My daughter had fun checking out the touch tanks, jellyfish, and “cleaning” the gray whale skeleton. You could brush it with a toothbrush. The gift shop is the nicest thing about it. The staff is friendly and informative. I just wish they would renovate the property. It’s such a neat building and location, but the place is very rundown. I’m hopeful to see if they clean it up with harbor renovations happening and moving Coffee Importers down there.

What an incredible place! We all found the Ocean Institute very educational and fun! The facilities are beautiful. All the staff and volunteers were super friendly and taught us a lot. Definitely worth the visit.

The Ocean Institute may not be as large or as fancy as other marine-based attractions, but that is a large part of its charm. Though small, it packs an amazing amount of information and exhibits into its space. Volunteers and employees are friendly and knowledgeable--the touch tanks have staffing to ensure there are no "Finding Dory" moments for their occupants. Teir new estuary walk is beautiful and informative. In addition, the Ocean Insititute offers an unbelievably affordable ($40 pp includes the tour and museum entry) marine life tours on their craft--we chose the 2.5 hours Whale Watching/Dolphin tour. We found plenty of space on the boat, and again, crew were first rate: helpful, kind, and informative (even when reminding people not to straddle the anchor chain multiple times!). We found ourselves extraordinarily fortunate to see both bottlenose dolphins and "common" dolphins (a nursery pod!)--everyone on the ship had the opportunity to view these beautiful creatures. Even their gift ship is exemplary, with unique items instead of the same four stuffies you see at every amusement park or aquarium, necklaces, other jewelry, and plenty of books, maps, and educational materials. Their location right next to a well-rated coffeehouse/bakery means you have an entire day in a gorgeous location with fantastic food and wonderful people.

Enjoyable and educational. Kid friendly, but much of interest for the serious adult too. Absolutely beautiful location near the harbor in Dana Point, CA. There is also a beautiful beach and jetty just outside. It's definitely worth a visit if you're in the area.

Thank you Michael! This was our first time snorkeling and it was amazing and felt super safe in the hands of mike! He showed us sea grass, kelp and small critters. He gave us clear instructions while making the experience super fun and welcoming, he was very reassuring and outgoing, definitely coming back to do it again and again, and will be recommending this place to everyone here in vegas! The downside was parking, we arrived at 11:40 for our 2pm appointment and didnt find a spot until 1:40, I'd say arrive with extra time and take the time to walk around and get ready to get in the ocean. A super huge thank you to mike! Keep doing what you do!

My wife and I went to the Tall ship Sail festival 9-12-21. Is there such a thing as having too much fun? Not really. After all that has happened over the last 2 years, this festival screamed "have fun now". Large crowds, fantastic shuttle service, sailing on the ships for the "canon battles", helping hoist the main sail!! So many activities for everyone, even the children. Overhearing families talk about experiences, their children talked about what they did and the fun they had. This was what was needed, not to be missed. Even the those that worked for the Ocean Institute were friendly, loved to interact with the visitors. Thank you Jim for talking with us before the sail event and even looking us up after the event, asking about our adventure. This meant a lot too my wife and I. I was told about programs and camps for children and youths during the summer. Worth checking out parents. Fun was what the doctor ordered, I was not disappointed and would love to do it again in an heartbeat. The only con was, (not their fault), was the food trucks. Now that was disappointing. Basic food for the cost of an arm and leg!!! Was not anywhere near worth it. Better to have brought your own food. We had the BBQ food truck, something "down" in the title. How bad it was, I forgot the name. 44 dollars for 2 sandwiches and 1 order of fries. The fries was the only good thing, basically from the season salt seasoning. Otherwise, fantastic time!!!!!! Beautiful place!! Check it out!

I loved the tall ship festival this year! The only suggestion is some sort of shade while lined up for the cannon battle on the asphalt for 45 minutes in the scalding heat. We almost bailed 40 minutes into that but am so glad we didn’t. The battle was great!

Love going for a walk around the harbor! It’s a good 2 mile loop. Lots of critters out and about.

Family friendly. Accessible for SUP row kayak. Baby beach. Clean public facilities. Nice wide visibility boat launch. Redeveloping currently. But fantastic improvements so far.

