Group Visits
Coming with a big group (12+ people)? Give us a heads-up! We’ll help you customize a self-guided experience with various indoor and outdoor activities. Coming with a school group? Head over to School Programs.
If your preferred date or time is unavailable, please email visitseymour@ucsc.edu. We may be able to accommodate additional groups on a case-by-case basis.
Book self-guided group visitYounger Lagoon Tours
This 90-minute, behind-the-scenes hiking tour takes visitors into Younger Lagoon Reserve adjacent to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. Part of the University of California Natural Reserve System, Younger Lagoon Reserve contains diverse coastal habitats and is home to birds of prey, migrating sea birds, bobcats, and other wildlife. Come and see what scientists are doing to track local mammals, restore native habitats, and learn about the workings of one of California’s rare coastal lagoons. A tour is offered on selected Thursdays and Saturdays of each month beginning at 10:30 AM.
Younger Lagoon Reserve tours are free and open to the public. Space is limited to 18 participants. Advance reservations are highly recommended. Tours are best suited for children 10 years of age and older. Participants must be physically able to walk up and down steep inclines. Water and weather protection is strongly suggested.
Free parking is available near the entrance of the Coastal Science Campus in Lot 207 (3 hours maximum). If parking in Lot 207, plan to enjoy a 15-minute walk to the Seymour Center’s public entrance. See a Coastal Science Campus parking map.
We encourage everyone to arrive by alternative transportation if possible.
- Buses: Santa Cruz Metro route 22 stops at Seymour Center. Plan your bus route.
- Bikes: We offer plenty of bike racks around Seymour Center and throughout the Coastal Science Campus.
Reserve a Behind-the-Scenes Research Tour
Returning in Fall 2023, join our skilled docents on a 30-minute tour around the Seymour Marine Discovery Center and parts of Long Marine Laboratory. Come face-to-face with our blue whale skeleton and travel to an overlook to see where and how marine mammal research happens at UC Santa Cruz. Subscribe to the mailing list (below) to be the first to hear when these tours are back.