Festival of the whales, awsome time for whale watching

The Classic Cars will be on display, after the festival parade on Mar. 2 - 3 from noon to 4 p.m.  The So Cal Woodies official Southern California Chapter will have one-of-a-kind cars on the grassy areas along the harbor walkway.  The National Woodie Club's goal is to promote the wooden car and the role it has played throughout automotive history.The Dana Point Marina Inn is offering a special nightly rate of $69, in conjunction with the Metrolink tickets, OCTA bus pass, or the 91 Express transponder.  It is necessary to mention this special rate when making reservations.  Check here for more information about the special rate.The Dana Point Marina Inn is convenient to restaurants and shops and places guest right in the hub of the whale festivalDana Point lies along the southern California coastline.  It was named after a young seaman - Richard Henry Dana - who sailed into the area and wrote a book about it.  There are majestic cliffs, miles of jogging and cycling trails, a 62-acre State beach and park with grassy picnic areas, wooded campgrounds, and lots of parking spaces.  A 2500 slip yacht harbor is set in the natural cove below the white cliffs. In the Marina Village there are unique shops, fine restaurants, hotels and places to sit and just enjoy the warm sunshine, cool breezes and spectacular sunsets.View the list »
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The headland jutting out into the ocean at Dana Point, is the best spot for whale watching, as it is a along their journey during their migration from Alaska to Mexico. This is also a place from which daily excursions are made to see the behomoths of the deep. Check out the video

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During the month of March, the 2nd and 3rd and the 9th and 10th, Dana Point holds their yearly "Festival of the Whales". The fun packed weekends are filled with street fairs, art shows, classic car displays, exhibits, paddle board contest, and historical walking tours. Check out the events here.

A Grand Parade opens the festival followed by 'sand sculpting', a 'rubber ducky race' and 'ocean awareness day' are highlights of the first fun packed Sunday March 3rd. On Mar 10th there will be a 'grand concert ' to close out the event and in between there will be a mobile marine mammal museum, kids grunion run, 5 & 10k races and a beach cleanup at Doheny State park.

Dana Point, Ca
33.47998046875 ; -117.69763946533

The main attraction, of course, is whale watching and getting as close to the whales as possible. Attendees can take one of the many daily excursions being run by Captain Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Safari and Dana Wharf Whale Watching.

Food is a big part of any festival and this is no different, attend the pancake breakfast, enjoy the Clam Chowder cook off or the delicious BBQ. In addition there are many find dining places in the Marina. Booths will feature T's and sweatshirts among the many other arts & crafts items.

Getting to the event is easy, both OCTA and Metrolink can get you there. For those who drive take the Pacific Coast Highway off-ramp, from the 5 Freeway going south. Follow the signs to one of the many parking lots where there are free shuttles to take you to the festival event.

References: Dave's Dolphin & Whale Safari; OCTA & Metro; Parking info.

View the list
  • Dana Point lies along the southern California coastline.  It was named after a young seaman - Richard Henry Dana - who sailed into the area and wrote a book about it.  There are majestic cliffs, miles of jogging and cycling trails, a 62-acre State beach and park with grassy picnic areas, wooded campgrounds, and lots of parking spaces.  A 2500 slip yacht harbor is set in the natural cove below the white cliffs. In the Marina Village there are unique shops, fine restaurants, hotels and places to sit and just enjoy the warm sunshine, cool breezes and spectacular sunsets.
  • The Dana Point Marina Inn is offering a special nightly rate of $69, in conjunction with the Metrolink tickets, OCTA bus pass, or the 91 Express transponder.  It is necessary to mention this special rate when making reservations.  Check here for more information about the special rate.The Dana Point Marina Inn is convenient to restaurants and shops and places guest right in the hub of the whale festival
  • The Classic Cars will be on display, after the festival parade on Mar. 2 - 3 from noon to 4 p.m.  The So Cal Woodies official Southern California Chapter will have one-of-a-kind cars on the grassy areas along the harbor walkway.  The National Woodie Club's goal is to promote the wooden car and the role it has played throughout automotive history.
  • This is the 4th annual Mongoose Cup to be held on March 9 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Baby beach in Dana Cove Park.  Entrants get to paddle in the 'Fun Parade'. take part in the SUP Clinics, learn new skills and techniques, check out the latest paddling and surfing products, and enjoy a BBQ lunch.  Those who want to race, can enter the 'Sport of Kings Race and 'Luck of the draw relays'.  Registration will be accepted the day of the event at 7:30 a.m.
View the list

, Anaheim City Guide Examiner

Mona lives in Orange County and knows all the places that would be of interest to visitors as well as residents of Orange County to enjoy a vacation or week-end getaway. Places that appeal both to adults and children, to the adventurous, beach lover, boater, fisherman, golfer, actually all...

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