Always goes here with friends for sight seeing critters and different type of birds, pretty nice area with lots to see and beautiful sunsets

This is a beautiful harbor and gorgeous place along the California coast. I wish I had spent more time in Dana point. Gives me a reason to come back again for a little time away. Lots of people boarding and clean clear water. Lots of parking and nice park area to walk around and see the sights.

Personal take: I love starting the day with a harbor cruise spotting marine life, then grabbing lunch in the Lantern District. Afternoons are best spent surfing at Doheny or strolling the Headlands Trail. Evening is for sunset drinks by the marina or listening to music at the Ohana Festival. It’s refreshing, not overpoweringly touristy, and every day feels relaxed and rewarding. Quick pro tip: Go mid-week if you can, harbor parking is easier, beaches are quieter, and everything flows at that calming Dana Point pace. Bottom line: Dana Point is a SoCal gem, cozy coastal charm, unforgettable ocean adventures, and relaxed vibes without the crowds.

A lively harbor with a seawall and baby beach plus picnic areas.

Beautiful place to visit and take in the scenery

again, I'm not your typical reviewer who gives out 5 stars like free bottle water... it must meet all categories for a park to be considered superb. 1. ample parking! and also for motor home and trailers 2. Great walk paths within the park and extending south to capristrano beach, in and put of the water canal trails leading to mission viejo. for all bikers, Joggers runners and walkers. 3. a great eatery thats seeves beer and drinks and local plates right on the besch front. 4. tables and grills are widely available 5. life guard stations manned and ready 6. break water that's accessible and provides extraordinary views sounds and resting points. 7. for all ages, kids adults and for seniors. 8. surfing, paddling, swimming and sunbathing 9. downtown area provides places to grab some grub siteseeing , and window shopping 10. couple hours of entertainment for the family or by yourself a strong 4.5 to 4.75 missing... beach firepits, water fountains and more shower spots closer to the beachfront .

We had such a wonderful time at Doheny State Beach! We came with our 3-year-old son and it was the perfect spot for a family day. The beach is clean, safe, and easy to access. The waves near the shore are gentle, which made it great for little ones to splash and play without us worrying. There are plenty of picnic areas with shade, which made snack time and breaks really comfortable. Our son loved running around in the sand and watching the surfers further out in the water. The bathrooms were well-kept and convenient to get to, which is always a huge plus with a toddler. We also appreciated the family-friendly atmosphere—lots of other kids and families enjoying the day, but it never felt overcrowded. It’s such a relaxed environment, and parking was simple too. We’ll definitely be coming back. Doheny State Beach is now one of our go-to spots for a safe, fun, and stress-free beach day with our little one! 🌊☀️👶

We stopped there during our morning walk to the beach, and while used to the coastline beaches, we really enjoyed our time here. Besides being conveniently located within Dana point, it has a decent surf spot, highly frequented though and a few good amenities (picnic area, toilets…) - there is also a large paid parking in case you drive down there.

Beautiful beach, clean, safe and easily accessible. The waves are not too strong and there are some volley ball courts on the smaller side of the beach. Picnic tables are on the lawn side. Great spot!

There is a lot to love about this beach. Super clean restrooms, easy access to the cafe, loads of picnic tables and bbq pits, and more. We absolutely loved our time here and will be coming back. The only knock is the beach is very rocky if you plan to get into the water you need booties.

Beautiful clean place. The staff here is on the money when it comes to keeping the areas maintained along with the people. No craziness here. Everyone kept to themselves and maintained a great environment for everyone

Spent the night in my van at the campground. I had a doctors appointment in Laguna and instead of driving home, hour and a half, I spent the night and metal detected. I had a front row, closest to the water, about $75. Worth every penny. I managed to get about $3 back metal detecting 😂😂 _/🚶🏽.

This is a beautiful hidden beach. You park in a large lot off PCH and take a walk downhill. First you go through a tunnel. On the other side is a large grassy are with picnic tables, BBQ, and a basket ball court. After going down some stairs you will see the snack bar. Off to one side are showers, the other side are the restrooms. The beach is just below. The beach is small and beautiful. They have lifeguards here too. There's BBQ"s on the beach area too. This is a great place to spend the day.

