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.
This festival celebrates California’s rich maritime history and our connection to the ocean! This is a fun filled weekend event with, visiting Tall Ships, Cannon Battles, Pirate and Mermaid Ball, Beer Garden, Mermaids Swim Shows, Pirate School, Live music, Reenactors and Sailor Camp, Vendors, Food Trucks and more!
The Ocean Institute is thrilled to announce the return of the United States Coast Guard Narwhal ship for an exciting day of free tours on April 13. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to explore the vessel, meets its officers and crew, and participate in a range of maritime activities. From 10am-3pm, guests can embark […]
Join Ocean Institute in celebrating Mother's Day aboard the R/V Sea Explorer! Embark on an ocean adventure and pamper Mom with a delightful morning surrounded by marine wonders. Indulge in complimentary muffins onboard, specially baked to honor the extraordinary mothers in our lives. Refresh yourself with a variety of drinks available for purchase while enjoying […]
Join Oriana Poindexter at The Ocean Institute for an interactive cyanotype workshop. Learn this early alternative photographic process and use organic materials to create your own cyanotype prints using photo chemistry techniques first developed in the 1840s. The resulting prints are records of the state of the ocean and your creative process on that particular […]
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 […]
