Coastal Discovery Center
The Coastal Discovery Center is a joint partnership between Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and California State Parks. Located on beautiful San Simeon Bay across from the world famous Hearst Castle, the Coastal Discovery Center celebrates the connection between land and sea and highlights the cultural and natural history of the area. The center offers engaging interactive exhibits and programs focused on remarkable marine ecosystems, as well as information on how you can protect this special underwater place by responsibly enjoying its unique habitats and wildlife.
Plan Your Visit
Free Admission!
Open Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Open Days: Friday to Sunday
Phone: (805) 927-6575
Location: CA-1 and Slo San Simeon Rd, San Simeon, CA 93452
Across from the Hearst Castle Visitor Center on California Highway 1, the
Discovery Center is located at William R. Hearst Memorial Beach in San Luis Obispo
County.
Mailing address: P.O Box 116, San Simeon, CA 93452
Parking
Free parking is available at the William R. Hearst Memorial Beach.
Nearby Attractions
Hearst Castle Visitor Center, San Simeon Pier, Piedras Blancas Lighthouse Station, Moonstone Beach, and elephant seal vista point located about 5 miles north of the Coastal Discovery Center. Explore the sanctuary virtual tour to learn more.
Public Programs
Bringing your family or group to the Coastal Discovery Center for a self-guided or guided program is a great introduction to Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and California State Parks. Explore the natural and cultural history of this special part of the central coast and learn about local conservation efforts and your role in protecting it for generations to come.
Guided Program: The Coastal Discovery Center offers public programs to explore the ecology of San Simeon Bay. Participants may have the opportunity to take water samples from off of San Simeon Pier, view local wildlife, and even view plankton under a microscope. For upcoming events, visit our event calendar [link to 1.2.1], including the annual Get Into Your Sanctuary [link to 1.2.2] celebration.
Self-Guided Program: The Coastal Discovery Center offers free self-guided programs Friday to Sunday, no reservation is required. Although this is self-guided, docents will deliver a welcome orientation for your group and be available to answer any questions.
Junior Ranger Adventure Program: Children ages four to 12 can become a State Parks Junior Ranger by completing the activities in an Adventure Guide at Hearst San Simeon State Park. Find answers by exploring the park, hiking, watching elephant seals, visiting the Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Bay, or staying at San Simeon Campground. Ask a docent for your Junior Ranger booklet at the Coastal Discovery Center in order to earn your very own Junior Ranger Badge.
To receive Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary’s email newsletters, sign up on our email list and follow us on Facebook at @mbnms.
For more information, email: mbnms.discoverycenter@noaa.gov or call (805) 927-2145.
School Field Trips
Help your students dive deeper in ocean conservation with exploratory, inquiry-based K-12 education programs at the Coastal Discovery Center and nearby beach. Through interactive exhibits and outdoor, place-based learning experiences, students will deepen their knowledge of and appreciation for our ocean. Programs are offered for different grade levels and support Next Generation Science Standards and practices to describe what scientists do to investigate the natural world. Programs are available by reservation, visit Coastal Discovery Center school field trips [redirect to 4.2.2] for more information. Fees apply.