Springtime at the Blue Lantern Inn

Driving through the Dana Point Lantern District, turn onto Blue Lantern and you will notice a three-story Cape Cod Inn Blue Lantern Inn sitting on a bluff overlooking the Dana Point Harbor and Pacific Ocean below.

Dana Point is located about halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego and is a popular romantic hideaway.  Its namesake is Richard Henry Dana, Jr., arrived in the early 19th century sailing brig Pilgrim and wrote the book, Two Years Before the Mast, about the experience. A replica of the Pilgrim is moored in the harbor, operated by the Ocean Institute; visitors can tour the ship and the organization’s ocean-themed exhibits.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

Almost every window at the charming Blue Lantern Tavern at this inviting boutique hotel offers spectacular views. The friendly staff will hand you a wine and cheese mini-picnic bag to take up to your room to enjoy by the fireplace or out on your balcony.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

Also at check-in guests will check off items they desire to eat for breakfast the next morning. Blue Lantern Inn’s guests enjoy a delicious breakfast delivered to their room at their specified time starting at 8 a.m.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

One of the Four Sisters Inn’s in California, this one blends modern luxuries and friendly services with the traditional amenities Bed & Breakfast.

Each of the 29 spacious guest rooms offer a gas fireplace, sitting area, oversized bathroom with a deep soaking whirlpool spa tub, refrigerator with complimentary diet and regular soft drinks, high speed Internet access, and a king, queen or two queen beds.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

Room 306 has a private balcony with Dana Point water views down the coast towards San Diego.

Amenities besides culinary delights while staying at the resort include baked cookies, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, fun cruiser bicycles to borrow and pedal around the town, and complimentary on-site parking. The property does have a massage and fitness room.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

When reserving, please know that guestroom 301 and 306 have some of the best views.

South of the harbor is Doheny State Beach, a 62-acre park featuring a sandy beach and waves just right for surfing.  There are tide pools to explore, a swimming area and plenty of walking trails.

Photo by Jill Weinlein

Whale watching is one of the prime attractions of Dana Point with humpback whales appearing from November through April, and blue whales appearing May through November. Some of the whale watching boat excursions are  led by a marine scientist who study the ocean giants and will enlighten you about how essential they are to the ecosystem.

Catalina Express has a terminal here for those who choose to take a 90 minute cruise to Santa Catalina Island.

Room rates at Blue Lantern Inn start at $219. Go online to https://www.bluelanterninn.com or call (949)661-1304.