Most reviewed Nature & Wildlife Areas in California
4.5Muir Woods National Monument(6.974 reviews) - Memorable trip to San Francisco all because Ms. Pep of Alegro Private Tours Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Forests
Muir Woods has a rich and varied history, from its use by the Coast Miwok people, to its early days of tourism and the Mount Tamalpais Mill Valley Scenic Railway, to an era of conservation, to modern preservation. In each era, the forest has been affected by the actions of humans, for better or for worse. Part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, this coastal redwood preserve features majestic redwoods and scenic hiking trails that draw more than 1.5 million visitors each year.See more..
4.5San Diego Zoo Safari Park(4.403 reviews)from $69.00 - Great park, skip the expensive safaris Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Zoos
Home to more than 3,600 animals representing over 300 species, San Diego Zoo Safari Park lets you to get up close and personal with animals from around the world. Hop on the safari tram, observe animals in their natural habitats and get insights to the conservation work in the park. You can also experience nature uniquely through the zip line adventure or board a tethered hot air balloon which soars over the park. Buy your discounted one-day pass in advance or get a multi-day pass that includes entry to their sister park, the San Diego Zoo. – TripadvisorSee more..
4.5Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve(3.788 reviews) - Best hike ever! Friday: 7:15 AM - 7:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
Although this park is located within San Diego's city limits, it remains one of the wildest landscapes along the Southern California coast, with miles of unspoiled beaches, chaparral, elegant Torrey Pine trees and a lagoon vital to many species of migrating birds.See more..
5.0Marin Headlands(1.891 reviews) - Best Vantage point to View the Golden Gate Bridge State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Located at the Point Bonita Lighthouse, these headlands offer a suspension bridge and hiking trail.See more..
4.5Safari West(1.825 reviews) - OUT OF AFRICA Nature & Wildlife Areas
Have a wild adventure at Safari West, home to nearly 1,000 creatures. There are several fun wildlife excursions you can pick from: join a safari adventure, go behind the scenes on a guided tour, or even come face-to-face with some massive inhabitants. Can’t get enough? Spend the night in a luxurious safari tent, equipped with all the creature comforts you’ll need but without any of the distractions (no phones and televisions). School breaks and weekends get busy, so visit at other times for fewer crowds. – TripadvisorSee more..
5.0Lions, Tigers & Bears(1.429 reviews) - Fantastic place just on the outskirts of San Diego Nature & Wildlife Areas
What an absolutely wonderful place! I highly recommend taking a visit out to Alpine to see all of the wonderful staff and animals over at Lions, Tigers and Bears!! I did this for my birthday and ended up leaving with an annual membership so I could go back anytime I wanted! They have many affordable options as well as a few ways to splurge if you're looking for a more personal tour with the animals. The facility is an immaculate, well kept wonderland that any rescued kitty or cub would be lucky to find their furever home at. The staff is devoted to ensuring that these animals have the best life possible after the circumstances that brought them to be rescued and it shows. Such a great place, thank you to everyone for all of your hard work to keep it going!!See more..
We went December 2021 on a chilly, but sunny day after a day of rain. We got there before 10am and met up with some friends. We stayed almost 2 hours, but that’s only because we were chatting and our kids were running around. You could see everything within 10 minute. We saw a number of butterflies flying around and landing on the ground, but it wasn’t a lot. We saw one or two clusters of them in the trees too. We talked to one guy who said that the grove in Monterey had so many more. Based on the information at the site, last year there were only 200, but they’ve seen a lot more of them this year. It’s definitely something to see if you have an hour or less to kill, but just manage your expectations.See more..
4.5San Francisco Botanical Garden(1.020 reviews) - There is a lot to see here Friday: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Gardens
Welcome to San Francisco Botanical Garden, one of the most diverse gardens in the world. The Botanical Garden is a living museum within Golden Gate Park, offering 55 acres of both landscaped gardens and open spaces, showcasing over 8,500 different kinds of plants from around the world.See more..
4.5Coachella Valley Preserve(755 reviews) - Interesting, Informative Friday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas • Deserts
Formed by a system of sand dunes, this 20,000-acre sanctuary is home to several species of rare wildlife and a number of palm oases.See more..
