Orange County Attractions

Situated between Los Angeles and San Diego, The St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort in beautiful Dana Point is a perfect jumping off point for enjoying Orange County's endless array of attractions. From historic Mission San Juan Capistrano to charming Catalina Island, stylish Newport Beach to arts-haven Laguna Beach... unparalleled entertainment, natural beauty, important businesses and upscale shopping are just a short drive away.

Area Attractions

Beaches
There are several picturesque beaches in the area, please see our Concierge for a detailed list. Monarch Beach is adjacent to the resort with Salt Creek Beach next to it.

Other recommended parks include:

Crystal Cove State Park
North of Laguna Beach, featuring miles of sandy coves with tide pools, snorkeling, pristine beach and hiking trails.

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Catalina Island
Board the ferry from Dana Point Harbor and sail for 26 miles across the sea to Santa Catalina Island of song and legend. Catalina is memorable for its sapphire waters and crescent shaped harbor of Avalon. Boats leave daily in the morning and return at night. This is an all day excursion.

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Dana Point Harbor & Surrounding Area Actvities
Many ourdoor actvities and sports can be arranged with the assistance of our Concierge.
Here are some examples:
- Horseback Riding: Mountain Trail rides depart from the fully equipped equestrian center located 10 minutes east of the resort. Please make arrangements with Concierge.
- Dolphin and Whale Watching: Embark on all season charters from Dana Point Harbor.
- Kayaking: Discover beautiful Dana Point Harbor and the local coastline by kayak.
- Sport Fishing: Try your Fisherman's luck along the scenic coastline of the Dana Point Harbor.
- Jet Skiing: Enjoy the spray of the ocean waves on an exhilarating Jet Sky ride.
- Sailing: Experience the thrill of sailing the Pacific waters along the California Riviera.

Disneyland Park
"The Happiest Place on Earth" is an enchanged kingtom of fantasy and imagination filled with more than 60 adventures and attractions across eight themed lands. Located 45 minutes northeast of the resort.

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Disney's California Adventure
Immerse yourself in a magical festival of shows, parades and attractions celebrating California's storied past and exciting future. From the gold rush to HOllywood's golden era to the timeless allure of the beach, discover the vast and diverse Golden State. Located adjacent to Disneyland 45 minutes northeast of the resort.

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Fashion Island
Southern California's premier open-air retail center, offering a unique experience for shopping, dining and entertainment. Reminiscent of a Mediterranean Village, this retail center features a Venetian-themed carousel. Stores include Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale. Located 30 minutes north in Newport Beach.

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Knott's Berry Farm Theme Park
Knott's combines classic theme park and water park excitement with over 160 acres of world class rides. Located 45 minutes northeast of the resort.

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Laguna Beach
A charming coastal village offers a thriving beach life and art scene, regional theatre, and world famous Pageant of the Masters.

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Laguna Art Museum
The museum holds one of the largest collections of California's historical art. Located on Pacific coast Highway in the heart of Laguna Beach, 15 minutes north of the resort.

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Legoland California
Heroes wanted! Have you ever dreamed of becoming an intrepid adventurer? An imaginative builder? A firefighter, knight or swashbuckling pirate? At LEGOLAND California, you can. Watch and laugh as Bob and his Can-Do Crew put their skills to work to build the best roller coaster ever. Then, step back in time in the Land of Adventure as you hunt for lost treasure using laser blasters. At LEGOLAND California, there are more than 50 rides, shows and attractions. Located about 40 minutes south of resort in San Diego County.

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Mission San Juan Capistrano
Known as the "Jewel of the Missions" this historic Spanish Adobe Mission, founded in 1776, is the most beautiful, most romantic and best known of the California Missions. Located 10 minutes east of the resort.

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Newport Harbor
One of the largest natural harbors in the United States, this attraction provides an anchorage of 12,000 pleasure craft. Enjoy a cruise or a stroll through the numerous boutique shops and restaurant; take the Duffy boat for a sail on the bay or sign up for a Harbor Tour by boat. Located 30 minutes away in Newport Beach.

Newport Bay and Huntington Beach
North of Newport Beach towards Huntington, a wetland preserve, Bolsa Chica, is providing a habitat for thousands of migratory birds and many guided nature walks. Kayak tours are also available. A Boardwalk is perfect for Bicycle rides and Rollerblading.

Ocean Institute
The Ocean Institue is nationally known for its hands-on marine science, environmental education and marine history programs.  All Ocean Institute programs are designed to maximize immersion, inspire deep commitment to learning and spark curiosity, questions and future discovery. The Ocean Institue is a working institue and only opens for public access on Saturday and Sundays from 10am until 3pm. It is a fun, hands on experience for children.  Located just on the north side of the Dana Point Harbor.

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Segerstrom Center for the Arts
This 3,000-seat venue presents Opera, Ballet, Major Concerts, Broadway Musicals, and popular artist. Contact our Concierge for scheduled events. Located 35 minutes north in Costa Mesa.

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Orange County Museum of Art
Discover the art of California- from its historical roots to the cutting edge work of the present day. The main museum is in Newport Beach 30 minutes away, and the satellite gallery is in South Coast Plaza, 35 minutes north of the resort.

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South Coast Plaza
The first Ultimate Shopping Resort in the country with its marquee stores numbering more than 280 stores. Among them, Bally, Bulgari, Cartier, Chanel, Georgio Armani, Gucci, Hermes, TSE, Versace, YSL, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom and Bloomingdale. Located 35 minutes north in Costa Mesa.

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Sea World Adventure Park
The park offers over 20 exhibits including the famous Orca "Shamu" along with an exciting thrill ride, Jouney to Atlantis. Located one hour and 15 minutes south of the resort in San Diego.

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San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is more than a Zoo: it is a sanctuary for 4,000 rare and endangered animals, a landscape of rare plants from all climates and a living classroom that entertains as well as educates. It is the only place in North America to see a scaly anteater, and you would have to travel to Australia to see a larger colony of koalas. And even though the 100-acre Zoo is known for its amazing array of animals. it is actually the plants that are the Zoo's most valuable collection.  Located one hour and 15 minutes south of the resort in San Diego.

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San Diego Safari Park
The Safari Park, where guests can see herds of African and Asian animals roaming the hills of the San Pasqual Valley. Home to more than 3,500 animals representing 429 species, the Wild Animal Park is an animal adventure in SOuthern California that brings people thrillingly close to wild and endangered animals. Located one hour and 15 minutes south east of the resort in San Diego County.

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Universal Studio Amusement Park
Go deep behind the scenes where you can face action head-on in heart-pounding rides and attractions that put you inside some of the world's biggest movies. Located one hour and 15 minutes north of the resort in Universal City.

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