Aquariums

Tide Pool & Aquarium

Name: Tide Pool & Aquarium
Address: Dana Point, CA 92629, Dana Point, CA, US
Telephone: (949) 496-6171
Rating: 4.5

★★★★☆ 4.5 (84 reviews)

📍 Dana Point, CA 92629

📞 (949) 496-6171

🌐 www.dohenystatebeach.org

Visit Website 📍 Get Directions

🕐 Hours

Monday	10 AM–4 PM
Tuesday	10 AM–4 PM
Wednesday	10 AM–4 PM
Thursday	10 AM–4 PM
Friday	10 AM–4 PM
Saturday	10 AM–4 PM
Sunday	10 AM–4 PM

⭐ Want to stand out? Get featured ⭐

About Tide Pool & Aquarium

Tide Pool & Aquarium is an aquarium in Dana Point, CA. Doheny State Beach was California's first state park, established in 1931 through a donation by the Edward Doheny family, whose history is documented in the Aquarium's exhibits. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by 84 visitors.

Quick Facts

Type: Aquarium
Location: Doheny State Beach, Dana Point, CA
Highlights: Tide pool, 5 ocean environment tanks, wildlife displays
Hours: Daily 10am-4pm
Annual Visitors: Over 1 million at Doheny State Beach

💡 Did You Know?

🏛️Doheny State Beach was California's first state park, established in 1931 through a donation by the Edward Doheny family, whose history is documented in the Aquarium's exhibits
⭐The Tide Pool & Aquarium operates as a completely free admission facility despite maintaining live animal exhibits and taxidermy displays of regional wildlife
⭐The facility features a specialized tide pool tank containing local species including sea stars, guitar fish, sea urchins, and shark eggs (when available)
⭐The Aquarium houses six ocean environment tanks displaying regional critters including eels, leopard sharks, spiny lobsters, and fish species native to Dana Point
⭐The facility combines an aquarium with mounted taxidermy displays of mammals and birds native to Doheny State Beach, functioning as both an interactive aquarium and natural history museum

💬 What Visitors Say

💬Plan 20-60 minutes for your visit depending on interest level. The venue is compact (about 4-car garage size) with 6 small tanks and taxidermy displays, so it's perfect for a quick stop between beach activities or as a standalone 1-hour outing.
💬This is completely free with no admission cost, making it an excellent budget-friendly educational stop. Consider purchasing from the gift shop to support this small state park facility for future generations.
💡Start with the tide pool tank to see the most dynamic live exhibits (sea stars, sea urchins, sharks, and seasonal shark eggs), then explore the five regional environment tanks featuring eels, lobsters, and local fish species. This maximizes engagement before moving to the static taxidermy displays.
💡Engage with the informative and knowledgeable staff and volunteers on-site. They can provide context about local species, the venue's history, and Edward Doheny's donation of the land to California's first state park (1931), enhancing the educational experience.
💡Combine your visit with the adjacent butterfly garden next door and nearby Doheny State Beach. The location is ideal for families wanting multiple activities in one area, and it's a great stop before or after beach time.