Dana Point Through a Local’s Eye: Kristin Augustine
City Living Network and Kristin Augustine are proud to launch Dana Point Days, Your Go-To Guide to Dana Point.
With a background in graphic design and a love for all things creative, Dana Point Days’ Editor-in-Chief, Kristin Augustine is excited for this next adventure.
A transplant from the East Coast, she’s gotten to experience all the wonders of Dana Point with a fresh set of eyes, and now, as a four-year-local, feels called to share the best of the best – the sunsets, the small-town vibe, the local makers and artists, the surf culture… all of it! She feels lucky to live in Dana Point and is constantly exploring and finding new places to visit.
Here are a few of her current faves around town…
iHeart Yoga
Perched on the hill overlooking the harbor (in front of the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa), you’ll find iHeart Yoga’s $10 Yoga in the Park classes. There is honestly nothing better than starting your day with some gentle movement… or a sweaty vinyasa flow depending on your preference. Stretching in the sunshine with the ocean in front of you is guaranteed to start your day with a smile and a serious ahhhhh. Their teachers are incredible, and they offer all sorts of classes based on skill level at their harbor studio as well.
HŌM Dana Point
Newly opened in Dana Point’s Del Prado district, HŌM Dana Point is THE place to go for the best gifts, home accessories, beach-y themed books, art, and more. Inside, you actually feel like you are in someone’s home as the store has been arranged into gorgeous kitchen, living, bedroom, bath and entertaining spaces. The kitchen alone will make you swoon! At HOM, you are guaranteed to find something for that special person on your list… and also a bunch of things for yourself, le't’s be honest! In addition to all the fabulous goods, owner, Danielle, puts on fun community events such as cooking demos, Sip & Shops, and more.
Dana Point Farmers’ Market
As a foodie, and lover of all things cooking (find me on Instagram at @kristinkooks), I love to stop by the Dana Point Farmers’ Market, held every Saturday in La Plaza Park from 9am–1pm for the freshest in-season produce. In addition, craft vendors provide an array of art, jewelry, clothing, candles, soaps, and more unique, one-of-a-kind gifts. Grab your reusable bag, pick up a pastry, walk the market, and meet your local neighbors and community farmers for a nice little start to the weekend.
California Bagel from The Coffee Importers
I’m not a huge breakfast person, but when I’m craving something more substantial that hits all the notes, it’s gotta be the California Bagel from Coffee Importers. I always get it on their Combo bagel (basically an Everything bagel) and double toasted. It’s topped with cream cheese, avocado, tomato slices, red onions, and lemon pepper and is heaven in my mouth.
Dana Point Headlands
I love, love, love to walk. Walking around town is easy living in the Lantern District. One of my favorite things to do is head out from my house and walk to the Headlands. Overlooking the harbor on one side and the Pacific on the other, it’s a great place to take in the views and smell the delicious wildflowers (artemisia and sage), while also keeping your eyes peeled for a whale sighting. This is the whale watching capital of the world after all!
Giana
For fresh pasta, tasty wine, and a local vibe, I love to grab a seat at Giana’s bar. I always order one of their salads and a fresh pasta selection. If it’s on the menu, go for the warm olives with orange peel, rosemary, and garlic with crusty bread, the finocchio salad (which is one of my absolute favorite’s this year), and the old school pasta pomodoro with meatballs. Mangia!
Salt Creek Sunsets
Sundown wind-down at its finest. Grab yourself a blanket, snacks, and your favorite beverage and set up shop on the grassy hill overlooking the Pacific for a nightly gathering of fellow sunset and outdoor lovers. Golden hour on the grass… beach life at its finest! If you’re lucky, you may even see the green flash!
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