Great beach Parking can get busy on the weekends Great patch of grass to lay out w/ shade from the palm trees

An absolutely beautiful, magnificent beach, one of the most beautiful beach I’ve ever seen 😀

Went to this beach for the first time. Absolutely beautiful. The walk from the parking lot down to the beach was a little long and downhill but so worth it. Idk if it was because it was during the week but it was not crowded and plenty of parking. There is a large grassy area. The walk back up hauling stuff was a pain so be prepared. We took a wagon and an ice chest with wheels which I would highly recommend. My sister-in-law did say on weekends it does get packed so plan to get there early.

One of the best places in Dana Point for a fun and chill time alone or with your friends and family.

A clean park for picnics, biking, running, basketball, and surfing. The steep climb on the way back with electric golf cart ride options by a local business for $2 in 2025.

can’t beat it. i have always gone during the morning/day, but i highly suggest checking it out at sunset!

This is a nice visitor center here, that has a lot of information about the surrounding areas here. This is also the trailhead used to access the trails in the preserve area.

The Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center is a fantastic destination, featuring a knowledgeable and friendly team dedicated to educating visitors. It's a wonderful place for kids to learn about nature in an engaging and fun way. The center offers various exhibits and activities that make learning enjoyable, ensuring a memorable experience for the whole family. After exploring the center, you can also enjoy the nearby trail, which offers stunning views and a relaxing atmosphere. It's essential to always stay on the trail to preserve the natural habitat and ensure a safe experience for everyone. Whether you're looking to expand your knowledge or simply have a good time, this center and trail are great choices.

Me and my group stopped here to check it out and go to the restroom. They were very welcoming and happily invited us inside. They had many little exibits, each with their own information about the land and animals around them. Many fun kid activities. The is a trail path that you can walk to find animal information and have an amazing very of the ocean. It's a silent and calming place to hang out, and very clean. 10/10

Perfect for toddlers, but not stroller kids as the path is sandy and narrow. The area has guarded pathway which is not for extreme hiking or trail running. I liked the interpretive nature path for having a chill way to get amazing views of the marina and Pacific. It was a great investment of 1.5 hours.

Beautiful place for a hike! We arrive at 7:50am on a Saturday. As of right now, the trail through the preserve is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 8am-4pm. This is because the preserve is home to an endangered mouse, and the staff noticed it thrives during Covid closures. Understandable. No dogs on the trail for the same reason. There’s parking at the interpretive center as well as bathrooms, which were open before staff came, yay! The trail is all sand, so after our hike I had to bang the sand out of my shoes and socks. Just a heads up. The ocean view is gorgeous! We saw sea lions and pelicans. No whales, sadly. Definitely recommend bringing binoculars. There are several lookouts, and most of them have a bench to sit and enjoy the view.

The sunset was so beautiful there I couldn't stop taking photos! It's a great trail to go on if you need some inspiration, meditation, or just want an excursion. I would definitely recommend this trail!

This is a cool little museum we stumbled onto. It's got some great info about Dana Points local marine life and wildlife. Including some huge whale bones, stuffed animals (taxidermy) and other interesting artifacts. They had free coloring pages for the kids. There's not an active docent but it's very small so you don't need a tour. We were the only ones there. There's also public bathrooms. There's some hiking trails with stunning views. They were closed when we went, I assume because of the rain. Its got an amazing view of the ocean from the parking lot! I think its a mist see just for the breathtaking views! We were just driving around exploring and found this little gem. Both the kids, ages 9 and 3 enjoyed the museum/nature center. We plan on visiting again for the views and hopefully a hike!

I really loved their cheeseburger—it totally hit the spot! The appetizers were great too, super tasty. We had this amazing cake with ice cream (wish I remembered the name!) and it was the perfect way to end the meal. Also, shoutout to the staff—they were incredibly warm and friendly, which made the whole experience even better.

