Get Into Your Sanctuary
Every year, NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries hosts Get Into Your Sanctuary events and the Get Into Your Sanctuary Photo Contest to encourage responsible recreation and enjoyment in national marine sanctuaries. The annual photo contest runs from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, with winning photos featured on the winners page and the Earth Is Blue social media campaign.
Enter your best photos from Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary! Remember to practice responsible recreation when taking your photos. When photographing marine mammals and other protected species, always follow wildlife viewing guidelines to ensure that you are not disturbing animals.
You're Invited!
Help celebrate the Coastal Discovery Center 20th Anniversary during Get Into Your Sanctuary day!
On Saturday, July 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., join us for the annual Get Into Your Sanctuary Day event at W.R. Hearst Memorial Beach and help celebrate the Coastal Discovery Center 20th Anniversary!
The event will highlight the center's 20–year impact on the local community through education and resource protection partnerships. Exhibitors will include various local non–profits, government agencies, and community organizations that promote responsible wildlife viewing, ocean recreation fun, and other ways to protect and "Get Into Your Sanctuary!"
Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: W.R. Hearst Memorial Beach (Highway 1 & Slo San Simeon Rd., San Simeon, CA 93452)
There is no registration required.
For questions, contact mbnms.discoverycenter@noaa.gov or call (805) 801-0773.
But wait, there's more!
- Follow @mbnms on Facebook to learn about upcoming Get Into Your Sanctuary events.
- Share photos of your sanctuary experience on social media with #ILoveMySanctuary and #RecreateResponsibly.
- Collect Badges with the National Park Trust using ParkPassport app for your virtual fun or in-person activities!
- Take the pledge for wildlife! #WildSanctuaries
