Located in Dana Point, the Ocean Institute is an educational facility specializing in innovative marine and social science programs. Though not a museum nor an aquarium, visitors will find a collection of artifacts and animals on its campus. The institute educates as many as 130,000 students annually through their award winning educational programs. They have a variety of teaching facilities including historic ships, a mobile van, and on-site centers.

The Institute is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am – 3pm. Adult admission is $6.50, children 3-12 is $4.50, and kids 2 and under are free.