Some of the best food/seafood I’ve had in Orange County. We enjoyed every bite of everything we ordered, and had multiple “I think that was the best _____ I’ve ever had” moments (shrimp cocktail and butter cake with hot fudge were the two biggest hits). Beyond the food though, the service was truly top-tier. Food came out within minutes of ordering, we were constantly refreshed and checked up on by our amazing server Kelly, and she graciously entertained our request to try half a dozen sauces from all sorts of dishes to truly take our experience to the next level. Will absolutely be coming back any time I want to take friends/family to enjoy an upscale, delicious meal

From the moment we walked in, we were warmly welcomed by our server Courtney, who was incredibly friendly, attentive, and helpful—she made our visit feel extra special. We took her recommendations and ordered the Ahi Tuna Salad and the Crispy Chicken Caesar, and wow… both dishes were phenomenal. The tuna was perfectly seared, fresh, and flavorful, and the salad that came with it was refreshing with great texture and balance. The crispy chicken was seasoned just right—tender inside, crunchy outside—and paired beautifully with the Caesar greens and quinoa. Everything—from the plating to the flavors—was spot on. And the sauce that came with the tuna? So good we could’ve had a whole bowl of it! This place exceeded our expectations, and thanks to Courtney, it truly felt like a Christmas treat. We’ll absolutely be back again and again. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a beautiful, relaxed lunch with quality food and genuine service.

It's a great family place for people of all ages. Delicious food and great service. Peaceful, cocktail alternatives. We enjoyed it a lot.

My favorite spot in South OC! Crab Cake Salad, Shrimp Cocktail and Baby back Ribs are some of my Favs. Finish with a butter cake! Cocktails are great as well, I love the Paloma. Atmosphere is elevated but casual, nice beach feel.

If you’re looking for a place on the PCH with a dining room that says “classy” and a patio that says “I might never leave,” this is it. The Parker House rolls come drowning in golden brown butter and herbs—a bold move if your New Year’s resolution involved self-control. Sweet meets savory, and your diet quietly weeps. The Double Cut Pork Chop is so big it could have its own zip code. Juicy, tender, glazed with sweet fig, and perfect for anyone who skipped lunch…or breakfast…or possibly the last three days of meals. The Filet? Also delicious, perfectly tender, and generously portioned—because apparently moderation is for other restaurants. Baked potatoes arrive hotter than the surface of the sun and packed with all the “good stuff” your cardiologist warned you about. Service is friendly, the vibe is relaxed, and the dog-friendly patio means you can share your meal with your four-legged friend, or at least feel guilty while they stare at you for two hours. Five stars—come hungry, leave questioning your life choices in the best possible way.

I love this place. A little pricey, but as they say… you get what you pay for. And it’s worth it!! I go a few times a year as a treat and as a frugal guy it is hard to get my head around $48 crab cakes, but they are worth every penny penny! OMG… might be my last meal… huge chunks of Crab meat… taste like the ocean. I often get them as apps when dinning out at various seafood restaurants… these are the best I have ever had… I think they put them on the entree items just for me. 😁 Also, I dream about their Trout dip… Amazing! My only complaint is that parking sucks and I park two blocks away. But again, it is worth it!

Only had the chowder in a bread bowl. It was good. Eric the bartender was very attentive and had a great attitude. The location is perfect and the weather cleared up and was nice. Keep up the great work. I would definitely like to try another dish when I go back to San Diego.

Beautiful restaurant on the harbor. Got there at sunset and was seated right away. The food was good to me and very good to my husband. He said it might have been the oil, it was a little strong but I'm sure it was just my taste buds from traveling, so that's why the minus 1, only in case it was the oil. The crabcakes also had tasted if they cooked it, where they cooked a hamburger and forgot to scrap the grill. That actually was a pleasant surprise. The server Jake and his helper were very nice and prompt with service.

Amazing views, great food and service. It’s one of the few gems of a restaurant left in California. It has such a comfortable, relaxing feel which makes one welcomed. We had a party at seven reservation and they gave us a fabulous table with a view of the harbor. Our server was amazing and the food was delicious. The dishes range from $20-$40. Our family favorite is the calamari steak strips $18 (some ppl get this as their entree. The salads are fresh and big enough to share. Highly recommend harpoon Henry’s would give it more stars if I could. This restaurant has been there since I can remember but the Dana Point harbor is changing all the shops around it are closing. I really hope they are not selling out and going corporate like other harbors. They build a huge ugly parking structure, which is really out of place.

I was looking forward to trying a new restaurant that I hadn’t been to, especially because I like Dana Point. We were sat timely and although the restaurant was somewhat full, I would’ve expected it to be packed since it was Mother’s Day. Perhaps we missed the rush(?). Anyway, our waiter was a nice young man, and we ordered drinks. Unfortunately the champagne was warm, although the OJ was cold… except that I didn’t order a mimosa. I let it go. When we ordered juice it was brought out in small carafe glassware as if for a side of juice for champagne or something. No glass. We requested a glass of juice to drink as a non-alcoholic option. We ordered an appetizer and our entrees, and I asked if he could hold off on submitting our entree order so that we had time to eat the appetizer first and keep things hot. Appetizer came out, then about 60 seconds later, our entrees. The young guy who dropped off the food asked if we need anything else, but was literally walking away as he said it. We actually thought it was funny because it was so odd. Guess it’s good that we didn’t need anything else. We wanted to have time to eat the appetizer and then, when ready, get our entrees (hot). Didn’t happen. It was obvious that the entrees were sitting because the sauces with the fish dishes were not even warm. $40 an entree, or frankly any amount, should warrant hot food being served hot. I didn’t say anything because it was clear to me that management had not properly trained the young man. He was kind and well-meaning though. Bottomless champagne was the lowest level quality, and I had to politely request a refill, although the young man did accommodate and I sense he was doing what he could at that point. I have patience and compassion, especially when it’s a young person trying to figure things out, but it stressed me out. Mother’s Day should be a day of relief and relaxation and not having to guide the experience. I don’t want to feel guilt for lapses in service that the management is ultimately responsible for. I hoped for stellar service and being treated like a queen for one day of the year. 😛🤷🏼‍♀️

This restaurant was overall an amazing experience. The view of the harbor was beautiful and all of the staff was so friendly. I have multiple food allergies and the wait staff and head chef were working together to alter a meal while keeping in mind the flavor profile as well. I had a few wait staff on the case and they all seemed to genuinely care. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone!

Came for lunch around 1pm on a Friday. Easy to park at the marina. Sat quickly, great server, the food was really good. Great views of the Marina. Would definitely come back when visiting Dana Point.

17 years ago, we had our wedding reception at Harpoon Henry. On 8/8/25 we had our last meal at Harpoon Henry because they were scheduled to close on 8/10/25 after 50 years of service due to beautification of Dana Point, ugh. We will miss you Harpoon Henry”s!!

Better than a four, but not quite a five either. I'd call it a 4.7. The view, of course, is staggering. That being said, the high ceilings, to better accommodate the view, makes the place the opposite of cozy. The menu is not expansive, but the food is done exceptionally well, as you'd expect. Seafood is cooked perfectly. The kitchen does a great job of blending flavors for a great culinary experience. The service is attentive and professional, again as would be expected inside of the Ritz.

The food and service at Raya were top notch. Started at the bar for a glass of wine and an appetizer, enjoyed the view...then moved to our table for a seafood sunset feast! We ordered a bit of everything and it was all good...Smoked Swordfish dip, Oysters de la Baja, Seafood Cocktail, Piloncillo Shrimp, Seafood Enchiladas, Chipotle Miso Black Cod...all delicious! Cudos to the staff, keep up the good work. If you enjoy seafood with a flair you won't be disappointed at Raya.

The place was elegant and well-presented, we were even given a flower during our meal. The service was excellent, but I was a little disappointed that the dishes I ordered didn’t quite suit my taste. On the other hand, the setting was wonderful… like a beautiful sunset painting

