Good forFamilies
Free admission, steps from the Santa Cruz waterfront. The Sanctuary Exploration Center at 35 Pacific Avenue is NOAA's public window into the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary — 276 miles of California coastline, federally protected since 1992, encompassing waters deeper than the Grand Canyon. Interactive exhibits cover the sanctuary's marine ecosystems; docent-guided and self-guided tours run Wednesday through Sunday. Check current hours before you go — sources disagree on closing time.
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Editorial content compiled with AI assistance. Place details verified against public records.