Returning for its ninth year, the Dana Point Trolley Hop is scheduled to kick off on Sunday, May 26, the day before Memorial Day. To mark the first day of the city’s free trolley service, the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce is hosting a day of fun with stops featuring restaurants and bars participating in special deals.
When it started in 2015, the event was much smaller than it is today. But without it, some residents of Dana Point wouldn’t get the chance to explore their city.
“The Trolley Hop was introduced back in 2015 and organized by a local nonprofit, but spearheaded by Cindy Monroe from Luxe Restaurant,” said Vickie McMurchie, President of Dana Point Chamber of Commerce. “The event grew a following over the years, drawing hundreds of participants. Once the pandemic was over, the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce took over the organizing duties, with Cindy’s blessing, in 2022.”
As it has grown with the Chamber of Commerce, more and more businesses have participated over the years. With the trolley being a focal point of transportation in Dana Point, the event’s primary goal is to showcase the destinations where it can take residents and visitors.
“The trolley route is the same as it would be any day of the week; the only difference is that participating restaurants will be offering exclusive specials on drinks and food to those that sign up to participate in the hop,” McMurchie said. “We have found that over the years, the Trolley Hop events with a theme tend to draw larger participation and attract even more sign-ups on the day of the event.”
This year, the event's theme is “Totally Tubular ’80s.” Participants who choose to join in on the fun will get a chance to visit 17 different restaurants and bars throughout the day on Sunday, May 26, starting at noon and ending at 5 p.m.
“The Totally Tubular Trolley Hop, taking place on May 26, is our way of celebrating the return of the annual trolley and making sure that residents and visitors know that this amazing transportation option is available to them,” McMurchie said. “Partnering the convenience of the trolley with an opportunity to showcase our local restaurant community is a win-win.”
The trolleys will operate their regular routes. Hop on the trolley at any of its stops during the 12-5 p.m. event hours and hop off at the stop nearest to the restaurants you want to visit. Trolley Hoppers can start at any location and can visit as many or as few restaurants as they’d like. Visit dptrolley.com for a live trolley tracker the day of the event, as well as after it, to find the nearest stop to hop on.
The confirmed restaurants and bars include Brio Tuscany Grille, Cali Costa, Carlos Mexican Restaurant, Dana Point Ale House, Delahunt Brewing, Frisby Cellars, Glasspar, Hennessey’s Tavern, Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern, Jon’s Fish Market, Lupe’s Eatery, Old Acre Winery, Pepi’s Sports Bar and Grill, Project Social, The Point, Station Craft and Young’s Beach Shack. They are all confirmed to be participating in the hop, with more venues still to come.
“A wristband purchase provides participants with exclusive deals and food and drink specials not available to the everyday patron. This year’s offerings look great, with more than 17 restaurants already confirmed and more adding daily,” McMurchie said. “Personally, I’m excited to check out the 2-for-1 tasting flights from Frisby Cellars or $5 beers from Young's Beach Shack, Lupe's, Delahunt Brewing, Cali Costa, Project Social or Brio Tuscany Grille. Old Acre Winery will also feature bottomless bubbles – there's no shortage of ways to enjoy yourself responsibly.”
For those interested in participating in the event that gets access to the special deals, wristbands are available for purchase through the Chamber of Commerce for $10 beforehand or the day of at Dana Point Ale House.
“Wristbands are available online through the Chamber’s website at danapointchamber.com/trolley, or you can sign up in our office, located at 34183 Pacific Coast Highway,” McMurchie said. “On May 26, our team will be set up in front of Dana Point Ale House for sales and for participants to pick up their wristband and commemorative fanny pack, courtesy of our friends from Doheny Bike.”
The first 500 participants to check in at the Dana Point Ale House will receive the commemorative fanny pack. It is also highly recommended to look the part by wearing your best ’80s-inspired swag and outfits.
“The wristband sales go directly back to supporting the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, which provides resources and supports our incredible small business community,” McMurchie said. “Not only will participants enjoy a fun day, but they’ll be supporting a great cause as well!”
For more information on the event and the Chamber of Commerce, visit danapointchamber.com.