First, the good: We actually started our evening at the bar, and I have to say, we received wonderful service there despite how busy it was. The bartenders were attentive, friendly, and made great drinks while managing a full crowd. The two hostesses working on Friday night when we visited were both super sweet. We brought a bouquet of flowers for a friend’s birthday dinner, and not only did they keep it safe for us; they even put the flowers in a vase while we waited for the birthday celebrant. That thoughtful touch really stood out and set a nice tone for the evening. The large windows overlooking the ocean are absolutely stunning and make for a beautiful ambiance. Unfortunately, that’s where the positives end. The whole dining experience after that was honestly a disaster. Granted, we were waiting on one person to arrive, but the staff wasn’t attentive or consistent about checking on our table. Our server, Jessica, genuinely tried her best, but her efforts were overshadowed by everything else that went wrong. I wasn’t feeling well that night, so I kept it simple and ordered the Caesar Salad with shrimp and it turned out to be the saltiest salad I’ve ever had in my life. I ended up only eating a few pieces of shrimp because the rest was just inedible. Another guest at our table sent back her octopus because it was cold. The menu had only one vegan option, and everyone else in our group also complained about their food. To make matters worse, the entire dining experience dragged on for three hours. Multiple staff members would walk by and completely ignore tables calling out for help, not even a “let me grab your server.” It felt like no one wanted to deal with anything outside of their assigned section. Jessica could only do so much on her own. For a restaurant inside the Ritz-Carlton, the level of service and food quality were shockingly disappointing. Sadly, this will be a one-and-done experience for me.

I loved the brussel sprouts and the pork/scallops entree, we also got the salmon and the pork pineapple bao buns, those were really good too, salmon was good, I have realized I really prefer raw salmon sushi but scallops were the best. Beautiful view & great service.

Beautiful location overlooking the ocean. Staff were very nice and professional; waitress, Sam, was knowledgeable and personable. Food was really good with fresh ingredients and solid creativity. Some critical feedback: Iberico secreto steak was good, but firmer than expected like a pork chop; I cook these at home and they fall apart in your mouth. Some of the small dishes rely on a very tasty sauce and while good, that type of component is probably why they don't get a mention in the Michelin guide. The Branzino was good, but fileted skin down makes the skin not edible for me. All very good though and I appreciate the protein with complimenting vegetables (specific lack of a carb) and. I would return. The view and service were great: from the hostess wishing us Happy Anniversary, to the complimentary dessert-- really cool and appreciated.

Great for special occasions. My family had a great time celebrating my daughter’s birthday. Food is excellent. View is breathtaking. Jennifer is so attentive and welcoming.

The BEST hangout place in south of OC for all ages! The food is great with many fresh options for adults and kids. They have many entertainment options on some weekdays and weekends, follow their instagram and you’ll know what nights. Their line dancing night was super fun. The play area for the kids is a big plus. Easy reservation through open table. I don’t remember the last time we all had so much fun going out for dinner. Cannot wait to go back!

The ambience was fantastic. Carson, the server was absolutely amazing, Very attentive, sweet and funny. The band and music was perfect, great songs, very mellow. The manager Don approached us and we thought he was very kind and polite making sure we were taken care of. I ordered the tuna tower and the baby spinach salad and it was absolutely delicious. My husband ordered the eggs Benedict, and it was very good but The central part of the dish is the Canadian bacon and it was way wafer too thin, you could barely see it and taste it, so he said he would never order that dish again. Anyway, we loved our Memorial Brunch there. Well done Carson!

Super fire! What a beautiful establishment! The staff was great!!!!! Martini was out of this world!!!!! And the buritto was super bomb. I would say, the red sauce was the only sauce that needed to be on that bad boy! Maybe some of the green as an accent and aesthtic, but the red was where it was at! Can't wait to go back and try out more of what they have to offer! And also hear the love pianos! Gotta go if you haven't!

Expensive, but food is good! Outside area invites dogs on leash & kids to run around. Fire pits & lit up trees. Our server Christopher B was great! Loud inside with live music in bar, hard to hear at table...but, it was a Friday night & busy. Sourdough bread as appetizer was rubber like....don't order. But, Salmon & Filet & Chicken dish was good! Fun atmosphere!

I got there at 6:00 and was seated right away! Two friends joined within 15 minutes. Our server took our drink orders after awhile which took another 20 minutes to receive. We had to keep asking where they were...A long wait for not being too busy. By 7:20 p.m. our server took our order. I was the first to order but the last to be served a salad. My friends kept getting their meals cold so they had to bring them twice, all the while I have no food. I didn't receive my salad until after 8:30 p.m.! The salad was okay but very small for $ 26! I've eaten here before and the food was good and the service was fine but this experience really has me wondering if it will be the same the next time.... It's a good place for music. Our server was sweet and attentive but it seemed like the Bar and Kitchen were holding her up. You def get faater service sitting at the bar I've noticed. I'm in the top 10% of nationwide restaurant reviewers on Google with over 6 million views..... If I could get some advice to newer management, it would be to increase your portions on your salads or lower the cost. This is a very inexpensive meal to make. I didn't dine inside and so I'm not sure how prompt they were that night but I would suggest some more training with the staff, kitchen and outside bar on delivery times. Maybe it was just an off night, idk... hoping to try it again... PS .. the desert was very pretty and definitely large enough to share 👍

