Ocean Institute Tide Pools- Dana Point

We visited the Ocean Institute earlier this week just so that we could walk along the shore and enjoy the sea breeze and beautiful scenery. I love being along the shore and smelling the salty sea air. It's so relaxing. The institute is actually only open the the public on the weekends because during the week they are packed with elementary school field trips. We had a great time just enjoying a small stretch of the tide pool shore line. The tide was high when we went so there actually were not any pools for us to check out, but we still had a fabulous time just walking and enjoying the shore. I am hoping we will be returning with the kids again soon during the weekend (if we don't have baby #3 before then. Ha!).  Here are a few pictures of our adventure along the shore.

Can you spot my little one? Charlotte was free to run up and down since this portion of the beach is very small and there was hardly anyone around but us.

Ava found a nice spot on top of this rock. She played on it and around it for about 30 minutes. The weather this time was awesome. It was about 72 degrees with a nice breeze.

Grandma, Ava and Charlotte running to the end of the beach area. Around the rocky corner is a path to the tide pools. Had the tide been lower it would have been easier to access and view them.

Ava made a long path with her shovel and Charlotte followed it all the way up and down. Ava got a kick out of Charlotte enjoying it so much.

                                                            Yep, still working on that path.

                                 The simple pleasures of digging in the wet sand and going barefoot.

                                                                       Ready, set, & jump!

                                                    Showing me a broken abalone shell she found.

We all had a great time at the beach, but I think Ava had the best time of all. She was actually singing to herself while she stood at the top of this rock. It wasn't a particular song, just a song she made up at the moment. She was totally into it.