When asking yourself about something to do near me in Santa Cruz with a group of friends or family, consider
Lighthouse Point
Why Lighthouse Point is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Lighthouse Point in Clarence Town is a standout destination that combines a delightful dining experience with top-notch marina facilities, making it a perfect place to meet up with friends. With a stellar rating of 4.8 from over a thousand reviews, it has established itself as a favorite spot among locals and travelers alike. The restaurant delights guests with its carefully prepared dishes made from fresh ingredients, including popular choices like BBQ ribs, grilled lobster, and conch fritters, as well as a uniquely spicy mac 'n cheese that appeals to those craving bold flavors. The friendly and attentive staff contribute to a welcoming atmosphere, whether you're seated indoors or on the patio enjoying the coastal breeze. Beyond the restaurant, Lighthouse Point's marina is praised for its new floating docks, excellent power provisions, and highly professional dock hands who assist guests thoroughly, ensuring a smooth and comfortable visit for boaters. This blend of excellent food, breathtaking views, and outstanding marina service makes Lighthouse Point a vibrant social and recreational hub on Long Island, offering a memorable experience for friends gathering to relax, dine, and enjoy picturesque surroundings.
Here's what people think of Lighthouse Point
As of recent, Lighthouse Point holds a 4.8-star rating based on 1108 reviews.
User reviews consistently highlight Lighthouse Point’s welcoming ambiance and high-quality service. Many reviewers praise the friendly, attentive staff who go out of their way to provide excellent hospitality, whether in the restaurant or marina. Positive feedback frequently mentions the delicious and fresh food, with special appreciation for dishes like BBQ ribs, grilled lobster, shrimp tacos, and especially the mac 'n cheese with a spicy twist. Guests also enjoy the scenic views from the restaurant’s indoor and patio seating areas, which provide a relaxing and picturesque setting for socializing. On the marina side, boaters commend the modern facilities, including new composite floating docks and excellent power hookups, as well as the professionalism and helpfulness of staff members such as Ben, Matt, and Joel. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some guests have noted variability in weather conditions that can affect outdoor dining comfort. However, this does not detract significantly from the overall experience. In conclusion, Lighthouse Point is widely regarded as an outstanding venue that excels in food quality, customer service, and marina amenities, making it an excellent choice for friends looking to enjoy great food and waterside leisure in Clarence Town.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Till Seehars
Beautiful place where you can watch surfers.
januaryadvenures
What an awesome place! It was also super cool to watch the waves with surfers.
Michael Sharpe
The Lighthouse Point is awesome, but try to visit when the Surfing Museum is open.
Stacey Szenda
Quintessential Santa Cruz spot to park (good luck with that--be patient) and watch surfers and/or waves. Such an incredible view! There is often a little market around the lighthouse as well, with jewelry & artsy things to buy. My favorite is watching the waves crash into the rocks between the lighthouse & the dog beach. So worth the drive to experience this beauty 🌊🏄♂️
Maggie A.C
Beautiful walk beautiful view love it it has so many amenities around , also has a surf little museum ❤️❤️❤️
How to reach Lighthouse Point
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Website: None
Why rally at Lighthouse Point with your friends?
When considering the perfect place to gather with friends or family, Lighthouse Point stands out as an exceptional choice. Boasting an outstanding 4.8-star rating from over 1,100 reviews, this establishment offers an inviting atmosphere that combines scenic beauty, excellent amenities, and quality service. Whether you are seeking a relaxing day by the water, engaging in outdoor activities, or just simply catching up with loved ones in a beautiful setting, Lighthouse Point serves as the ideal rallying spot. The location’s friendly and professional staff ensure visitors feel welcomed and well taken care of, elevating the sense of community and relaxation. Its modern facilities, including floating docks and marina services, are highly praised by guests, reflecting meticulous maintenance and a commitment to visitor satisfaction. Lighthouse Point’s versatile environment allows groups to customize their experience, whether that means braving the water on boats or enjoying leisurely evenings around prepared BBQ areas and common spaces. All these features combined make Lighthouse Point an unbeatable destination to create lasting memories through fun, connection, and shared adventure.
