Opening Note
Happy Thursday, South County. Memorial Day weekend is here, the summer trolley rolls out tomorrow, and more than 400 flags are going up at the Mission. Whether you are honoring someone, hosting visitors, or just trying to find parking at the harbor, here is what matters through next week.
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Weekend Board
Three curated picks for your calendar — chosen because they are timely, local, and genuinely worth your time.
Field of Honor Opening Ceremony — Mission San Juan Capistrano
Tuesday, May 19 | 12:00 PM | Mission Courtyard
Homefront America returns for Memorial Day weekend with more than 400 American flags on 7-foot poles filling the Mission courtyard. The opening ceremony includes a bagpiper, presentation of colors, national anthem, ringing of the Mission bells, and a performance by military working dogs from Camp Pendleton. Free for active duty, veterans, first responders, and Mission members. Regular admission applies for the general public. The display runs through Monday, May 25. Source: Mission SJC
Dana Point Summer Trolley Launch — Dana Point
Friday, May 22 | 12:00 PM | Harbor and coastal route
The free summer trolley is back. Daily service runs from noon Friday through Labor Day, with extended hours on weekends and holidays. Two new stops this year: Golden Lantern and Dana Point Harbor Drive (N7A), and Baby Beach near the Ocean Institute (N7B). Download the Dana Point Connect app for real-time tracking. Memorial Day hours: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM. Source: City of Dana Point
Frisby Uncorked Sunday Live Music — Dana Point
Sunday, May 24 | 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 holiday 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 — Orange County Pearls, Dana Point
Friday, May 22 | 12:00 PM | 34118 Pacific Coast Hwy #8, Dana Point
A new boutique where guests open their own oyster and design custom pearl jewelry. The Dana Point Chamber hosts the ribbon cutting at noon, and the shop is celebrating all weekend with pearl openings, raffles, caviar, and guest vendors. Founded in 2024, this is their first brick-and-mortar location. Source: Dana Point Chamber
Community Pulse
The people, places, and moments that make South County feel like home.
Memorial Day Services — Dana Point
Monday, May 25 | Time TBD | Pines Park, 34941 Camino Capistrano
The annual ceremony honoring military personnel returns to Pines Park. Hosted by the City of Dana Point and VFW Post #9934. A solemn, free community gathering to mark the day. Source: City of Dana Point
The Brief
Arts, culture, outdoors, and everything else — fast.
KXFM LAF Awards — Laguna Beach
Thursday, May 21 | Time TBD | Location TBD
Laguna Achievement Festival Awards hosted by KXFM radio. Details on venue and time are still being finalized — check the Laguna Beach Chamber site for updates. Source: Laguna Beach Chamber
Living with Wildfire in Orange County — Laguna Beach
Tuesday, May 26 | Time TBD | Susi Q Center, Laguna Beach
Laguna Canyon Foundation talk on wildfire preparedness. Given last year's fire season, this is worth marking on the calendar even if it is a few days out. Source: Laguna Beach Chamber
Water Quality Advisories (Active)
Three runoff-related advisories remain active in South County:
- Salt Creek at Salt Creek County Beach (updated 5/21/2026)
- San Juan Creek at Doheny State Beach (updated 5/20/2026)
- Puerto Place at Doheny State Beach (posted 5/20/2026)
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
- Little Folk Club Singalong — Friday, May 22 at Bump Out Park in Dana Point Harbor. Free, bring a blanket. Source
- Coco Bloom Coffee Paint & Sip — Saturday, May 23 at Dana Point Harbor. $50, includes a custom mug and coffee. Source
- Ocean Institute Whale & Marine Life Tour — Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24 at 9:30 AM. Book ahead. Source
- AI for Business Workshop — Wednesday, May 27 at Dana Point Community Center. Two-part series on marketing with AI. Source
- Dana Point Harbor Farmers Market — Wednesdays, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM. Certified market plus crafts. Source
Closing
That is 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.