FreeMost events free; whale-watch trips and the carnival are paidArts & Culture
Festival of Whales
Dana Point, CA
Most events free; whale-watch trips and the carnival are paid
By Simir Shah
Dana Point's signature weekend (the 56th edition is in 2027) celebrates the gray whale migration with the Magical Migration Parade of giant balloons and marching bands down Harbor Drive on Saturday morning, a carnival at Lantern Bay Park, exhibits and whale-watching trips. Use the harbor parking structure or the event trolley, because Harbor Drive closes for the parade.
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 · 3 mi
- San Clemente Pumpkins & Harvest Festival (Outlets at San Clemente)San Clemente · 4 mi
- Haunted Trails (Laguna Niguel)Laguna Niguel · 5 mi
South OC depth 2026Annual festival
Map
Nearby places
Lantern Bay ParkDana Point · Parks & Hiking<1 miDoheny State BeachDana Point · Beaches & Coast<1 miDana Point Community Center & Del Obispo ParkDana Point · Arts & Culture<1 miCatalina Island (Dana Point Express)Dana Point → Avalon · Day Trips<1 miDana Wharf Whale WatchingDana Point · Animals & Nature<1 miBluff Top TrailDana Point · Parks & Hiking<1 mi
Keep planning
Eat nearby in Dana Point
- Truly PizzaPizza & Italian · $$
- The Shwack Beach GrillBurgers & American · $
- Coffee ImportersBreakfast & Brunch · $
- Kawamata SeafoodAsian · $