Greer's OC

Families can visit the “Whale Capital of the West” during the Dana Point Festival of Whales March 4 & 5, 11 & 12. It’s a great way to experience this ancient winter to spring migratory ritual with family and friends, and enjoy seaside activities and whale watching excursions.

The 46^th Annual Festival of Whales will take place will take place on the weekends of March 4 & 5 and 11 & 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

You’re also invited to explore all that Dana Point Harbor offers both on and off shore with a variety of fun and educational activities for the whole family including a parade, the Whale of a Concert and BBQ, sand sculpting competition, educational hands-on activities and more.

The Festival of Whales Parade on March 4 at 10 a.m. will kick off the two-weekend celebration, embracing the festival’s theme of Magical Migration with floats, giant helium balloons and more. The route will run along Pacific Coast Highway, beginning at Selva Road and ending at Golden Lantern in Dana Point.

Whale watching excursions will depart from the wharf every hour on the hour from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the festival weekends, and showcase the abundance of marine life on Southern California’s coast. Prices and trip durations vary.

You can wrap up a wonderful weekend of whale watching at the Whale of a Concert and BBQ on March 12 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. This free, outdoor concert at Baby Beach will feature three bands performing atop a floating stage.

Parking will be available in different parking lots throughout the festival and all lots are serviced by free shuttles. The free shuttles will be running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day of the festival with extended service hours the morning of the parade on March 4 and the afternoon of the Whale of a Concert on March 12.

Leap into spring this March at the 46^th Annual Dana Point Festival of Whales and enjoy two fun-filled weekends of marine life and activities. Visit festivalofwhales.com for additional information.