DANA POINT – With soaring temperatures predicted for the weekend, the city’s new open-air trolleys might be the ticket to cool off on the way to Doheny State Beach, the Dana Point Harbor or new eateries in the Lantern District.

The free trolleys roll out at noon today to carry passengers from Capistrano County Beach at the city’s south end to the Ritz-Carlton and Monarch Beach resorts in the north, where they connect with Laguna Beach trolleys.

Other stops include the Lantern District, Strand Beach, Doheny State Beach, Pacific Coast Highway timeshares and Doheny Village.

Merchants and city officials are optimistic that the four new orange-and-blue trolleys will help create a summer vibe and give Dana Point a boost as a tourist destination like its neighbor Laguna Beach, where trolleys have helped ease traffic congestion and created a convenient way for visitors to experience the town.

“For years, Laguna Beach’s trolley has made it easy for our hotel guests to spend money outside of Dana Point,” said Heather Johnston, executive director of the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce. “Our businesses are happy the extended Dana Point trolley will make it easier for hotel staff to recommend shops and restaurants in town.”

The trolleys will run every day at 15-minute intervals. They will connect with a new harbor shuttle that provides access to shops, Baby Beach and the Ocean Institute.

This is the city’s first experience with real trolleys. Last year, small shuttles – with wraps designed to resemble classic woodie wagons – ran on weekends. The Orange County Transportation Authority Project V grant-funded service, requiring 10 riders an hour on each bus, was so successful that the Dana Point City Council opted for seven-day service this summer.

The city added more stops, such as the Dana Point Library and stops in some of the inland communities.

To make sure the new trolleys kick off with a bang, about 20 restaurants citywide will offer deals today. With the purchase of a $15 mug, riders can pop on and off the trolleys from noon to 10 p.m. and see what the restaurants have to offer. Mugs are available at Luxe, Coffee Importers, Brio and Boneyard Beach Cafe.

“Last year it was packed and there was standing room only,” said Cindy Monroe, who owns Luxe Restaurant and Martini Bar on Del Prado Avenue in the Lantern District. “We’re looking at other trolley events to maximize ridership this summer and promoting businesses during the off-peak times throughout town.”

Dana Point is known as the West Coast’s whale-watching capital, and word about the city has spread worldwide, Johnston said. Local resorts make use of the city’s reputation to draw tourists to the harbor and popular surf destinations.

Doheny State Beach draws nearly 5 million visitors a year and nearly 100,000 campers at its campground between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

But at night, Laguna Beach has been the go-to destination for resort concierges. Dana Point merchants say it’s time some of the resort guests check out what Dana Point has to offer.

Recently, Dana Point’s four resorts – Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, Doubletree Suites by Hilton Hotel Doheny Beach, Monarch Beach Resort and the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel – helped launch Visit Dana Point.

The nonprofit destination marketing group intends to increase the local tourism industry through visitor attractions such as the trolleys, lodging offerings, and meetings and group initiatives.

“We are very excited to be able to offer our guests trolley service to both Laguna Beach and Dana Point,” said Shannon Gilbert, director of sales and marketing for the Ritz-Carlton.

“Having both services pick up and drop off guests right in front of the resort is convenient, and the feedback we have received from our guests has been extremely positive.”

Rich Haydon, who oversees Doheny State Beach, said the daily trolley gives those who stay at Doheny a way to get around town without having to pack up their cars and leave the campground.

“They’ll be able to take the trolley to the harbor and into the downtown,” he said. “It will also let them continue all the way to Laguna Beach and check out the art festival and restaurants.”

Contact the writer: 714-796-2254 or eritchie@ocregister.com or on Twitter:@lagunaini