Luciana’s Ristorante in Dana Point Wins 2025 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence

Luciana’s Ristorante in Dana Point has once again earned Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for 2025, a prestigious honor recognizing the world’s top restaurants for wine.

The award celebrates Luciana’s commitment to pairing its elevated Italian cuisine with an exceptional, 300-bottle wine list that spans over 10 countries. Curated to complement the menu’s Northern Italian flavors—with modern touches by Michelin-trained Executive Chef Luis Sandoval—the list includes selections from esteemed producers and regions rarely found in local shops or everyday settings.

Presented annually by Wine Spectator, the Award of Excellence highlights restaurants with thoughtfully curated programs featuring at least 90 wines that align in quality, variety, and pricing with their cuisine. Luciana’s stands out with its global range, from approachable selections to collector-worthy finds.

Luciana’s Ristorante has been a landmark in Dana Point’s historic Lantern District since 1983, earning a loyal following for its welcoming atmosphere, refined Italian dishes, and award-winning hospitality.

Luciana’s Ristorante
24312 Del Prado Ave., Dana Point, CA
Mon–Thurs: 5–8:30 p.m. | Fri–Sat: 5–9:30 p.m. | Sun: 5–8:30 p.m.
lucianas.com | (949) 661-6500

Celebrate the Fourth from Offshore 9’s Rooftop in Huntington Beach

This Independence Day, watch the fireworks light up the coast from Orange County’s highest rooftop lounge. Offshore 9, perched atop The Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach, will host a one-of-a-kind Fourth of July celebration from 4 to 10 p.m. on Friday, July 4.

Guests will enjoy sweeping ocean views, a live DJ, and front-row seats to the Huntington Beach fireworks show—all from a stylish rooftop setting. Admission starts at $59 per person and includes access to Offshore 9, a signature “Glow-in-the-Cloud” sparkler cocktail, and Seafood Chowder Tots. A special holiday menu featuring All-American classics will also be available for purchase.

Groups can elevate the evening with premium seating packages, including:

General Admission – $59 per guest (50 available)

• Glow-in-the-Cloud cocktail
• Seafood Chowder Tots
• Open seating with firework views (first come, first served)

Lounge Tabletop – $245 per guest, minimum 6 guests (4 available)

• Glow-in-the-Cloud cocktail
• Seafood Chowder Tots
• Fresh Catch Seafood Platter
• One bottle of champagne
• Reserved fire tabletop with firework views

North Corner Premier Seating – $295 per guest, minimum 8 guests (1 available)

• Glow-in-the-Cloud cocktail
• Seafood Chowder Tots
• Fresh Catch Seafood Platter and caviar
• Two bottles of champagne
• Premier lounge-style seating with unobstructed views

All prices include tax, service charge, and Stripe fees. Guests must be 21 or older, and reservations are required in advance.

Offshore 9 is located on the 9th floor of the Twin Dolphin Tower at The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel. Known for its panoramic views, handcrafted cocktails, and curated wine list, Offshore 9 is one of Southern California’s most scenic destinations to toast the holiday.

For reservations and more information, visit waterfrontresort.com/experiences.

Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge is located at 21100 Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach. For more information about the menu, hours and reservations, please visit https://www.waterfrontresort.com/dining/offshore-9-rooftop-lounge.

Where to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks in Orange County

The countdown is on for Orange County to celebrate the Fourth of July in unforgettable style. Whether you're looking for ocean views, a waterfront dinner, or a classic barbecue bash, I’ve rounded up some of the most festive and unique ways to enjoy Independence Day across the region.

Balboa Bay Resort | All-American Shellabration at A+O Restaurant | Bar
Thursday, July 4 | A+O Restaurant | Bar | 5 to 10 p.m.
Enjoy front-row views of the fireworks show across the bay at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina while dining at Newport Beach’s only waterfront resort. Balboa Bay Resort’s All-American Shellabration at A+O Restaurant | Bar runs July 4–6, featuring a classic seafood boil with lobster tail, jumbo prawns, mussels, clams, corn coblets and more—all simmered in Old Bay-seasoned lobster broth. Pair the festive flavors with sweeping bay views and fireworks overhead.
• Reservations can be made here.

Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa | 4th of July Barbeque Bash
Thursday, July 4 | Vue Lawn | 4 to 9 p.m.
Celebrate from Dana Point’s stunning cliffside property with panoramic views of Doheny State Beach’s fireworks show. Laguna Cliffs Marriott will host a family-friendly barbecue on its oceanview lawn, created by Lantern’s Edge restaurant. Expect live music, lawn games, craft beer, signature cocktails, and elevated barbecue fare. Families can also enjoy activities like the Kahuna Laguna Kids Club, the kids pool, and the new Laguna Cliffs Elephant Scavenger Hunt, a collaboration with Dana Bay Gallery.
• For reservations see the link here.

VEA Newport Beach | Red, White and View Package
Available to book July 2–7, 2025
Plan the perfect long weekend with VEA Newport Beach’s Red, White and View Package. Guests can take in the fireworks from their ocean-view room or from the resort’s scenic backyard while enjoying a Fourth of July BBQ meal for two. The offer includes accommodations with partial or full ocean views, a two-night minimum stay, and resort credit for meals charged to the room.
• For reservations see the link here.

Image Courtesy of Balboa Bay Resort