Dana Point Festival of Whales

The next two weekends (March 6-7th & 13-14th) Dana Point will be hosting the 39th Annual Festival of Whales. Each year thousands of California Gray Whales make their migration traveling along the West Coast & heading down to Baja. Likewise, each year, Dana Point, the "Whale Capital of the West" celebrates this incredible journey by throwing a party - actually it's Southern California's largest seafaring celebration! Come join in the festivities, there's sure to be something for everyone. As the website states:

"Festival highlights include an opening day parade, street faire and farmers market, art exhibits, classic car exhibits, concerts on land and water, environmental activities, educational opportunities, interpretive crafts, kids activities and of course, whale watching excursions that will allure even the most steadfast landlubber out to sea."

For more information about the entire festival go HERE, for specific information regarding the calendar of events go HERE, & for driving directions etc., go HERE.



39th Annual Festival of Whales
March 6-7th & 13th-14th
Dana Point, California

xoxo, K
image via the festival of whales

Just Spotted received no compensation, of any kind, for this post.

Whale Watching in Dana Point

Did you know that Dana Point Harbor is considered the "Whale Capital of the West"? Whale Watching is definitely in full swing right now. With thousands of California Gray Whales migrating from the cold Artic Seas to the warmer waters of Southern California & Baja, Dana Point Harbor is the perfect place view these beautiful creatures.

Interested in setting sail on your own little adventure? Check out what some of these companies have to offer:

Dana Wharf Sportfishing, (800)979-3370, (Be sure to check out their 2 for 1 special on Tuesdays!)
Aventura Sailing Association, (949)493-9493
Ocean Institute, (949)496-2274
Captain Dave's Dolphin Safari, (949)488-2828

If you happen to visit the harbor on a Sunday, be sure to check out the Free Kid's Fishing Clinics. The fishing clinics are held every Sunday from 12pm - 12:45pm. Your kids will receive "dockside experience... Ask the experts and learn new fishing techniques, new hook tying secrets, win raffle prizes and so much more! No reservations are needed!"

xoxo, K
image via Dana Point Harbor

Dana Point Parade of Lights

Dana Point Harbor is celebrating the holidays... Friday, December 11th, Saturday December 12th, Friday, December 18th & Saturday December 19th, at 7:30pm is the Annual Boat Parade of Lights. You can view the parade, themed "Santa's Surfin' Safari," for FREE from anywhere in the harbor, or make a reservation at one of the harbor's restaurants to view the parade while keeping yourself warm & toasty. Want to be a part of the parade, but don't own a boat? Join Dana Wharf Sportfishing on one of their decorated parade boats. For more information about the holiday activities & celebrations happening at the Dana Point Harbor go HERE.

xoxo, K
image via dana point harbor

Dana Point Tall Ships Festival

The Tall Ships are sailing into Dana Point this week. Friday, September 11th - Sunday, September 13th you can explore the "majesty & wonder of tall ships through the smells, sounds and sights o real working tall ships" during the 25th annual Tall Ships Festival in Dana Point.

Friday evening, the tall ships will parade into Dana Point as the sun sets. Viewing is available from the Dana Point headlands, above Dana Point Harbor & at the Old Cove Native Preserve, located behind the Ocean Institute. The remainder of the weekend will be filled two full days of ships, activities, music, food, cannon battles & even pirates. For a schedule of the weekend's events & activities, go HERE. Some activities & tours require tickets, for pricing & more information go HERE.

Definitely fun for the whole family. I know my boys will love the cannon battles & pirate storytelling, & my hubby will get a kick out of touring all the different ships.

What: Dana Point Tall Ships Festival
When: Friday, September 11th - Sunday, September 13th
Where: Dana Point Harbor

xoxo, K
image via the tall ships festival.

Whale Watching at Dana Point Harbor

Did you know that Dana Point Harbor is considered the "Whale Capital of the West"? Whale Watching is definitely in full swing right now. With thousands of California Gray Whales migrating from the cold Artic Seas to the warmer waters of Southern California & Baja, Dana Point Harbor is the perfect place view these beautiful creatures. In fact, right now the harbor is reporting that "currently we are seeing an unusual sighting of the majestic Finback Whale. These magnificent creatures are generally 45-70 feet in length and weigh 40 tons. They are listed on the endangered species list."

Interested in setting sail on your own little adventure? Check out what some of these companies have to offer:

Dana Wharf Sportfishing, (949)496-5794, (Be sure to check out the 1/2 price specials on Tuesdays!)
Dana Island Yacht Charters, (949)248-7400
Aventura Sailing Association, (949)493-9493
Ocean Institute, (949)496-2274
Captain Dave's Dolphin Safari, (949)488-2828

If you happen to visit the harbor on a Sunday, be sure to check out the Free Kid's Fishing Clinics. The fishing clinics are held every Sunday at 9am & 12pm. Your kids will receive "dockside experience... Ask the experts and learn new fishing techniques, new hook tying secrets, win raffle prizes and so much more! No reservations are needed!"

xoxo, K
image via Dana Point Harbor