What activities are available for groups at Lighthouse Point?
Lighthouse Point offers a wide range of activities that cater to groups looking for both excitement and relaxation. One of the key attractions is the marina with state-of-the-art floating docks that accommodate various boat sizes, making it perfect for boat owners or groups interested in water excursions. From private sailing trips to group fishing adventures, the marina staff assist meticulously with docking and boat preparation, ensuring smooth and stress-free outings. The marina’s capacity to host multiple boats simultaneously makes it an exceptional venue for larger groups who want to enjoy the water together.
In addition, the location boasts a welcoming beach area perfect for sunbathing, beach games, or simply lounging with company. The beach’s natural beauty provides stunning views and a charming backdrop for photos and casual gatherings. Beach volleyball courts and picnic zones encourage interactive play and bonding among friends.
For those who prefer onshore entertainment, Lighthouse Point features open spaces that invite social barbecues and group dining. Many visitors highlight the quality of food options available nearby and the potential for cooking and dining al fresco. Seasonal events, including live music sessions on rooftops or designated entertainment areas, create opportunities for groups to dance, sing, and make memories throughout the day and evening.
How does Lighthouse Point foster a perfect group meetup environment?
What makes Lighthouse Point uniquely suited for group meetups is its combination of friendly staff, excellent facilities, and versatile amenities. The hospitality team is consistently praised for going above and beyond to assist guests, often named specifically for their helpfulness and warmth. This level of service makes groups feel valued and supported, whether they are navigating boat dockings, seeking activity recommendations, or requesting special accommodations.
The modern infrastructure, including floating piers with comprehensive power setups and complementary services, caters to boaters’ needs comprehensively. This technical excellence makes logistics much easier for group outings involving watercraft. For non-boating groups or mixed groups, ample communal areas provide comfortable seating, shade, and a safe environment to relax and socialize.
Furthermore, Lighthouse Point’s capacity to host events and large gatherings lends itself well to celebrations, reunions, or corporate team-building activities. The availability of varied spaces, from intimate lounges to open decks, allows groups to find their preferred setting—be it lively or laid-back—without feeling cramped or overwhelmed.
Are there dining and entertainment options suited for groups?
Dining at Lighthouse Point complements the overall experience with options designed to satisfy diverse tastes. Visitors routinely highlight the delicious buffet offerings, which are well-suited for groups who prefer not to cook but still want a communal dining experience. The on-site food and beverage services often include local seafood and regional favorites, creating an authentic taste experience that guests appreciate.
Live entertainment, including bands playing atop rooftop venues, offers a festive atmosphere that encourages groups to dance and celebrate together. This combination of music, good food, and a relaxed waterfront ambiance often transforms meetups into memorable social events with ample opportunities for interaction and enjoyment.
For those who wish to engage in quieter evening activities, the comfortable lounges and scenic walks along the shoreline allow the group to wind down in a peaceful setting. Having these diverse entertainment options makes Lighthouse Point flexible enough to meet varying group dynamics and preferences.
What other factors contribute to Lighthouse Point’s appeal for group gatherings?
Beyond the tangible amenities and services, Lighthouse Point appeals because of its overall ambiance. The natural surroundings provide a serene environment that immediately sets guests at ease, while the combination of modern conveniences ensures that comfort is never sacrificed. This balance between nature and infrastructure creates an ideal backdrop for creating meaningful social connections.
The location also benefits from being a recognized destination with a strong following, attracting visitors who appreciate quality experiences and community-oriented settings. The consistently high rating and positive feedback from a large base of reviewers reflect a dependable standard of excellence.
In summary, Lighthouse Point leverages a confluence of excellent service, superb facilities, diverse activities, and a breathtaking setting to offer an unparalleled venue for meetups with friends or family. Whether planning a fun day on the water, a relaxing beachside picnic, or a lively evening of music and dancing, groups will find it hard to beat what Lighthouse Point provides. Such a combination of features makes it not only a good choice but an ideal one for rallying your nearest and dearest for memorable get-togethers.