5.0Stout Grove(746 reviews) - Very Nice Trail Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
This area is separated from the bulk of the Redwood National Park. It’s definitely worth the extra drive time, though, and is easy to find. The last few miles of the drive to the trailhead are on a dirt road. People park everywhere but the parking lot is fairly large. I recommend driving to the parking lot first to see if there are any spaces before parking elsewhere. The hike is pretty short (less than a mile):and is easy. The area is very scenic as it consists primarily of ferns and redwoods. There are few non-Redwood trees in the area. The bulk of the trail is a loop. Pay attention to the signage when you enter the loop. There is a similar sign elsewhere on the trail which caused us (and a lot of other people) to mistakenly take a wrong trail. Highly recommended.See more..
5.0Piedras Blancas(735 reviews) - Great viewing area for elephant seals! Beaches • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Always an amazing site to see!! We visit often and this weekend there are large males on the beach molting and practice battling. Just a month ago during Memorial Day weekend, there were hundreds of young females who have now gone out to sea. There is a nice visitor center in the town of San Simeon 7 miles south so if you are coming north you should stop there first.See more..
This zoo was just beautiful! It was small and intimate and we got to hear alot about the animals from a guide. It was a beautiful day and the new location (we have never been to the old one) was perfect. Almost all of the animals were out and we had the best time. Completed it in about 2 hours (we played at the little park for awhile). Highly recommend a stop by. The bears were amazing!See more..
4.0Santa Barbara Botanic Garden(683 reviews) - Worth the visit! Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
With sweeping views to the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Santa Barbara Channel Islands and stunning landscapes, the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is a great place to explore California's native plant diversity. The Garden's 78 acres encompass a variety of cultivated displays as well as stands of natural coast live oak and riparian woodlands. The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden fosters the conservation of California's native plants through our gardens, research and education, and serves as a role model of sustainable practices. Explore 5.5 miles of trails and see the Redwood grove, iconic Meadow display, authentic Japanese tea house, Mission Creek, and so much more. Our capacity is currently limited on-site to allow for social distancing and we reserve the right to temporarily halt admissions during peak visitation times. Visit on weekdays and after 2 p.m. for the smallest crowds. Last admission is at 4:30 p.m.See more..
4.0Ostrich Land(462 reviews) - Feathered Dinosaurs!!!! Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Speciality & Gift Shops • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Farms
4.5Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park(456 reviews) - Excellent experience for the whole family for a fair price Amusement & Theme Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Gardens
An extraordinary combination of nature preserve and theme park that comprises more than 75 acres of trees, plants, water and rocks combined with rides, picnic grounds, miniature golf and spectacular gardens.See more..
4.5Turtle Bay Exploration Park(456 reviews) - Worth Every Penny Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Science Museums • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Gardens
Turtle Bay Exploration Park is a fun, non-profit 300-acre gathering place featuring the Sundial Bridge, a museum, forestry & wildlife center, arboretum and botanical gardens. At the gateway to the Sacramento River Trails, Turtle Bay celebrates far Northern California as part of the world we share. We envision Turtle Bay Exploration Park as a vibrant gathering place where our community is strengthened through education, cultural engagement and economic growth.See more..
4.0Monarch Grove Sanctuary(454 reviews) - Nov through Feb it is worth it Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
The Monarch Sanctuary is open from sunrise to sunset, but volunteer monarch docents, who assist with the viewing of monarchs and can answer questions about the butterflies and their migration, are only there from 12pm-3pm as available. It is highly recommended that you go to the Sanctuary when a docent is present. There is no charge to visit the Sanctuary, but donations are accepted.The Monarchs arrive in the Sanctuary towards the end of October, and leave around the beginning of March. The monarch population peaks the week after Thanksgiving. The monarch migration to Pacific Grove is so inspiring that Pacific Grove is nicknamed "Butterfly Town, U.S.A." The community has always welcomed the butterflies and sought their protection. Citizens of Pacific Grove voted to create an additional tax to create the Monarch Grove Sanctuary, led by dedicated volunteers.The volunteers at the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary are from the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History. The Museum, which is just about mile away from the Sanctuary, has a large exhibition on monarch butterflies containing videos and interactive experiences for visitors of all ages. As both the Museum and Sanctuary are free, it's great to pair them together to get the most out of your experience to the monarch Sanctuary.See more..
Visits by Reservation Only West Coast Falconry is your premier resource for a full range of Falconry classes and services. Owner and Master Falconer, Kate Marden, invites you to join her and the staff at the West Coast Falconry Center to get a glimpse inside this incredible ancient hunting tradition. Our classes and experiences are for falconers and non-falconers alike. We offer an apprentice course that can help prepare you to become a licensed falconer.See more..
5.0B Bryan Preserve(378 reviews) - Fabulous Place to visit with Family!!! Nature & Wildlife Areas
B Bryan Preserve is committed to the breeding and preservation of African hoof stock. Located on 110 acres, the preserve features upscale lodging along with tours by reservation. Critically endangered Rothschild Giraffe, Grevy's zebra, Hartmann's Mountain Zebra along with Kudu, Roan and Sable antelope are thriving in large open fields.Make us your base for discovering the Mendocino coast. The small town of Point Arena has a working pier on one end and a historic lighthouse on the other with African Hoof Stock in the middle.See more..
4.5Grant Grove(367 reviews) - Small grove..but still impressive Points of Interest & Landmarks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Forests
Inside Kings Canyon National Park is this grove of giant Sequoias.See more..
We really enjoyed our visit here and all the unique formations. This place is definitely unique. Make sure you visit the visitors center to learn more about the history of this lake and the tufas. This lake has not only unusual formations but the saltiness of the water makes it the home of hundreds of brine shrimp which are harvested from the lake. The tufas at the south end of the lake are the best.See more..
4.5The Marine Mammal Center(339 reviews) - highlight of the trip Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Educational sites
The Marine Mammal Center advances global ocean conservation through rescue and rehabilitation, scientific research, and education. Visit our Sausalito hospital, the world’s largest marine mammal hospital, to see animal care experts providing life-saving care to patients so they can be released back to the wild. Watch as our volunteers prepare meals in the Fish Kitchen, peek into our laboratory to learn more about our scientific research, and explore interactive exhibits that give you a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to rescue hundreds of marine mammals every year. Plus, you’ll discover how you can take action to protect marine mammals and the ocean. Book your free ticket now at MarineMammalCenter.orgSee more..
4.5Barker Dam Trail(328 reviews) - Drought has Taken a Toll Nature & Wildlife Areas
This is a much prettier trail and dam to visit during non-drought times. Still, I would recommend hiking this trail. The petroglyphs and historical markers make this very accessible trail one the whole family can enjoy.See more..
4.5Sherman Library & Gardens(313 reviews) - Delicious dining with a beautiful garden view Friday: 10:30 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Gardens
Horticultural retreat that features a museum of living plants, walking paths, bubbling tile fountains and a library devoted to the study of the Pacific Southwest.See more..
Well located in Lafayette. Lovely 5+ mile walk on a paved trail w/a view of the reservoir as you walk. Fishing, paddle boating are available.See more..
4.5Pacific Marine Mammal Center(288 reviews) - Good place to show children where injured sea mammals get care Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Nature & Wildlife Areas
The Pacific Marine Mammal Center rescues, rehabilitates and releases marine mammals and inspires ocean stewardship through research, education and collaboration. We are open to the public for visitors every day from 10am - 4pm. We are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Years Day. There is no charge for visiting us, but donations are appreciated!See more..
4.5Santa Monica Mountains(287 reviews) - Beautiful!! Mountains • National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
A wildlife reserve that offers visitors walking trails and kayak tours through salt marshes and tidal flats.See more..
4.5Lindsay Wildlife Museum(249 reviews) - Support this wonderful refuge for animals Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas
We are members and have been for years. This is a super fun place to visit where you learn about local wildlife and see the wonderful animals that are cared for here. This hospital saves so many birds and other creatures every year. Please support them by joining, visiting and donating. One day you may find a sweet local bird or other animal in need and you can take them to Lindsay and they will save their lives. We are so lucky to have them in our community. See more..
I do this hike EVERY time I go to Tahoe, mostly cuz it's walking distance from my hotel, but also cuz it's my happy place. I basically tag the waterfall then turn around. It's never too busy, but also not so quiet that it feels spooky. If you see me up there don't judge me for lip syncing to the music on my headphones.See more..
4.5Catalina Island Conservancy(241 reviews) - Excellent, do it1 Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Islands • Nature & Wildlife Areas
The Trailhead is the perfect place to begin your Catalina adventure! It is the flagship facility for Catalina Island Conservancy, serving as the gateway to the Island's wildlands. Resources found at the Trailhead help you make the most of your time exploring the Island's 42,000 acres of open space. Visitors to Catalina Island maximize their experience with a stop at the three-story, 9,000-sq.-ft. Trailhead. While there, obtain hiking and biking permits, detailed information on campgrounds, native flora and fauna, ecology and history. It's also a great place to fuel up before your Catalina adventures, with breakfast, lunch and dinner served daily at Toyon Grill. The Trailhead is a destination, complete with interpretive exhibits and an expansion of the Conservancy's popular lecture series. With a rooftop garden that offers stunning views and an extensive collection of retail items, you won't want to miss the Trailhead.See more..
4.5Morro Bay National Estuary(241 reviews) - Textbook example Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas
California coastal wetland located midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles and covering 10 miles of shoreline.See more..
4.5Coyote Hills Regional Park(222 reviews) - Beautiful Nature Walk & Salt Flats Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks
We were looking for something to do on a beautiful day during lockdown. This place has options of different lengths of trails for different abilities. You can hike or ride bikes, you can stay flat or go uphill. We ended up doing about 5 miles and saw a plethora of wildlife... vultures, wild turkeys, rabbits, squirrels, a snake, lizards & various waterfowl. You can even get a view of the salt flats which have an interesting history. It was a great place to get exercise and be outdoors. Masks required & social distancing but worth the trip! Open until 7pm. See more..
4.5Mission Peak Regional Preserve(212 reviews) - hiking mission peak and seeing the sunset and harvest moon Nature & Wildlife Areas
i hiked mission peak and posted a video that includes a vlog, tips and suggestions for all hiking levels, so future visitors can be prepared. you can find a link to my youtube on my profile or you can look me up by name “nikko gandia”. i started the ~6 mile loop at the stanford avenue entrance and there was no parking fee. i went on a clear/sunny day and had beautiful views of the hills, south bay, sunset and the harvest moon. this hike is rated moderate-hard but there are several benches along the left side (hidden valley trail) if you don’t think you can handle the total length/incline (~2k feet).See more..
After a few days of rain everything turns green up here. So nice to see and walk through. We are only a few miles away and had never taken the hike. Our neighbors recommended it and we were glad we decided to see for ourselves. Depending on which trail you take, there is a variety. Some historical buildings are worth seeing. Some trails have resting spots. Before you go check out their website for what attracts you.See more..
4.5Batiquitos Lagoon(201 reviews) - A Really Pleasant Walk Nature & Wildlife Areas
I have a "must" for your visit here. Stop off at the Nature Center and pick up two things: (1) the "Trail Map" and (2) the "Self-Guided Trail Guide" to the 26 "stops" along the way. The text is clear, concise, and informative. The entire trail is only 1.6 miles long. This is a great place to walk if you have an hour or two. If you have binocs, bring them (we didn't). But, in spite of that, we had a great observation of an osprey picking up a fish on its third dive in the lagoon water. Neat!See more..
4.5Fitzgerald Marine Reserve(184 reviews) - Peaceful sights, fun searching Beaches • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Explore tidepools, hike along bluffs and relax at a beachside picnic spot.See more..
