Maritime Festival

An annual maritime festival organized by the Ocean Institute, a community-based marine science and maritime history organization occupying 2.4 acres in the Dana Point Harbor beside a Marine Life Conservation Area. The weekend event draws crowds to the wharf for tall ships, cannon battles between vessels, and live music, with food trucks, vendors and educational partners on site. The Institute's own grounds include teaching labs, the Maddie James Seaside Learning Center, a historic tall ship and an oceanographic research vessel, tying the festival to its year-round marine education programs.