The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna NiguelDana Point, CA

• Balboa Island / Newport and Huntington Beaches
• Disneyland / California Adventure / Knott's Berry Farm
• Temecula Wine
• Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters
• San Diego Zoo / San Diego Wild Animal Park / Sea World
• Mission San Juan Capistrano
• Dana Point Harbor
• Catalina Island
• Ocean Institute
• South Coast Plaza and Fashion Island shopping districts
• Laguna Beach with more than 70 art galleries and boutiques

For an unforgettable experience, allow The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel to orchestrate an event for your group at any of the following unique locations, more are available, just allow us to introduce them to you and your guests.

Mission San Juan Capistrano
Located just minutes from the resort, the Mission is a historic place of breathtaking beauty. Built in the late 1700's, the Mission embodies the Spanish, Mexican, Native American and European heritage of its founders. Renowned gardens and the Moorish fountains flank little Serra Chapel, the oldest building in California. Centuries-old bells toll above the ruins of the great Stone Church. Peaceful, serene and exotic, the Mission is ideal for an authentic Mexican gathering complete with mariachis or an evening of Spanish flavor accompanied with acoustic guitar and flamenco dancers.

Salt Creek Beach
Watch the waves roll in as your guests enjoy the sun and sand of Salt Creek's North Shore. The perfect atmosphere to experience the natural beauty of the California Riviera. Popular themes for this venue can involve stepping back in time to the Beach Blanket Bingo of the 50's with clams steaming over an open bonfire, discovering a Caribbean hideaway on Treasure Island, embarking on an international tour to experience the beaches from around the world, or creating your private M*A*S*H* Unit with convoy of transport trucks, camouflage nets, and battle fatigues. No matter what the choice, your guests are sure to take advantage of the sun, surf, and sand.

Seven Degrees
Located in beautiful Laguna Canyon, Seven Degrees truly is a unique art project: Part gallery and exhibition space, part residences and studios for artists, and – finally – two areas for special events that can accommodate up to 300 people. A fascinating combination that certainly will delight your guests.

The Marconi Automotive Museum
Indulging his passion for auto racing, founder Dick Marconi has created a unique environment with an impressive array of vintage formula racing cars and other classic cars. Sit inside the very vehicle Mario Andretti drove to victory in the 1993 Phoenix International Raceway. Your guests will kick into high gear when they dance the night away on a black and white checkered dance floor. They will enjoy a variety of food "pit stop" stations set throughout the museum as they experience a trip through life in the fast lane. With children's charities high on his priority list, Dick Marconi donates all facility rental fees to various charity organizations.

Lantern Bay Park
Lantern Bay Park is noted for its spectacular view of Dana Point. The Smythe Brothers Amphitheater is located within the park. Picnic tables, basketball courts, physical fitness cluster, turf areas and a playground are also available.

The Richard Nixon Library & Birthplace
Set in the town of Yorba Linda, this nine-acre presidential center is one of Southern California's most frequented historical attractions. The Library features theaters, interactive video presentations, and galleries hosting a number of artifacts and exhibits on past presidents of the United States. Outside, a central reflecting pool showcases the beautiful grounds highlighted by the First Lady's Rose Garden and the original birthplace home of America's 37th President. In this semi-formal venue your guests can enjoy a multitude of different themed events.

Eco-Adventure Center
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel presents eco-adventures that inspire you with Southern California's unique ecosystems and connect your spirit to their larger global systems. Led by expert naturalists, the Eco-Adventure Center is dedicated to showcasing Southern California's natural wonders. Throughout these unique excursions, the local surroundings become a natural classroom and living laboratory. Adults, families and kids learn through experience, which instills them with deep appreciation and respect for nature. As well, they will understand how to live more environmentally responsible back home.

Golf
Experience the sport of kings from one of the world's most prestigious luxury resorts. The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is a truly exceptional Southern California destination, offering exceptional convenience to several nearby courses. Reserve one of our signature golf vacation packages, and select your challenge – from enjoyable, yet demanding, links-style courses in the valleys, to winding courses nestled in the foothills. Enjoy the work of true masters on the surrounding Dana Point golf courses and area clubs – created by renowned designers such as Tom Fazio and Robert Trent Jones, Jr.

Surf Experience
Situated high atop a 150-foot bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is the perfect place to begin your Southern California Surf Experience. Whether it is surfing Salt Creek, just below the resort, or exploring other world-famous breaks along Southern California's extensive coastline, our unique location delivers consistent surf for beginners to experts.

