The visitors center is a must see for me at each park I go to. We got our map and newspaper. At this park, the newspaper became more important than the park map because the park is so big. The newspaper marked out the Must See places to drive to and the best hikes in the park. We mostly went by this guidance as we planned our 3 days in the park. I also like to do the Jr Ranger Program (even as an adult) and this is where to get started. They were kind enough to give me the badge upon visiting, in case we didn't come back by. (Which we didn't since the park is so big.) The bookstore is on the small side and only 5 -6 people were allowed inside at a time due to COVID. Their selection was limited but I do like to buy most of my souvenirs in the park store to support the NPS. The parking lot does have many covered parking spots. There is also a huge thermometer outside for a great photo opp. It's a good place to stop for bathrooms with running water.See more..
After lunch at the Ahwahnee Dining Room, we boarded the Shuttle to the Yosemite Village Stop. This is where this Visitor Center is located. We made this stop, so that I could get my Stamp and Sticker for the Parks Passport. But we also found lots of Maps, Brochures and a general orientation to the National Park. There was also an informative board that informed us of the road and weather conditions for the day, plus the fire dangers. The 3-D Exhibit was amazing and very educational. The Gift and Souvenir Store inside was pretty good, and all the Park Rangers there were extremely pleasant and very helpful. Worth a stop here if you are visiting for the first time.See more..
4.0Giant Forest Museum(365 reviews) - Explains sequoias in ways kids can easily understand Visitor Centers
The Giant Forest Museum answers questions about the sequoias in ways children can easily understand. For example, one display shows the size of the General Sherman Tree compared to a stack of elephants, the space shuttle, the tallest giant redwood, the Titanic, and the giant tule cypress in Mexico. A giant ruler outside the museum shows how long the tree would be if it were laid horizontally. Dioramas explain why sequoias can only grow in certain areas, and a giant spinning wheel demonstrates how much chance in involved in sequoia seeds germinating and growing into mature trees. My 8-year old was determined to keep spinning the wheel until it landed on the spot where a tree grew to maturity, but I think the odds were one in 100 or so. The museum is open year round (the Lodgepole Visitors Center in Sequoia and the Cedar Grove Visitors Center in Kings Canyon are both closed in the winter).See more..
4.5Joshua Tree Visitor Center(356 reviews) - A must stop before entering the park Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Visitor Centers
A great place to start you trip to the park. The rangers inside are extremely helpful in providing information and tips about where to go, how to get there and good places based on what you want to see and do. They provide free maps of the park and have restrooms available inside as well as information about the area and its history.See more..
The ferry from San Francisco to Sausalito is wonderful! The trip across the bay is beautiful. Sausalito is a great little community with a lot of charm. Lot's of little shops, places to eat and a great view of the bay. Enjoy this great place for a day or half day.See more..
The Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center specializes in providing general information about the Inyo National Forest and surrounding local areas. Stop in for maps of the area and suggestions on great places to hike, camp and visit. The center provides campfire permits, wooding permits, and backpacking permits for those looking to begin a trip in the Inyo National Forest backcountry. There are also many fantastic interpretive program opportunities available through the center. A great first stop for a trip to Mammoth. If you are looking for souvenirs, there are many fun items for sale in the center including books, maps, hats, bandanas, t-shirts, and lots of other souvenirs. The Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center is managed through a partnership with the US Forest Service and the Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association.See more..
4.5Big Bear Discovery Center(213 reviews) - Start here for outdoors at Big Bear Lake Spent 1-2 hours Visitor Centers
Located on the north shore of Big Bear Lake, this learning center features educational exhibits and hands-on activities regarding the natural environment and wildlife in the region.See more..
5.0California Welcome Center(212 reviews) - A Very Welcoming Place! Friday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Visitor Centers
California Welcome Centers are California’s official State Visitor Centers offering valuable information and services for today’s traveler. There are 21 affiliated Welcome Centers located throughout the state, with volunteers and staff to answer your questions and enhance your visit. Oceanside is home to one of the California Welcome Centers, ready to assist visitors Mon-Sat. Closed on most holidays. Free maps, brochures, a gift shop, restrooms, and personal assistance to get you where you want to go!See more..
