🌿 Among Seaweed, Scientists, and Salt Air: A Day at the California Seaweed Festival

Adventures of All Sizes
Written By Coach Vida

Awe, Contribution, and the Call of the Sea

I’m not a scientist. In fact, I once took a class called Biology for Business Majors because science never came easily to me. But I have a deep appreciation for those who dedicate their lives to understanding it, the thinkers, the explorers, the ones who choose contribution over comfort.

I can’t help but be in awe of people who push boundaries most of us will never see. We all have a talent; we can all become skilled. But it takes real commitment, and a certain refusal to give up, to join one of the world’s many great fights. I respect those who have chosen their path and given themselves fully to it. It’s inspiring.

And honestly? It’s just way cool to be around knowledge.

Scientifically accurate whale sized inflatable

Scientifically accurate whale sized inflatable

With that spirit, I went to the California Seaweed Festival, my third time attending, held alongside the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. Marine biology, biotechnology, ocean science… all still above my level. But that’s exactly why festivals like this matter: they remind us that we can be part of science without being the scientist. We can still participate, support, and help carry the message forward.

Festival Highlights: Science Meets Celebration

If you’ve never been to the California Seaweed Festival, picture this: food trucks lining the lot, artists and educators sharing tables, the smell of salt in the air, and families wandering between science booths and seaweed snacks.

One of my first stops was the popcorn stand, sea lettuce and caviar sprinkled over freshly popped corn. It sounds wild, but it was the perfect introduction to what this festival is all about: curiosity, creativity, and the kind of experimentation that makes science feel alive (and delicious).

Popcorn bag with Sea lettuce sprinkles and caviar visible

That’s caviar!

A few steps away, the giant whale head statue caught my attention, as if a real whale was surfacing through concrete. Around it, children played and adults gathered to listen as a marine biologist explained whale facts at a nearby booth. I caught a bit of it on video, a small moment that somehow felt huge, people learning, asking questions, smiling together.

Then came the dancing. Performers dressed as mermaids and bright orange Garibaldi fish brought color and rhythm to the day, moving to live music in front of the whale. It was whimsical and beautiful, science, art, and community blending seamlessly.

Before leaving, I walked past an inflatable whale tail, rising high enough to remind everyone just how massive these creatures really are. Kids ran up to touch it, stretching their arms wide. It was a perfect visual metaphor: the more we reach, the more we understand.

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium: Small but Mighty

The Cabrillo Aquarium may not have the size of Long Beach’s, but what it has is soul. From the moment you approach the entrance, the building’s design , that angular roofline that feels both futuristic and organic, sets the tone. Inside, every tank and display is curated with care, each one pulling you closer to the mystery of marine life.

Being there alongside the Seaweed Festival made it even more meaningful. It wasn’t just about exhibits; it was about connection between education and everyday life, between science and community. Families could move from festival fun to hands-on learning in just a few steps.

Final Thoughts: Supporting the Mission

If you ever go to one of these events, take a few moments to support the vendors and booths. You don’t need to buy the expensive merch, although that’s part of it, but just visit, talk, learn. Every person there is doing their part to keep our oceans alive in public memory and in everyday practice. That’s worth showing up for.

For me, this festival is a reminder that you don’t have to be a scientist to believe in science, to celebrate it, to share it, or to participate in it. We all have a role to play.

If you’re journaling after reading this, start here:

  • What brings you to that edge of wonder?

  • What reminds you that there’s something vast, alive, and brilliant beyond what you can measure or control?

  • Let that feeling guide you. That’s the beginning of awe, and the heartbeat of curiosity.

  • What moments make you stop and whisper “wow”?

  • When do you feel you’re in the presence of something greater, nature, art, music, science, or silence?

Those answers say a lot about what you love, what you value, and what you’re meant to protect.

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More from FormaFit Active

Coach Vida

Coach Vida is the voice behind FormaFit Active a movement journal rooted in mindful motion, real gear, cultural pride, and showing up without apology.
She believes in slow mornings, walking when it hurts, and building strength that feels like freedom.

Her motto: You don’t have to look like an athlete to move like one.

She writes from Los Angeles, with a speaker clipped on and sunscreen always in the bag. This journal is for anyone reclaiming energy, stretch by stretch.

Coach Vida es la voz detrás de FormaFit Active, un diario de movimiento con raíces en el cuerpo, la cultura y la intención.
Cree en moverse con calma, en estirarse cuando duele, y en la fuerza como libertad.

Su lema: No tienes que parecer atleta para moverte como uno.

Escribe desde Los Ángeles, con su bocina a un lado y bloqueador en la mochila.
Este espacio es para quienes se están reclamando, paso a paso.

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