Ocean Institute
A marine education center inside Dana Point Harbor, with a replica of the 19th-century tall ship Pilgrim and a marine science lab.
A nonprofit marine education institution at the western tip of Dana Point Harbor, below the headland, and a great choice for families. The museum has small aquariums, a touch pool and a marine science lab. Docked at the pier is the Pilgrim, a replica of a 19th-century sailing ship that carried hides, which visitors can board. Some weekends offer sailing trips and marine biology research voyages. Right next door are the tide pools below the Dana Point headland. Admission is about US$15, and the institution is usually open only on weekends, with weekday visits mainly for school groups.
Opening hours
Sat–Sun, 10:00–15:00
Nearby sights
- Dana Point Harbor
- Salt Creek Beach
- Doheny State Beach
- Thousand Steps Beach
- Table Rock Beach
- Mission San Juan Capistrano
- Aliso Beach Park
- Treasure Island Beach