The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, Dana Point

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel - A 5-star oceanfront resort with surf culture exhibits, locally sourced dining, and direct beach access

Perched atop a seaside bluff overlooking Salt Creek Beach, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel features panoramic Pacific Ocean views and a rotating surfboard exhibit curated by Surfing Heritage & Culture Center. The 5-star property offers 396 rooms and suites with private balconies, free Wi-Fi, and ocean-inspired decor; select accommodations include Club Lounge access with complimentary breakfast and concierge services. Dining options include enoSTEAK for premium cuts, RAYA for sustainable seafood with pan-Latin flavors, and 180blu, an oceanfront lounge serving handcrafted cocktails. Recreational activities range from squid dissections and e-bike tours to whale watching via the resort’s 70-foot research vessel. The Ritz-Carlton partners with Dawson Cole Fine Art to display works by Picasso and Matisse in the lobby gallery, available for purchase. Located 0.2 miles from Salt Creek Beach and adjacent to Monarch Beach Golf Links, the resort provides valet parking ($75 nightly) and allows dogs/cats for a $350 fee.

Pros

Direct access to Salt Creek Beach with surf culture exhibits featuring historic Hobie surfboards.

Multiple dining venues including an oceanfront steakhouse and a sustainable seafood restaurant.

On-site art gallery showcasing works by Picasso, Matisse, and contemporary artists, curated by Dawson Cole Fine Art.

Recreational programs like whale-watching eco-tours and Ritz Kids’ STEAM-focused activities.

Club Level rooms include complimentary breakfast, snacks, and dedicated concierge services.

Cons

Valet parking costs $75 per night with no self-parking alternative.

Pet fee of $350 per stay may deter some travelers with animals.