Have been visiting Ventura for such a long time, and absolutely love coming to the Harbor/Marina, but this was the first time that we have visited the visitor's center. Such an interesting and informative center with so many great displays and even live video feeds of an underwater algae field and a bald eagle's nest. The theatre and video presentation are top notch, and is narrated by Kevin Costner. There is a cool tide pool display as well. Visit the 2nd deck, you can look at an almost 360 degree view of the marina and utilize the viewfinders to look around. the State of California did a great job with this one!See more..
4.5Coronado Visitor Center(180 reviews) - Amazing Hotel Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Visitor Centers • History Museums
The Coronado Visitor Center is located in the lobby of the Museum of History and Art. This should be your first stop when you get to this charming and historic beach town. Friendly volunteers provide complimentary maps, brochures, discount tickets and information about events and attractions in Coronado. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Visitor Center is currently closed.See more..
4.5Kings Canyon Visitor Center(180 reviews) - Informative and kid friendly Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Visitor Centers
The Grant Grove Visitor Center is right in Grant Grove Village in Kings Canyon National Park. Throughout the day it features a film on Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park which was released in 2007 (so it doesn't look like one of those old science films from the 1960s). There is also a bookstore and "Discovery Room" with kid-friendly activities. The bookstore has a good selection of books, cards, and souvenirs to keep the little travelers happy. It (and the other visitor centers in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks) offers a Junior Ranger Program in which children 6 and up can fill out an activity booklet, participate in activities, and earn a Junior Ranger badge. This program keeps my 8-year old interested in the National Parks and makes her look forward to visiting them on our vacations. Across the parking lot from the Visitor center is Grant Grove VIllage (complete with store, post office, lodging, and a restaurant).See more..
Our visitor center is located outside the south entrance to Yosemite in Oakhurst on Highway 41. Stop by for information on Yosemite and the southern gateway - Madera County. Our knowledgeable volunteers can help you with all your vacation questions. We also sell maps and park passes.See more..
The Mono Lake Committee is a 16,000 member non-profit citizens group, dedicated to protection and restoration of the Mono Basin ecosystem and educating the next generation. The Committee’s Information Center & Bookstore provides: books, maps, educational exhibits about Mono Lake, Mono Lake gear, gifts and cards by local artisans, educational toys, and information about lodging, dining, and local services. Additionally, the award-winning HD film “The Mono Lake Story” is featured in the store’s Theater & Gallery as well as rotating art exhibits. The staff is knowledgeable about Mono Lake and the surrounding area and is happy to provide information about great activities to enjoy during your visit to the Mono Basin. The storefront patio is a great place to hydrate, relax, meet friends, take in the scenery, or watch the incredible sunsets. During the summer, Committee staff and volunteers provide guided interpretive walks in the Mono Basin and canoe tours on Mono Lake. Open all year!Fall/Winter/Spring Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.Summer Hours: 8:00 am - 9:00 pm.See more..
Quietly nestled between the ocean & the mountains, Santa Barbara represents the essence California -- the art & culture of the big city & the heart & hospitality of a small, coastal town. Between the shopping on State Street, some of the best restaurants in the country & the best that the hotel industry has to offer, Santa Barbara is truly a magnificent place to live or visit! Please come and visit us! We have free Visitors Maps with DISCOUNT COUPONS.See more..
