Less than 70 miles south of Los Angeles, Orange County unfolds along the Pacific coast. Once known primarily for its citrus groves and farmland, the region was transformed in 1955 when Walt Disney opened Disneyland, helping shape Orange County into one of Southern California’s most popular destinations.
Farther south lie the neighboring communities of Dana Point and Laguna Beach. Long known as “Hollywood by the Sea,” the area has attracted movie stars, artists, surfers, and business leaders seeking a more relaxed coastal lifestyle away from Los Angeles.
Perched atop a bluff overlooking Dana Point Harbor is Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa. A short drive up the hill brings guests to the resort, where sweeping ocean and harbor views are a constant presence. The hotel feels cinematic in scale, combining Southern California coastal architecture with Mediterranean influences and subtle touches of Victorian design( think Mackinac Island). Its gray exterior, accented by lantern-like cupolas with a weathered patina, evokes the charm of a seaside retreat while remaining distinctly Californian.
The distant bark of sea lions drifting up from the harbor reinforces the coastal atmosphere.
The resort is currently undergoing a phased renovation, with upgrades designed to refresh its public spaces and guest rooms . Wellness is a central focus, with a modern fitness center, pickleball court, full-service spa, and complimentary Sunday yoga. Guests can also take advantage of bicycle rentals, surfing lessons, and nearby Lantern Bay Park, where panoramic harbor views stretch to the horizon. A heated pool, two whirlpool spas, and private cabanas complete the resort experience.
Families will find plenty to love here. Camp Cliff offers children ages 4 to 12 an opportunity to spend three hours exploring crafts, games, and outdoor activities ranging from relay races and surfboard decorating to rock painting and other hands-on adventures. The Del Mar Pool and Kids Splash Zone has become a favorite gathering place, featuring fountains, water elements, and surf-themed play areas designed for younger guests. Meanwhile, four-legged family members are welcomed with equal enthusiasm, making Laguna Cliffs a genuinely pet-friendly destination.
Dining
The resort’s dining program centers on two venues: Lantern’s Edge and OverVue Lounge & Bar.
Spend any time in Dana Point and you’ll notice the recurring use of the word “lantern.” The nearby Lantern District, named for its lantern-themed streets, forms the historic heart of the city. Today it serves as Dana Point’s primary dining and entertainment district, filled with restaurants, boutiques, and gathering places that reflect the community’s maritime heritage. Fittingly, the resort itself is located on Park Lantern.
That same sense of place carries into Lantern’s Edge. Chef Kristine Davis draws inspiration from the California coast, building a menu around fresh seafood, seasonal produce, and Mediterranean influences that feel perfectly at home overlooking Dana Point Harbor. Her approach is thoughtful without being complicated, allowing exceptional ingredients to speak for themselves.
Among the standouts are charred octopus with crispy potatoes and fennel purée, branzino paired with confit leeks and shiitake mushrooms, and tender clams served in a saffron-infused broth with Ibérico chorizo and grilled sourdough. A luxurious lobster risotto arrives enriched with Parmesan, saffron butter, and truffle gremolata, while pasta offerings range from a classic cacio e pepe to a seafood-filled orecchiette featuring shrimp, squid, clams, and scallops in a lobster bisque sauce.
On this visit, the standout entrée proved to be Mary’s Half Chicken. Marinated with lemongrass and achiote, then served alongside saffron rice pilaf and papaya slaw, the dish balances comfort and sophistication with remarkable ease. The lemongrass, in particular, elevates the preparation, adding a bright aromatic note that transforms a familiar chicken dish into something memorable.
Retiring to our spacious guest room, complete with views overlooking the harbor, provided a fitting end to each day. The accommodations are comfortable and thoughtfully designed, but special mention must be made of the bathroom. The oversized shower, in particular, ranks among the best hotel showers we’ve encountered in recent memory.
Equally impressive was the staff. From arrival to departure, every interaction was met with warmth, professionalism, and a genuine desire to make guests feel welcome. Hospitality is often an overlooked detail until it is absent; here, it was ever-present.
This was a sojourn—a brief stay in paradise that ended all too soon. On our final day, we played a spirited game of pickleball before joining a yoga session in nearby Lantern Bay Park presented by iHeartYoga.
While the ongoing renovation was certainly noticeable, it never became a distraction. Construction proceeded quietly and discreetly, allowing guests to enjoy the property with minimal interruption.
As we departed, there was already a reason to return. With the renovation continuing to unfold, Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa is poised to enter an exciting new chapter. We look forward to returning when the transformation is complete and experiencing the next evolution of this blufftop retreat overlooking Dana Point Harbor.

Day 3

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