Partners in Protection
The Coastal Discovery Center is a joint venture between the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and the California State Parks. The overlapping missions of the MBNMS and the CA State Parks are to protect our natural and cultural resources both on land and at sea. Through the Coastal Discovery Center, these agencies serve to educate the public about the natural and cultural resources of coastal California |
Natural and Cultural Resources
Natural resources occur in nature such as sunlight, air, water and minerals. When humans use natural resources for food, shelter or enjoyment, they become cultural resources. The items shown in this exhibit represent various cultures throughout this area’s history. Many natural resources can be used again or recycled, such as the items shown in this exhibit. |
Watersheds
This live rainbow trout exhibit exemplifies the California coastal watersheds where water flows from the land to the sea. The exhibit is used to educate the public about the importance of clean water to its fresh water inhabitants, as well as the effects of human activity on watershed ecosystems and on the health of the ocean. |
Deep Sea Voyages
The waters of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary contain fascinating deep sea habitats and hundreds of ship wrecks. In this exhibit, learn about the newly explored habitats of undersea mountains and view sunken ships through underwater videos taken from manned and unmanned submersibles. Short videos are shown of the Davidson Seamount, the USS Macon and the Montebello. |
Elephant Seals
This area is an important site for elephant seal pupping and mating activities. Northern elephant seals spend much of their lives at sea. Twice a year, thousands leave the ocean to give birth, mate and shed their fur. The best time to observe elephant seals is December to March, during the pupping and mating season. |
Tidepool
Our interactive talking tidepool exhibit represents the animals along the rocky shore, the interface between the land and the sea. Fascinating audio facts are activated by touching the tidepool organisms on this model. Visitors are challenged to find all 7 hidden messages. |
Wildlife Viewing
The central coast of California hosts a tremendous diversity of wildlife protected in the California State Parks. Test your knowledge of the animals of the central coast of California by using the interactive exhibit which covers habitats both on land and at sea. |
History of San Simeon Bay
San Simeon Cove has a rich history of human use. In this interactive touch screen exhibit, learn about the fascinating history of San Simeon Bay, from the native Americans who lived in his area up to 10,000 years ago to the Mission Era, the shore whaling era, and the Hearst era. |