After visiting Napa, Sonoma (our favorite), Russian River, Dry Creek Valley, etc., we took a day to tour The Zins of Lodi. We're we ever pleased. The wine is wonderful and the prices are about half of what you,d find in Napa. Start your day with a tasting and a map at the visitors center. They are very knowledgeable and they even called an "appointment" only winery to announce our arrival. Made sense when we got there because there was only one person on duty and they don,t get many visitors. Most places we stopped we were the only couple there and got a great one on one tasting and education. We usually travel fron South Florida to Northern California every or every other year for the wine. Lodi will be a place where we,ll spend more time, to buy quality wine at great prices. Enjoy it before it gets discovered and the crowds ruin it like they,ve done in Napa. See more..
4.5Annenberg Community Beach House(134 reviews) - Take advantage of a historic tour Spent More than 3 hours Visitor Centers • Art Galleries • Historic Sites
The Beach House is a unique community destination. With spectacular views, splash pad, playground, gallery, Marion Davies Guest House, beach courts & fields, community & cultural events, historic pool, free wi-fi, and more, there's something for everyone to enjoy! Site hours change seasonally. Call or check our website annenbergbeachhouse.com to confirm hours of operation. The Beach House is also available to rent for private events and as a location for filming.See more..
4.0Cottonwood Visitor Center(127 reviews) - park simply start here Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM Visitor Centers
very nice and helpful guides listen to all the tips from the guides. most awesome place on earth Beyond beautiful Hiking Trails and routes are so interesting and beautiful. We did many trails in one day from morning to evening. The Joshua Trees and other wildlife is so special here. Sun rise and sun set is a must see desert beyond goodSee more..
4.5Big Bear Visitor Center(120 reviews) - Perfict stop to start your visit. Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Visitor Centers
Visit the Center for the most complete information provided by a friendly Big Bear local, who knows the ins and outs of what’s happening and things to do in Big Bear. You may visit the Visitors Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m everyday. Here you will find literature and brochures from various lodges, restaurants, shops, recreation, services and attractions. Big Bear map information and other useful guides are available to help you get around town, on the lake or on the trails, as well. Get up-to-the minute weather reports, road conditions and other useful Big Bear map assistance. Here you can purchase a day-use Adventure Pass for access to the wilderness. The Big Bear Visitor Center is a great place to find out what events are happening around town with a calendar of events kiosk at the front entrance. The Big Bear Visitor Center does not allow overnight parking and cannot accommodate motor coach parking.See more..
4.5U.S. Borax Visitor Center(118 reviews) - 2 Guy's Visit US Borax in Boron, California Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Visitor Centers
Buried deep in the Mojave Desert is one of the biggest and richest deposits of borax on the planet. There, on the rim of an active borax mine, you will find the U.S. Borax Visitor Center: One of the best-kept secrets of the Southern California desert. Built in 1997, the Center tells the story of borax and the local community. Entry is free however we highly recommend a small donation to help support the nonprofit Borax Visitor Center Foundation which provides grants and scholarships to the local community.See more..
4.0Catalina Island Visitor Center(114 reviews) - Beautiful Catalina Island Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers
Formerly the Catalina Island Chamber & Visitors Bureau, Love Catalina Island is the the Catalina Island Tourism Authority. Offering information on Catalina Island, Southern California's only island destination. Open 364 days a year and ready to assist with accommodations, events and things to do on Catalina Island.See more..
4.5Kelso Depot(110 reviews) - Hidden gem literally in the middle of no where. Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers • Historic Sites
This is an old Union Pacific depot built in 1924 that was almost demolished. Luckily, it was saved and fully restored by the National Park Service (one of the few examples of the government actually doing something good). The depot is beautiful and houses a small museum and a functioning lunch counter. Sadly, the lunch counter is scheduled to close on October 29th, 2013. If you're real lucky, you'll also get to see some trains go by, although they no longer stop. Best time to visit is October through April.See more..
