See the tall ship "The Pilgrim" where school children have overnight stays to learn what it really means to "swab the deck". Respect for the ocean and it's inhabitants is found here. This beautiful learning center teaches about local marine life with live exhibits. Not a full day's event; but a pleasant pit stop. More

I went to see the Blue whale safari twice last summer and it was really, really nice. The second time there, the Blue whales gave us an outstaning show. More

The Ocean Institute was staffed mostly with young teens who may have been volunteers, so they were less than excited to be there and not that helpful. The exhibits were nice but not plentiful. The best part about the trip was the hands-on dissection of a squid in which the kids got to participate. That made the trip worthwhile! More

A fellow academic invited me to his mundane day and what a joy to see him work. I am by birth, tied to the sea. To swim, to observe nature renews me as peacefully as some people who hike in Hawaii rain forests. More

Lots to see and do here .... and what better setting than the beautiful Dana Point Harbor! More

This is a small museam/aquariam. They have some hands-on exhibits and great volunteers who are very knowledgeable. It's great for small kids and doesn't take long to tour. More

North end of the Harbor. Boat watching, instructional, informational classes. Replica ships. Educational ocean tours available. Gift shop is reasonable-some unusual gifts for kids especially. Nice setting-there's 3 benches for stopping & enjoying the rocky coast and surf-we've seen hundreds of dolphins & some sea lions here. A small protected beach area off to the side. Long rocky breakwater to... More

A bit too small for a full day, but good for schoolchildren or a quick visit. More

If you want someplace uniquely different for a wedding, this is the place. Beautiful ocean and harbor views. More