FreeFree from the shore; Ocean Institute viewing parties and harbor cruises are ticketedArts & Culture
Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights
Dana Point, CA
Free from the shore; Ocean Institute viewing parties and harbor cruises are ticketed
By Simir Shah
Decorated boats loop the harbor after dark (the 2026 theme is 'Harboritaville'), and families watch for free from the harbor walkways and parks. The Ocean Institute sells premier viewing and an R/V Sea Explorer harbor cruise. Bring layers, because it gets cold on the water.
Good for
- Ages 10+
Happening near here
- Little Folk Club Halloween Singalong (Bump Out Park)Dana Point · <1 miFree
- Día de los Muertos Altar at Mission San Juan CapistranoSan Juan Capistrano · 4 mi
- San Clemente Pumpkins & Harvest Festival (Outlets at San Clemente)San Clemente · 5 mi
- Haunted Trails (Laguna Niguel)Laguna Niguel · 5 mi
South OC depth 2026Annual holiday event
Map
Nearby places
Dana Point Turkey TrotDana Point · Parks & Hiking<1 miBaby Beach (Dana Point Harbor)Dana Point · Beaches & Coast<1 miCapt. Dave's Dolphin & Whale Watching SafariDana Point · Animals & Nature<1 miOcean InstituteDana Point · Museums & Learning<1 miDana Point Tide Pools (Dana Point State Marine Conservation Area)Dana Point · Animals & Nature<1 miOcean Institute Maritime Festival (Tall Ships)Dana Point · Museums & Learning<1 mi
Keep planning
Eat nearby in Dana Point
- Truly PizzaPizza & Italian · $$
- The Shwack Beach GrillBurgers & American · $
- Coffee ImportersBreakfast & Brunch · $
- Kawamata SeafoodAsian · $