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The Blue Lantern Inn
A California getaway that has it all: Golf, spotfishing, shopping, fine dining and romance/ By Deborah Hamilton-Lynne
Trust me on this one, guys. This is one romantic getaway that will not only score points with your spouse or significant other, but it is also guaranteed to score big with you. What if I told you there was a spot with a Four Diamond bed and breakfast—very romantic—with fabulous views of the California coast where you could get luxurious couple’s massages in your room, have gourmet breakfasts and enjoy your complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvers on a terrace overlooking a magnificent harbor filled with sailboats? And what if I also told you that this spot happens to be located in an exceptional Southern California location known to have some of the world’s best golf courses (think Tom Fazio and Robert Trent Jones, Jr.) with Scottish links and sweeping ocean panoramas? And what if I tempted you with amazing sportfishing? Halibut, barracuda, yellowtail, white sea bass, sand bass, calico bass, bonito, sheephead and even tuna. Are you there yet?
This location also has gourmet restaurants, gorgeous beaches and whale watching, art galleries and a historic Spanish Mission nearby.
But here is the icing on the cake: This location has world-class shopping! Grab a golf or fishing buddy whose wife happens to be a friend of your bride, dangle the South Coast Plaza in front of them, and you guys will have your hall pass.
Ferragamo, Chanel, Hermes, Gucci, Fendi, Christian Dior, Versace, Henri Bendel, Roberto Cavalli, Prada—these names may not mean much to you (until you get the credit card statements),
but I promise they will definitely put a light in your sweetie’s eyes. When she is exhausted from all that shopping, there are more than 30 restaurants ready and willing to give her an epicurean break before she is on her way to round two. All this, just as you are reeling in the big one or rounding the 10th hole.
So where would you happen to find this ideal spot for a romantic getaway that will set both of your hearts racing? The Blue Lantern Inn in Dana Point, CA. Located on a bluff overlooking the yacht harbor, the inn has 29 beautiful rooms, many with ocean-view balconies, fireplaces and jetted tubs. Listed as a top U.S. seaside inn by Travel and Leisure and on Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List, the Blue Lantern has been named the best bed and breakfast in Orange County seven years in a row.
Located at the end of a cul-de-sac, the three-story inn looks like a place you might find in New England with its Cape Cod-style architecture and incredible stone fireplace, cozy living room and library. The rooms are spacious, the bedding is comfortable with luxe linens, there are bikes for exploring, special requests are a priority and the hospitality can’t be beat. Fantastic homemade cookies in the lobby any time. Fruit, wine and cheese in the afternoons, and a chocolate on your pillow before you go to sleep. What more can you ask for?
There are several seasonal packages with rooms starting less than $150 per night. You can also book a “Celebration Package” upgrade for $60, which includes a bottle of chilled champagne, two commemorative flutes, chocolate truffles and breakfast in bed.
The innkeeper told me they host many guests from Texas, and that they all hope the inn will remain a well-kept secret, but the secret is out. With Christmas, New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day just around the corner, you had better make those reservations fast. My suggestion is to find a couple you both enjoy traveling with and book it today! For reservations and more information, visit bluelanterninn.com.
Beaches
The area beaches are among the best in California. Salt Creek Beach and Park has a long, sandy beach and is perfect for watching the surfers. The locals call the southern entrance Salt Creek Strands Beach, and there you will find picnic tables and stairs to the beach. (Ritz Carlton Drive off Pacific Coast Hwy. 1.)
Doheny State Beach is great for walks on the beach, exploring tide pools and watching surfers. And it has a five-mile bike trail. (Intersection of Del Obispo and Dana Point Harbor Drive.)
Whale watching
Dana Point Harbor is renowned as the whale-watching capital of the West. The California Gray whales migrate in the winter and six charter companies in the harbor provide excursions, both public and private.
Reservations are recommended. Captain Dave’s Whale Safari. dolphinsafari.com
Sailing
The OC Sailing and Events Center can fix you up with lessons, a boat to captain on your own or a ship to take you to explore Catalina Island for the day.
Sportfishing
Dana Wharf Sportfishing operates several charters for sportfishing.
Half-day, three-quarter day and all-day trips are available year-round. danawharfsportfishing.com explore california history Mission San Juan Capistrano is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The beautiful Spanish mission was built more than 200 years ago as the seventh of 21 missions throughout California. The beautiful chapel where Fr. Serra celebrated Mass still stands.
Golf
Everyone recommends Monarch Beach Golf Links for its stunning views and challenging Scottish links course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Reservations are a must. monarchbeachgolf.com
Where to Eat
Cannon’s seafood grill is located adjacent to the Blue Lantern Inn. The menu includes seafood and steaks, as well as salads and pasta. It has incredible ocean views and was voted the most romantic restaurant in Orange County. cannonsrestaurant.com
Dana Point Harbor has a ton of good restaurants located right on the marina. Try turk’s for local flavor and an amazing fish and chips appetizer. Also recommended: the HarBor grill for seafood and gemmell’s for fine dining.Jack’s restaurant is the favorite of my friends who live in the area. Jack, the owner, is usually there and greets customers as they come in. It is casual and has an outstanding menu featuring organic salads and Turner New Zealand hormone-free, grass-fed meat, all of which will appeal to Austinites. jacksdp.com
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