’ luxurious rooms and service, as well as the privilege to dine at the Forbes Four-Star Stonehill Tavern, located on the grounds. With spa access, robes and slippers, the St. Regis butler service, and immaculate treatment from start to finish, guests are sure to feel pampered.
And, for the holiday season, the St. Regis Monarch Beach features a Santa-themed sculpture made of sand that children are sure to enjoy. Also during the holidays, young guests and their families have the opportunity to experience and enjoy the Gingerbread House Academy, photos with Santa, and the scenic courtyard that’s elaborately decorated for the holidays (best seen at night).
Other properties within the Resorts at Dana Point include the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, the Doubletree Suites by Hilton Doheny Beach, and the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa. Each property includes its own exemplary dining experiences, comfortable rooms, family-friendly programming, and red-carpet service.
Dana Point Attractions
Captain Dave's Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari. A little known fact is that Southern California has the highest concentration of Blue Whales on earth. Guests on Captain Dave's Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari have the opportunity to see some of California's sea life up close and personal. On Macaroni Kid Family Travel's excursion, adventurists on board spotted a Gray Whale, and multiple Bottlenose Dolphins. While the whale sighted was shy, the dolphins provided quite a show, with some even going air-born for excited viewers (much to the delight of the children on board, as noted by their excited squeals and gasps).
The staff at Captain Dave's puts safety first, with the rules clearly explained upon boarding the boat for the excursion. Additionally, a photo of each party on board is available for purchase at the end of the ride. And while sea life sightings on every trip aren't guaranteed, the thrill is in the hunt. Check the site prior to going for sightings on previous days. Finally, a jacket for the boat ride is recommended during the winter months.
Ocean Institute. The Ocean Institute is a non-profit marine science and maritime history education center. Geared specifically toward younger visitors, the Ocean Institute's educational programs and labs sneak in learning cleverly disguised as fun. Currently open only to schoolchildren on weekdays, the Institute's weekend visitors can participate in family-friendly lab activities and view sea creatures, or venture out to sea on Marine Wildlife Cruises. Guests can also take a “Pirate” Adventure Sail aboard the tallship, the Spirit of Dana Point.
Of course, no trip to Orange County is complete without at least a peek at the beach. Dana Point is situated along the scenic Pacific Ocean, and is located within minutes from easy-access beaches along the California's Pacific Coast Highway. And if visitors are longing for a quick jaunt to a larger city, Dana Point is conveniently located within 90 minutes from Los Angeles (to the north) and just over one hour from San Diego (to the south). For more information on all Dana Point has to offer, visit mydanapoint.com. And prepare to enjoy the laid-back life that is Southern California!
The author received complimentary accommodations, including transportation, meals, and hotel stay at the St. Regis Monarch Beach, as well as guest access to Captain Dave's and the Ocean Institute for purpose of researching this article. Any opinions expressed are that of the author.
Dana Point Attractions
Captain Dave's Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari. A little known fact is that Southern California has the highest concentration of Blue Whales on earth. Guests on Captain Dave's Dolphin and Whale Watching Safari have the opportunity to see some of California's sea life up close and personal. On Macaroni Kid Family Travel's excursion, adventurists on board spotted a Gray Whale, and multiple Bottlenose Dolphins. While the whale sighted was shy, the dolphins provided quite a show, with some even going air-born for excited viewers (much to the delight of the children on board, as noted by their excited squeals and gasps).
The staff at Captain Dave's puts safety first, with the rules clearly explained upon boarding the boat for the excursion. Additionally, a photo of each party on board is available for purchase at the end of the ride. And while sea life sightings on every trip aren't guaranteed, the thrill is in the hunt. Check the site prior to going for sightings on previous days. Finally, a jacket for the boat ride is recommended during the winter months.
Ocean Institute. The Ocean Institute is a non-profit marine science and maritime history education center. Geared specifically toward younger visitors, the Ocean Institute's educational programs and labs sneak in learning cleverly disguised as fun. Currently open only to schoolchildren on weekdays, the Institute's weekend visitors can participate in family-friendly lab activities and view sea creatures, or venture out to sea on Marine Wildlife Cruises. Guests can also take a “Pirate” Adventure Sail aboard the tallship, the Spirit of Dana Point.
Of course, no trip to Orange County is complete without at least a peek at the beach. Dana Point is situated along the scenic Pacific Ocean, and is located within minutes from easy-access beaches along the California's Pacific Coast Highway. And if visitors are longing for a quick jaunt to a larger city, Dana Point is conveniently located within 90 minutes from Los Angeles (to the north) and just over one hour from San Diego (to the south). For more information on all Dana Point has to offer, visit mydanapoint.com. And prepare to enjoy the laid-back life that is Southern California!
The author received complimentary accommodations, including transportation, meals, and hotel stay at the St. Regis Monarch Beach, as well as guest access to Captain Dave's and the Ocean Institute for purpose of researching this article. Any opinions expressed are that of the author.
