Brian Messner paragliding off the coast of Dana Point, Calif.

Stein and Messner take a short trip to the Torrey Pines International Gliderport in La Jolla where they decide to try paragliding. Their Dana Point experience also includes a day of dolphin watching with Captain Dave's Dolphin Safari.

Back at the St. Regis, the couple enjoys the resort's many amenities and offerings, including a meal on a private balcony overlooking the Pacific Ocean and pampering treatments at the Gaucin Spa. They cap off their low-key weekend with a dinner date at Aqua, the world-famous San Francisco-based seafood restaurant.

Dana Point Facts:

• The city of Dana Point, Calif., used to be called Capistrano Bay, but was renamed in 1989 in honor of Richard Henry Dana Jr., seaman and author of the sea journal Two Years Before the Mast.

• The St. Regis is situated on 200 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean and is equidistant from Los Angeles and San Diego.

• The first glider flights at Torrey Pines Gliderport occurred in 1928.

• Torrey Pines Gliderport is America's largest paragliding training facility with a 2-3 day basic beginner program (paraglider one rating) that costs $795.

• The Gliderport offers year round paragliding and hang gliding.

• Captain Dave's catamaran is specially equipped with a research-quality hydrophone and a Dolphin & Whale camera.

• A 2-1/2-hour safari with Captain Dave costs $40 per person ($35 per person for children ages 12 and under).

• Aqua restaurant is located in the heart of San Francisco's Financial District. You can make reservations for one person or 400.

Dana Point Contacts:

St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort & Spa
One Monarch Beach Resort
Dana Point, CA 92629
949-234-3200
www.stregismonarchbeach.com

Dana Point Resources:

City of Dana Point Official Site
www.danapoint.org

Torrey Pines Glider Port
www.flytorrey.com

Captain Dave's Dolphin Safari
www.dolphinsafari.com

Aqua Restaurant
www.nextcenturyrestaurants.com

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