A Place Where Lovers Reign

When Richard Henry Dana landed in the 1830s on the bluffs and beach that now bear his name, he christened Dana Point the only romantic spot on the coast. Hard to believe with California’s spectacular shoreline, but so said Dana then and so say many others still.

With its 200-foot cliffs, sunsets and reflecting moons on the Pacific, Dana Point has some of the most romantic spots anywhere for Valentine’s Day or any time of the year.

A History of Kisses

The Ken Sampson Overview--overlooking Dana Point’s beautiful harbor--was dedicated in the 1970s for the longtime director of Orange County Harbors, Beaches and Parks. But its gazebo has been there since the 1930s, when travelers en route between San Diego and Los Angeles used it as a rest stop. Then, the wood gazebo was enclosed with glass to ensure that women’s fancy hairdos didn’t get mussed. Today, the gazebo is open-air and a lovely spot to steal a kiss or as an altar for weddings.

Next to the gazebo is the lovely Blue Lantern Inn, a 29-room bed and breakfast with a teddy bear and a fire place in every room (34343 Street of the Blue Lantern, [949] 661-1304 or https://www.foursisters.com). The inn was voted one of the 50 most romantic places in Southern California in “The Best Places to Kiss in Southern California: A Romantic Travel Guide (fourth edition), by Caroline O’Connell, Megan Davenport and Deborah Brada (Beginning Press, 1997). “We got a four-lip rating [in the book],” innkeeper Deanna Rauch said.

While nearly all views are lovely, the room to have is the deluxe Tower Room on the third floor. With a 30-foot vaulted ceiling, four-poster canopy bed, spyglass for viewing--well, whatever suits your fancy--and a spectacular view of the harbor, this room is booked months in advance.

R.J. Castelan, 30, of Mission Viejo and his bride, Alicia Nicol East, 29, spent their honeymoon night in the Tower Room. “The price wasn’t really a concern,” said Castelan shortly before the wedding. “I just wanted to be somewhere that really made the night special.”

The hotel offers daily afternoon tea, wine and hors d’oeuvres, and a breakfast buffet daily. Rates: $500 on Saturday; $350 Sunday-Friday. Other rooms range from $150 to $220.

While children are welcome here, the place feels more like the ultimate getaway for romance. “We even try and get all the old and new smoochy movies too,” Rauch said. There’s a mix of standards--”Roman Holiday” and “African Queen”--and newer movies--”Pretty Woman” and “You’ve Got Mail.”

Just ask for table 204, 205 or 206 in the main dining room if you’re going to pop the big question at the Chart House (34442 Street of the Green Lantern, [949] 493-1183).

“During the winter the views of the sunset are incredible. And in the summer, the view of the moon just lights up the Pacific. It’s so beautiful,” said Chris Skolmutch, the manager.

This Chart House opened early in the development of the chain that now has 50 restaurants throughout the U.S. The gotta-have dessert is the Lava Cake--a chocolate souffle-like treat made of Godiva chocolate liqueur, vanilla ice cream and warm chocolate sauce ($6.95).

Lovers’ Lookout

On most days, lovers can be found on the strand of beachfront directly beneath the headlands near the Marine Refuge Area at the Ocean Institute. This spot is a lovely locale for quiet talks while watching waves splash over boulders.

If you go to the farthest point along the trail under the headlands, you’ll find a secluded sea cave. Just don’t venture there during high tide. “There are few better places to see the sunset than right here,” said the Orange County Marine Institute’s Dan Stetson.

And for a little bit of night life, try Renaissance Dana Point (24701 Del Prado Ave., [949] 661-6003). It’s a hot spot with good food and service, brews and live music nightly beginning at 8.

Tuesday nights are popular with Jasso and Garcia--a local Latin rock flamenco guitar band. “You should hear them do ‘Stairway to Heaven,’ ” said Renaissance owner Steve Rosen.

Locals enjoy this place, where City Council members pull up chairs. “I sometimes feel like Sam Malone in ‘Cheers,’ ” Rosen said.

IF YOU GO

* Getting there

Exit southbound Interstate 5 at Pacific Coast Highway or northbound Interstate 5 at Beach Cities. Turn left on Dana Point Harbor Drive.

* Steal a kiss

Take an evening stroll along the shores of Doheny State Beach, immortalized by the Beach Boys in their classic 1963 hit “Surfin’ USA.” Cuddle under the thatched palapa; listen to the waves crashing. If you miss Valentine’s Day weekend (Feb. 11 through Feb. 13) don’t worry. Feb. 19 should be just as romantic. There’ll be a full moon that night.

* Go for it

If romance really takes over, why not pop the big question? Need a ring or a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry to show your love? Classic Creation Jewelers, one of several jewelry stores in Dana Point, offers everything from $50 heart-shaped jewelry boxes to an $11,000 33-carat aquamarine pendant shaped like a sailboat (24582 Del Prado Ave., Suite B, [949] 234-0501).

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Romance in Dana Point

1. Gazebo at Ken Sampson Overview

2. Blue Lantern Inn

3. Chart House

4. Beachfront at Marine Refuge Area, Orange County Marine Institute

5. Secluded sea cove

6. Renaissance Dana Point

7. Doheny State Beach

8. Classic Creations Jewelers

Graphics Reporting By ALLISON COHEN/SPECIAL TO THE TIMES