We went there for lunch and everything was excellent. Once we walked in we where seated by a nice hostess and served by an amazing server called “Nazmi” she’s the best. The steak was really good and The dessert “Cookie skillet” was amazing and big enough for sharing. This place is highly recommended

Came here to celebrate my 8 year wedding anniversary. This is my first time ever eating at this restaurant. My wife and I both ordered the braised short rib. Though it was good, I have to admit it tasted like a glorified pot roast and not like other pot roast I've had from other restaurants. The plate came with mashed potatoes, but felt like they chinced out on the portion size. Other than that, the atmosphere was great as well as the service. One last thing that I wanted to mention was that our server totally blessed us by bringing out a complimentary dessert because of us celebrating our anniversary. Kudos to the service!

I ordered the Swordfish. The rice had good flavor, the Asparagus was delicious, but the Swordfish was small and dry. I squeezed lemon on it, but it didn't help. Just dry. My waitress asked if I wanted a refill on my Coke, but brought back a Dr Pepper. For desert I ordered the Brownie....delicious and very filling. But, left unhappy.

I was disappointed. I went in for my birthday celebration dinner ( we notified them when we scheduled on Open Table where we asked for a window view). The booth was nice but not next to the windows. I ordered the poké appetizer which I enjoyed. They never brought my husbands bread that he ordered for his appetizer. I ordered grilled swordfish and Brian ordered chicken. The plates looked identical except for the proteins. Made it feel like an old folks home dinner plate with half of both plates filled with basic rice and 7 spears of boiled asparagus. We were never asked if we wanted more wine and no one ever even said Happy Birthday. Not exactly special.

Everything was excellent! The mixed seafood chowder was amazing as was the huge spinach salad with cranberries, walnuts, lots of blue cheese crumbles and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing and ice tea.. Cost was about $30 plus tip for lunch Jillian was our waitress, she was superb!! Highly recommend!

Sydney is an absolute delight! Came for happy hour with my parents while visiting from Hawaii and had a great time! Delicious food, OUTSTANDING service and great views (loved watching the sea lions play in the water at sunset). Recommend the calamari strips and teriyaki chicken tidbits from the Hawaiian Happy Hour Pupus menu. Happy hour is Mon-Fri 4-7PM They offer non-alcoholic beer, Heineken 0.0, which is always appreciated.

Loved my experience at this beautiful place by the water. The food was fresh and delicious, our waitress was very helpful and personable, and the views were gorgeous! We were able to admire quite a few seals playing. We will return.

We went there with 2adults and 2kids. As soon as we stepped in, elegant hawaiian style beauty welcomed us and led us to table. We felt so welcome. Then server Zander came in no time. We ordered two kids menu, clam chowder, lobster tail, and hawaiian chicken. Zander didn't even write them down and managed to memorize all! He was very kind and he showed up quickly only when we wanted something. Just proper service i would want. I don't want to be bothered too much and still don't want to wait for too long time and he did a perfect job. Well, now let's talk about food. First of all, lobster tail did not have price tag so i thought it would be around 50$ (other menu mostly 20-30$ range). However, i realized it was $79 after i received a bill. Well, then considering the cost, i have to say something. It was a bit chewy.... Flavor was great though. Just kids refused to eat after chew it a bit. Clam chowder was great, and everyone liked it. I wish i ordered two. Mac&cheese was a bit chewy or hard but still, tasty. Hot dog was good. Chicken was very tasty but still a bit dry and chewy so failed to feed kids. Overall, flavor was great and very tasty, but i struggled to share our food to kids :( lobster price was way over my expectation but it is ok. It is lobster. My wife and i enjoyed eating anyway! ;)

Waitstaff and food are excellent, with a fantastic view of Dana Point and there is always something to see in the harbor. Brand new parking garage with 4 hours free. Very nice for a date or group.