4.5Mariposa County Visitor Center(105 reviews) - Excellent stop for bathrooms and free information and advice before you reach the park. Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Visitor Centers
Mariposa Visitor Center is Run by the Mariposa County Chamber of Commerce. We have The Official Yosemite Visitor Guide, Official Park Maps including Hiking Maps & Books as well as up to date information on Camping, Road Conditions, and Trail Closures. We are located at the corner of HWY 140 & 49 North only 45 Minutes from the Entrance of Yosemite National Park. Stop here first our staff will go over all of the information you need so that way you don't miss out on anything. This can also save you time since you don't have to go to the Yosemite Visitor center first and then try to find your way backwards to trailheads and viewpoints you may have already passed. We also have postcards & many fabulous books about yosemite and can help you with finding a place to stay or eat. We like to help optimize your experience. Come in and say Hello. We would love to meet you!See more..
4.5Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center(101 reviews) - Great Pacific Beach Experience in Park Known for Forest Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Visitor Centers
Thinking about Redwood National Park, it is easy to associate incredible tall trees and lush evergreen forest. While it is a lot of that, it also has access to the Pacific Ocean and great beach experiences. While our group visited the center for restroom, information and the gift shop, we also had an amazing beach experience. For us from the Gulf Coast this was a nearly foreign beach experience. However, the sights and sounds were simply incredible. We spent some time walking the beach and marveling at the rocks and hills and beach covered in large driftwood, things we simply do not see at home. I even took the opportunity to dip my feet in a cold and tumultuous Pacific. Finally, this is one of the only spaces you can get a Redwood National Park sign picture. For all those reasons you really need to stop and visit here. However, the biggest reason is for the Pacific beach experience.See more..
We came here in early April and were able to hike the one mile to Sulphur Works and check out the geothermal sights - bubbling mud pools, steaming fumeroles, and lots of beautiful alien terrain. Afterwards, we went sledding down the massive hills located right behind the visitor center. Make sure to bring your own sled!See more..
When you complete Route 66 go and find the Santa Monica Visitor Center, the staff are very helpful and can organise a certificate to show you have completed Route 66.See more..
4.5Ventura Visitors Center(60 reviews) - Must stop here! Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers
Located in Historic Downtown Ventura, the Ventura Visitors Center is a great place to stop for information, souvenirs, and friendly assistance! Stop on by with any questions you have, then take a short walk up to Main Street for eclectic shopping and eateries or walk down to the Ventura Pier and the never-ending beachfront.See more..
4.0Crab Cove Visitor Center(58 reviews) - All family programático the bay area Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Visitor Centers
Fun family nature programs and Bay shoreline explorations, interactive exhibits and an 800-gallon aquarium displaying Bay creatures. Wheelchair access at low tide.See more..
This is a very interesting place. Upstairs they have a wonderful exhibit on the Native peoples that lived here first. Nice gift shop, & there is a tower you can climb, that has incredible views . On the way in, you can see a rock, that was used to pound the acorns, & the holes in the rocks, came from the repeated pounding.See more..
Marj Niebauer greeted us with a smile -- even though she was wearing a mask we could tell —and a sparkle in her eye. She has a wealth of information about Del Norte county. We really appreciated all the time she spent with us, sharing some hidden secrets of the area and providing us with all the brochures to make our visit enjoyable. It definitely was worth our time to stop in and visit this Visitor CenterSee more..
Stop by the Marina del Rey Visitors Center to get information and assistance on hotels, restaurants, area attractions, events, walking tour brochures, and transportation. The center is located at the corner of Admiralty and Mindanao Way, and is open daily except New Years, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.See more..
3.5Julian Town Hall(33 reviews) - Old Julian atmosphere Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Visitor Centers • Historic Sites • Government Buildings
Visit Town Hall for information on things to do in Julian. We have many brochures and handouts. We offer hiking maps and area maps. Pick up the official Guide to Julian. Our Friendly stafff is here to answer your questions from 10am to 4pm daily.See more..
I like to see everything in a museum. This is more about fish. "Max" due to his large size, the mastodon is believed to have stood more than 12 feet high at the shoulders. Radiometric dating placed Max and other paleontological finds . Holding center stage inside the visitor’s center are the bones of Max, the largest and most complete adult mastodon to be uncovered in the western United States. Max was unearthed in 1993, as the first stage of construction was under way. Christened "Max" due to his large size, the mastodon Worthwhile to see!See more..
