Seymour Marine Discovery Center
About
This working marine research facility at UC Santa Cruz offers a perfect blend of hands-on learning and ocean discovery. Kids can get up close with sea stars and anemones in touch pools, marvel at the massive 87-foot blue whale skeleton, and explore aquariums showcasing local marine life,all while learning from real marine scientists.
Highlights
- ✓87-foot blue whale skeleton,one of the world's largest displayed marine mammal skeletons
- ✓Interactive touch pools with sea stars, sea cucumbers, and anemones
- ✓Working marine research labs where kids can see real scientists at work
- ✓Aquarium exhibits featuring local Monterey Bay marine life
- ✓Outdoor viewing deck perfect for whale watching during migration season
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings for the smallest crowds and more one-on-one time with docents at the touch pools
- 2.Don't miss the outdoor deck area with stunning ocean views,perfect for spotting dolphins and sea otters in their natural habitat
- 3.Arrive when they open at 10 AM for the best touch pool experience before it gets busy
- 4.Check the website before visiting for special feeding times and educational presentations that aren't scheduled daily
- 5.The gift shop has excellent educational toys and books about marine life at reasonable prices,budget a few extra minutes for browsing
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday) between 10 AM-12 PM offer the quietest experience with the most attentive staff. Avoid weekend afternoons when it's busiest. Spring and early fall provide the best weather for enjoying the outdoor exhibits and coastal views.
What to Know
Admission is affordable (under $10 for adults, children 3 and under free), with free parking on-site. There's no café, so bring snacks and water, especially for younger children. The facility is stroller-friendly and wheelchair accessible.
Seasonal Notes
Closed Mondays year-round. Best whale watching from the outdoor deck occurs during gray whale migration (December-April). Summer can be foggy in Santa Cruz, so bring layers. Special educational programs and camps are offered during summer and school breaks.
Nearby Eats
Head to Aldo's Harbor Restaurant (5 minutes away) for harbor views and a kids' menu featuring fish & chips and burgers, or stop at The Picnic Basket on the way back to town for fresh sandwiches and smoothies that kids love.
More Activities Near Santa Cruz
West Cliff Drive
West Cliff Drive is a stunning 3-mile coastal pathway that's perfect for families who want to combine outdoor activity with spectacular Pacific Ocean views. Kids can bike, scooter, or walk along the paved path while spotting sea lions, surfers, and maybe even dolphins, with several playgrounds and grassy areas perfect for picnic breaks along the way.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park offers families an unforgettable walk among ancient giants, with towering redwoods that will leave kids (and adults!) awestruck. The easy, stroller-friendly boardwalk loop makes it accessible for even the smallest explorers, while the nature center provides hands-on learning opportunities about the forest ecosystem.
Lighthouse Field State Beach
Lighthouse Field State Beach offers the perfect blend of educational and outdoor fun for families visiting Santa Cruz. Kids can explore fascinating tide pools teeming with sea creatures, learn about maritime history at the surfing museum housed in the historic Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse, and run freely on the expansive grassy bluffs perfect for picnics and kite flying. The dramatic coastal views and crashing waves provide a stunning backdrop for family photos and memorable sunset experiences.
Natural Bridges State Beach
Natural Bridges State Beach is a Santa Cruz gem where families can explore fascinating tide pools teeming with sea stars and anemones, watch thousands of monarch butterflies cluster in the eucalyptus grove (October-February), and enjoy gentle waves perfect for young swimmers. The beach offers the perfect combination of educational nature experiences and classic beach fun, with picnic areas and sandy shores for building castles and collecting shells.