Ocean Institute
Dana Point · South County · Science, History, Aquarium
Marine science and maritime history center in Dana Point Harbor. Open to the public on weekends.
Good to know: Open to the public only on weekends and select holidays; weekdays are for school programs.
Free days
No free day found; members free
Know before you go
- Admission
Paid: Adults $16; Seniors 55+/Military $14; Children 19 months–13 $12 (child price verified on Plan Your Visit); under 19 months free
Listed · oceaninstitute.org · confirm before you go
- Free days & hours
No free day found; members free
Not confirmed – check with the museum
- Reservations
Not found on official site; confirm directly
Not confirmed – check with the museum
- Hours
General admission Saturdays, Sundays and select holidays, 10am–3pm
✓ Verified on oceaninstitute.org · checked Oct 4, 2026
- Closed
Weekdays (campus reserved for school and group programs)
✓ Verified on oceaninstitute.org · checked Oct 4, 2026
- Parking
Not found on official site; confirm directly
Not confirmed – check with the museum
- Kids
Interactive exhibits for all ages; squid dissections; trips on the Spirit of Dana Point research vessel (separate tickets)
✓ Verified on oceaninstitute.org · checked Oct 4, 2026
- Accessibility
Not found on official site; confirm directly
Not confirmed – check with the museum
- Address
24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629
✓ Verified on oceaninstitute.org · checked Oct 4, 2026
Map location from OpenStreetMap.
Free days, hours and prices change often, and museums close for installations and private events. Always confirm on the museum's own site before you go. Information only; Orca Travel Collection isn't affiliated with these museums.
Orca Beach Series
Make it a beach day too
Information only. Free days, hours and prices change; confirm with each museum before you go. Data: each museum's official website, balboapark.org and OpenStreetMap · Facts checked Oct 4, 2026 · Map © OpenFreeMap © OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors.