Tide Pool & Aquarium

“One of the best places to visit in Dana Point. Free information and educational exhibits for the local critters and sea life in the area. Just a small sample of pictures that I took while exploring.”

“Micro Aquarium and museum, about the real estate of a 4 car garage. Very clean, well kept and wonderful staff. Has a few small tanks with eels, sharks, spiny lobsters and tide pool. No touching them, not a petting zoo. You could spend 20 min to an hour in here looking at the exhibit and kids would love this. Free and next to the beach. It is about the size of an exhibit section in a normal Aquarium. They also have taxidermy wildlife and bones of sharks and whales on display. Pretty dang cool! For those giving it 4 stars or less, what are you expecting for the small size? Do you want a full size amusement park and for free? It's definitely 5 stars. If you aren't sure they are open, give them a call or something. And worth a 30 minute drive for sure to check out before or after church or on the way to brunch or coffee or beach.... or a stop on the way home to kill time from traffic. I love and appreciate this place. They have a little gift shop too.. help support this little gem for future generations and future visits. P.s. there are some overweight squirrels outside at times. (Picture attached)”

“Well, if people don't know about this little gem in Dana Point, you gotta get there! It's a little natural history museum with all local species, taxidermied and living. Also old posters of Dana Point before Killer Dana and information about Edward Doheny family, who donated the acreage to California's first state park, Doheny State Beach! 1931. Cool merch and kids things to do. A great family place!”

“Very small but free aquarium with just a couple tanks and plenty of taxidermy sea life in a few cases. Aquarium is in two small rooms and takes roughly 5 minutes to walk through. Nice little spot to see while visiting Dana Point and you can’t beat free!”