Opening Note
Happy Thursday, South County. The weekend forecast looks clear, the harbor is buzzing, and Memorial Day is just around the corner. This week: Dana Point Yacht Club kicks off boating season, the Mission prepares for Field of Honor, and Laguna Beach hosts a free drive-thru recycling drop. Here's your preview of what matters through next Sunday.
Weekend Board
Three curated picks for your calendar — chosen because they're timely, local, and genuinely worth your time.
Dana Point Yacht Club 74th Opening Day — Dana Point
Saturday, May 16 | 10:00 AM | Dana Point Harbor
A harbor tradition that keeps getting better. Dana Point Yacht Club celebrates its 74th Opening Day (and Dana West Yacht Club its 47th) with a classic boat parade at 10 a.m., followed by the official ceremony and an afternoon reception. The parade route starts at the harbor mouth, heads toward the launch ramp, and loops the east basin. Free to watch from the shore. Arrive early for a good spot along the seawall. Source: Dana Point Harbor
Free Paint & E-Waste Drop-Off — Laguna Beach
Saturday, May 16 | 8:00 AM–12:00 PM | Parking Lot 16, 1900 Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna Beach residents can clear out the garage at this annual free drive-thru event. Accepted items: unwanted paint, batteries, CFL bulbs, and e-waste. No appointment needed, but proof of residency may be required. The line moves fast if you sort items beforehand. Source: City of Laguna Beach
Frisby Uncorked Sunday Live Music — Dana Point
Sunday, May 17 | 1:00–4:00 PM | Frisby Cellars, 34673 Golden Lantern, Dana Point
Settle into Sunday on the waterfront patio with live music, mimosas, wine, and small bites. A low-key way to wind down the weekend with harbor views. No cover. Source: Dana Point Harbor
New + Notable
A new opening, a closing worth knowing about, or something that changes the local landscape.
Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting — The Cove Integrative Aesthetics & Wellness, San Clemente
Friday, May 29 | Time TBD | Location TBD, San Clemente
New wellness and aesthetics studio opening at the end of the month. Ribbon cutting hosted by the San Clemente Chamber. Details on exact address and hours are still coming — check the chamber calendar closer to the date. Source: San Clemente Chamber
Water Quality Advisories (Active)
Two runoff-related advisories remain active in South County:
- San Juan Creek at Doheny State Beach (updated 5/8/2026)
- Poche Creek at Poche County Beach (updated 3/4/2026)
Standard guidance: avoid swimming within 75 feet of creek and outlet mouths. Full map at OC Beachinfo. Source: OC Beachinfo
Weekly Farmers Markets
- Dana Point: Saturdays, 9:00 AM, La Plaza Park (34111 La Plaza)
- Dana Point Harbor: Wednesdays, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM, Harbor Village Lot (34555 Golden Lantern)
- San Clemente: Sundays, 9:00 AM, Avenida Del Mar (249–229 Avenida Del Mar)
Quick Bites
- 4th Annual Non-Profit Symposium — Thursday, May 21 at Dana Point Community Center. Networking lunch and tools for local non-profits. Source
- Dana Point Harbor Farmers Market — Wednesdays, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM at Harbor Village Lot. Certified farmers market plus crafts. Source
- San Clemente City Council — Tuesday, May 19 at 6:00 PM. Regular meeting at the Community Center. Source
- Little Folk Club Singalong — Friday, May 22, free singalong at Bump Out Park in Dana Point Harbor. Source
- Memorial Day Services — Dana Point — Monday, May 25 at Pines Park. Honoring military personnel. Source
Closing
That's your week, South County. If we missed something good, reply and let us know. See you next Thursday.
— The Beach Brief Team
Beach Brief is a local newsletter for Dana Point, Laguna Beach, San Clemente, and San Juan Capistrano. Local news with salt in its veins.
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