5.0Yurok Country Visitor Center(31 reviews) - Travel the "redwood canoe highway" that was the mighty Klamath river Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Visitor Centers • Natural History Museums • History Museums
This new facility is a hub for tourist information about the Redwoods and local businesses. The visitor center will educate visitors about the Yurok Tribe's heritage and culture. The approximately 3,500 square-foot Yurok Country Visitor Center is in downtown Klamath on the corner of Klamath Blvd. and Klamath Circle and is within walking distance from Redwood Hotel Casino. The location is also right in the center of Redwood National and State Parks, home to some of the last remaining old-growth redwoods on the planet.See more..
We visited this lovely small town just after a snow had fallen in the nearby mountains. It was beautiful. We visited almost every place that was shown in the Hallmark movie, "The Christmas Card." It was great to visit the church, the restaurant, etc. It is a great place to relax and spend at least one day!See more..
4.5Hiouchi Information Center(26 reviews) - Small Center But Awesome Assistance! Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers
This visitor center was our first stop at Redwood National Park. It is quite small, but had some great displays and a large bookstore. The layout of Redwood is a bit overwhelming and didn't really know how to go about seeing it in a day and half. Ranger Brad was AWESOME. He was SO knowledgeable and gave us a lot of time (they weren't busy at the moment so we weren't hogging the rangers). He gave us a lot of tips that were super helpful (for example, some roads were closed and if we didn't get that info we would've been stuck in a construction zone for a couple of hours). We felt a lot more prepared after talking with Ranger Brad and ended up having a great trip at Redwood.See more..
Visitor Information Center is your go-to resource for what to do, where to stay and dine, and how to get around town. FREE Maps, visitors guides (in foreign languages too), tips and more! Come in and chat with our destination experts for insight on the best things to do and see, as well as their personal favorites. Berkeley's Visitor Information Center is located at 2030 Addison St., suite 102, one block north of the Downtown Berkeley BART Station. Open weekdays 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (closed daily 1-2 pm for lunch), theSee more..
Be sure to stop off at this visitor center for brochures, maps, hotel, beach and surf information to take advantage of all this charming town has to offer.See more..
Wow open during the virus. Nice bathrooms and very helpful staff. Entry in back with parking. Look around and asked questions. Found out why sculptures were blocked off entry from the highway. It seems that the current virus warnings by the Governor states that these types of exhibits must be cleaned constantly. This means that they are not available to most people by driving directly in the unpaved desert (car trails) Sculptures in front and in rear parking area to include other information. Leave a donation to help these great folks.See more..
My wife loved the education inside the building. The displays make us retired teachers proud. I loved the views out back. The place is free. There is great parking for all size vehicles.See more..
This is the best place to stop to either get information, buy gifts or use the restroom. We did all three at the park entrance on the Generals Highway. It is near the entrance sign and in addition to beautiful spring flowers it has a great view of the riverSee more..
A good resource for adventure travel in Placer County, meeting connection and all things family. You'll find all types of information on the most beautiful destination showcasing 'hidden golden nuggets,' around every turn.See more..
If you need info on what to do in and around Buellton, this is the place to go! They have tons of information and are so helpful and friendly!See more..
4.0California Welcome Center(15 reviews) - Hidden Gem for Information Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers
We just moved to the area from Sonoma County and decided to stop in to gather information on the area- Sacramento to Tahoe. We came away with a bag of information and lots of ideas of things to do, wineries, places to eat, festivals, and where to shop. The visitor center had lots of information for all of California and it was well stocked for all areas. See more..
4.5Grass Valley Visitor Information Center(15 reviews) - Lots of information Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Visitor Centers This organization provides information on attractions and lodgings found in the vicinity of Grass Valley and Nevada City.See more..
