Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History

College students are $2, under 18 are free. If you are in the area and have a curiosity for fossils or the local wildlife I highly recommend.

A quaint little museum with much to see! Their taxidermy exhibit is stationary but they have rotating exhibits in the front half of the museum. They've always got such cool stuff to see and so much to learn about the natural world of Santa Cruz!

As a local, I love this place and all it does to contribute to our community and marine biology. If you've been living in Santa Cruz County for a while now and haven't stopped in, you have to go - especially if you have kids. They have rotating exhibits here and some nights are admission free. You will learn something, especially if you ask the curators.

I'm only making this 4/5 stars for the tourists. This is a very quick visit that a lot of "out of towners" will likely just pass by in favor of the larger Seymour Marine Center and beach entertainment. I don't really know how to entice them more, and maybe I don't want to. I like quiet, local-oriented places that don't destroy our bountiful natural resources just so some vacationer can have one day of seaside fun.

Cozy, quiet, yet kid friendly environment. Very conducive to learning through observation and light play. We will be back.

Local gem of a museum teaching about area people and natural history. Adjacent to Seabright beach so bring a picnic lunch and make a beach day of it. Outdoor amphitheater. Don’t miss the touch pool inside and life size whale replica outside. Perfect for climbing. Limited hours and street parking. Entrance fee unless a member. School groups welcome.