SUMMER'S FINAL HURRAH: Bidding summer an exceedingly fond farewell doesn't actually have to happen before the autumnal equinox in the third week of September. But many people choose to do so over Labor Day Weekend, for summer's final three-day event is all about longing for one more dip in the pool and one more easy-breezy road trip. Finding such a spot isn't too hard around California, but a property that's brimming with special holiday weekend to-dos, the kind of to-dos that are summery through and through, is another matter. One getaway, in Dana Point, not only is on the other side of a renovation (one that just wrapped not too long ago), but it happens to be flush with fun family good-timing come the final three-dayer of summer. It's Monarch Beach Resort, and its roster of Labor Day Weekend happenings is as colorful as the swish of a mermaid's tail.
MERMAIDS IN THE HOUSE: You can see such tails at the resort, thanks to the Monarch Mermaid Spectacular, one of the special events over the holiday weekend. There's a mermaid Q&A, too, and mermaid photos, and a chance to take to the water with the mystic visitors, too. Other summer staples include a Kids Night Out pajama party, Family Cardio Drumming, a jazzy brunch on at AVEO Table + Bar, games on the Pacific Lawn, a movie at the Main Pool, and plenty more. You'll want to make sure your must-do events are happening on the days you're there — the jazz brunch is on Sunday, for example — so check in with the hotel on the full schedule. And plan on bidding goodbye to summer in splashy, cinematic, game-fun fashion, especially if you and your kin haven't had a chance to truly enjoy the season yet. There's still time, and Labor Day Weekend is still very much a part of the summery scene, least 'round Monarch Beach Resort.