4.5Eaton Canyon(183 reviews) - Great hike - but don't expect to see waterfalls in autumn Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas • Canyons
I hiked in this Canyon last week. I highly recommend it if you're looking to return to nature/get away from the busy city. Notes: because it has been so dry, the waterfall was barely a trickle Most of the signs are in poor condition (see pic below) so make sure you have access to the trail directions before you stop hiking. I accidentally added an extra 4 miles and 2000 foot elevation gain I read several reviews on alltrails about this being a shady hike, but if you hike it after 3 p.m., it isn't. Take more water than you think you need. Parking was plentiful and free.See more..
5.0Tule Elk Preserve(163 reviews) - Beautiful area of Point Reyes Nature & Wildlife Areas
We drove out to Tomales Bay point after going to the lighthouse and the two points down that way. We got lucky and saw two small herds of elk: all females, a group of 10 and group of 8. We also saw several small herds of deer. The scenery is really nice but we didn’t have time to do this hike because we had been walking and exploring all day by the time we got to this area. There are several placards explaining the area that were interesting. Would definitely recommend this hike if we had more time from what I saw and read,See more..
4.5Arcata Community Forest(155 reviews) - Secluded feel, right in the city Nature & Wildlife Areas
A beautiful 600-acre forest of small redwoods and ferns.See more..
4.5Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary(154 reviews) - Free, pretty, a good way to get in those extra steps after all the delicious food in the area Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas
Was in the area for a week, visited this place at least 3 times. So many paths to choose from, you don’t ever feel like you’re at the same place. Nearer the bay it is definitely windy & chilly, so I do recommend layering well and having a hat if in winter. Lots of cool wildlife… lots of lovely outdoor silence… lots to explore!See more..
4.5Mount Helix Park(143 reviews) - See it all from Mount Helix Nature & Wildlife Areas
When in San Diego you can get to Mount Helix in 15 unites from anywhere. When you arrive there is 30 minute parking (its not a big place). They have an amphitheater made of stone and a cross at the very top. The view is fantastic, from Mexico to the Mountains to the Beach. There is some history here also where it was given to the city back in 1925 by a local who just wanted to share it's magnificence. Be ready to take some pictures. I think they have sunrise services here on Easter. This is a must visit. Do it before going to the Zoo or Balboa Park.See more..
4.5Idyllwild Nature Center(140 reviews) - Lovely wilds with great vistas Nature & Wildlife Areas
A notice about the Japanese art of “Tree Bathing” welcomes you at the entrance and established my orientation to the time there. I breathed in the freshness of trees while likewise supporting them with my exhalations. I clambered over rocks and enjoyed their powerful and calm presence while admiring distant vistas. I examined a large pine cone breaking apart to start the next generation of pines. You don’t need to do more than this to get a feeling of being reinvigorated and restored. See more..
4.5Jughandle State Reserve(133 reviews) - Pygmy forest is strange and wonderful State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
This reserve is famous for its Staircase TrailSee more..
4.5Wolf Mountain Sanctuary(127 reviews) - Stunning, beautiful and emotional experience! Nature & Wildlife Areas
Visitors are allowed to interact with over a dozen wolves at this nonprofit that is dedicated to rescuing the animals from various unfavorable environments.See more..
This is a beautiful easy trail but, know that you CANNOT park at the end of Dump Road. It is privately held and monitored by security. You CAN park at the main intersection with Carpenteria street, park there, WALK down Dump road to the path intersection right after the railroad tracks. This access puts you in the middle of the trail.See more..
4.5California Wolf Center(118 reviews) - Important conservation work and a must-see. Nature & Wildlife Areas • Zoos
We had a fabulous visit. We chose the private enrichment tour and had a wonderful time observing the ambassador wolves. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and explained what we were observing. It was really so wonderful. My only complaint was that the time was too short and the gift store was limited (I know the one in town has more stuff). Overall a beautiful day with the wolves.See more..
We took a family trip here because we were looking to do something different. It’s a great place to go to walk, run or ride a bike. It’s windy and cool so it’s a great place to go on a hot day. We went on a Saturday and it was not crowded and the parking was not bad. It’s a great place to go to be surrounded by nature. The girls (5 & 7) enjoyed riding their bikes, watching the birds and playing around the shoreline. It's very relaxing and a great place to take pictures.See more..
