MBNMS Volunteer Opportunities: Coastal Discovery Center

Visit the Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Bay

The Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Bay is an environmental and nature center cooperatively operated by the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and California State Parks. Located at beautiful and historic William R. Hearst Memorial Beach in San Simeon, the Coastal Discovery Center offers information on natural and cultural resources along the central California coast.

The Discovery Center is open three days a week and is staffed by docents. These trained volunteers provide information to some of the 6 million tourists who travel north or south along this National Scenic Byway section of Highway 1 each year. Things to do include visiting historic Hearst Castle, observing northern elephant seals during their pupping and breeding season, visiting the Piedras Blancas Light Station, and viewing wildlife on offshore rocks and in lush kelp forests.

Docents go through a comprehensive training program to learn about local history as well as the natural and cultural resources in the area. Docent activites include greeting visitors in the Coastal Discovery Center, leading history walks along San Simeon Pier and participating in educational programs for school groups.

Docents are asked to make a one-year commitment to fill two shifts per month at the Coastal Discovery Center. Docents are registered as volunteers with both the National Marine Sanctuary Program and as State Parks volunteers, qualifying them for special privileges and programs.

Visit or contact the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Southern Region Office:

Carolyn Skinder
Southern Region Program Coordinator
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
P.O. Box 116
San Simeon, CA 93452
(805) 927-2145
carolyn.skinder@noaa.gov