Stand Up Paddling
Experience California's incredible coastline from the water by learning to Stand Up Paddle. Before taking a leisurely paddle in the Dana Point Harbor or Laguna Beach, a private group instruction will be given upon arrival. You will then learn about the abundant marine life of Southern California, as well as its spectacular coast line. No previous paddling experience is necessary, however, be prepared to get your feet wet.

This unique program, which makes its debut in summer 2017, immerses people young and old in the wonder of the ocean through art appreciation, film, and hands-on activities like sculpting and drawing. Additionally, guests can create keepsakes to remember their time by the ocean and learn more about Wyland’s mission to encourage global stewardship of our ocean, lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands. No prior experience is necessary. Trained naturalists will guide guests every step of the way. All that is needed is a little creativity and a spirit for adventure.

“We are excited about our partnership with Wyland,” announced Lyn Evins, Director of Resort Experiences at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. “His passion and dedication to the arts and the environment mirror the strong commitment to our community and our planet through the Eco-Adventure Center’s comprehensive programming where guests have the opportunity to become advocates of protecting and preserving the environment for future generations,” she added.

ABOUT WYLAND
For more than four decades, Wyland has captivated the world with his spectacular paintings, sculptures, photography and landmark Whaling Wall murals. With half a million collectors around the world, award-winning art galleries, and the ongoing efforts of his non-profit foundation in support of global water and ocean conservation, Wyland has done more than any other artist to raise awareness of the beauty of life on our blue planet. Learn more at www.WylandFoundation.org.

ABOUT THE ECO-ADVENTURE CENTER AND THE RITZ-CARLTON, LAGUNA NIGUEL
The Eco-Adventure Center is dedicated to showcasing Southern California’s natural wonders. Fifteen excursions showcase the local surroundings and are led by expert naturalists. Families can learn about the blue whales on a whale watching adventure, discover the native fish and underwater creatures on a snorkel excursion, or experience riding the waves during a body boarding activity. The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is situated atop a seaside bluff with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and more than three miles of sandy beach. Presented against an extraordinary backdrop, the resort continues to redefine the guest experience by creating distinctive and unforgettable moments that instill memories that last a lifetime. 

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel presents a curated exhibition of photos and surfboards titled “Winter Waters” at the oceanfront resort.

The "Winter Waters" exhibit at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel captures the colorful waters of California and Iceland with photo prints by Chris Burkard alongside six Album Surf surfboards featuring integrated photos taken by Chris. The exhibit is on display in the resort’s Art Exhibit Space from January 17 through April. The exhibit is complimentary and open to the public.

After exploring the exhibit, guests can make it an afternoon or evening and enjoy handcrafted cocktails on 180blũ as they watch surfers ride the waves at Salt Creek while the sun sets over Catalina. 180blũ is the resorts outdoor oceanfront lounge featuring panoramic views of the Pacific and the blue skies across the horizon. Perched 150-feet above Salt Creek Beach, 180blũ is the perfect Southern California experience to enjoy refreshing beverages, small plates from RAYA and a little slice of heaven on earth.

Chris Burkard is an accomplished explorer, photographer, creative director, speaker, and author. Traveling throughout the year to pursue the farthest expanses of Earth, Burkard works to capture stories that inspire humans to consider their relationship with nature, while promoting the preservation of wild places everywhere. Layered by outdoor, travel, adventure, surf, and lifestyle subjects, Burkard is known for images that are punctuated by untamed, powerful landscapes. Through social media, he strives to share his vision of wild places with millions of people, and to inspire them to explore for themselves. His visionary perspective has earned him opportunities to work on global, prominent campaigns with Fortune 500 clients, speak on the TED stage, design product lines, educate, and publish a growing collection of books. Chris can be found on Instagram @chrisburkard.

“I’ve lived in California my entire life, but consider Iceland a second home,” says Burkard. “Even after countless trips, Iceland always makes me appreciate California and the unique differences between both landscapes.”

Since 2001, Album Surf has been sharing the stoke with one-of-a-kind, innovative surfboards, handmade by surfers in the United States. Beautiful boards and an authentic grassroots approach has led to a growing customer base from around the world. Album Surf’s flagship showroom is in San Clemente, California.

 “Surfboards are a unique way to enjoy Chris’ photographs and art lovers appreciate the uncommon medium,” says Matt Parker, Album Surf Head Shaper and Board Designer. “With its proximity to the ocean, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is a great venue to showcase this coastal-inspired collection.”