Let the Good Times Roll
Explore Dana Point's diverse event calendar, where coastal charm meets cultural vibrancy. From lively festivals and artisan markets to maritime celebrations and culinary showings, there's always something exciting happening in this picturesque Southern California town. Join locals and visitors alike in enjoying the unique blend of entertainment, community gatherings, and outdoor activities that make Dana Point a destination worth discovering year-round.
Ocean Institute is thrilled to invite you to an extraordinary evening of enchantment and discover at Bioluminescence Night during Sharks After Dark. This captivating event will take place Tuesday, August 6 or Thursday, August 8, offering guests a unique opportunity to experience the magical world of oceanic bioluminescence right on land! Dive into a world […]
You're invited to attend Ocean Institute's annual Founders Day celebrating their founder, Stan Cummings. Ocean Institute is excited to open up its doors and welcome anyone and everyone to a day of live music, food, drinks, ocean education, animal encounters, and an opportunity to learn and sign up for all of their future events and […]
The Ocean Institute's Maritime Festival celebrates California's rich maritime history and our connection to the ocean September 13-15, 2024! This is a fun filled weekend event with visiting Tall Ships, Cannon Battles, Beer Gardens, Mermaids Swim Show, Pirate School, Live Music, Reenactors and Sailor Camp, Vendors, Food Trucks and more. For more information and a […]
Enjoy live music, apple cider, temporary tattoos and trick or treating all while cruising the beautiful Dana Point Harbor with the Ocean Institute onboard their R/V Sea Explorer! Harbor Hayrides are at 5:00pm, 6:00pm, and a special Glow Cruise at 7:00pm. Cruises are 45 minutes long. Drinks will be available for purchase onboard. Double the […]
Celebrate the spooktacular season with the Ocean Institute's Spooky Seas! Back this year with new family friendly frights, from bioluminescence laser tag to the mad scientist laboratory, there's something fun for the whole family to enjoy! Bats & ghouls - come in costume to participate in our costume content, trick or treat throughout the night, […]
Join the Ocean Institute in welcoming Dean Sauer, the founder of PyroFarms, and dive into the vibrant world of oceanic bioluminescence. We’ll explore the vital role of phytoplankton, with a special focus on the bioluminescent species Pyrocystis fusiformis. Discover how these tiny marine plankton light up the seas and help support the entire ocean ecosystem […]
The Festival of Whales and Ocean Institute invite you to a sunset welcoming ceremony by members of the local Acjachemen Nation, along with a Dana Point Surf Club paddle out at the Marine Protected Area beach behind the Ocean Institute. Following the beach ceremony, a reception will be held inside the Ocean Institute. The event […]
What would happen if everyone picked up at least one piece of trash? Join us for a day of fun on the water, beach and surrounding areas to cleanup our natural world. Sunday May 4, 2025 8:00 - 9:00 am Yoga on the grass at Baby Beach 9-10:30 Beach Cleanup 10:30 Free Lunch & Learn at […]
Mermade is a hand-curated market with a mission to unite creators and community. Our culturally iconic spring & winter markets have become a local staple, celebrated by our loyal following. May 23, 9am - 6pm (Fri) May 24, 9am - 5pm (Sat) May 25, 9am - 5pm (Sun)
There’s a luminous underwater world just waiting to shine! Learn about the remarkable ability of some marine animals to glow in the dark and witness this curiously beautiful phenomenon.* Come join the Ocean Institute's team on their new adventure this summer for a chance to witness the thousands of drifting organisms that can make their […]
Notifications
