Come Explore Your Ocean — In Person!
Seymour Center Outdoors
The Seymour Center is now open outdoors only on Saturdays from 11 AM – 2 PM, in accordance with federal, state, local, and university COVID-19 restrictions.
Hours of Operation
OPEN Saturdays, 11 AM – 2 PM PDT (weather permitting)
Admission
Seymour Center Outdoors is free to visit with a suggested $10 donation per household. Become a sustaining supporter of the Seymour Center, and purchase a membership!
Activities Include
Front Entrance
- Tide Pool Investigation: Hone your observation skills and watch animals such as sea stars, sea urchins, and hermit crabs gracefully move in their environment.
- Outdoor Scavenger Hunt: Explore the Pathway of Giants and find nine outdoor objects hidden around the Seymour Center.
- Larval Fish Geocache: Why do baby fish look so different from their adult forms? What kinds of strategies do fish use for raising their young? And just what kind of fish live in Monterey Bay, anyway? Find the answers to these questions in five secret containers located throughout the Coastal Science Campus.
- Marine Animal Selfie Station: Grab a selfie with one of our life-sized wooden marine animals—be sure to use #SeymourCenter on your social media profiles.
Blue Whale Skeleton
- Meet Ms. Blue: Come face-to-face with one of the largest skeletons of any kind, displayed anywhere in the world.
Gray Whale Skeleton
- Gray Whale Feeding Frenzy: Curious how gray whales find food? Learn more about their unique feeding posture and more.
- Breathtaking Views: Stop by the overlook to experience stunning vistas of the Monterey Bay.
And Lots More!
Know Before You Visit
Your safety is our priority. To ensure everyone in your group has an enjoyable visit to Seymour Center Outdoors, please read the details below before your visit.
- Face Coverings: All staff and guests (2 years and older) are required to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth per state, local, and university guidelines when indoors using the restroom or shopping at the Ocean Discovery Shop.
- Symptom Check: When entering the building to use the restroom or shop at the Ocean Discovery Shop, you’ll be asked if you or anyone in your family:
- Are exhibiting any of the following symptoms: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose (unrelated to seasonal allergies), nausea or vomiting, diarrhea
- Have taken any medication for COVID-like symptoms in the past 48 hours before visiting Seymour Center Outdoors.
- Within the previous 10 days, are aware of being exposed to anyone who has been confirmed to have COVID-19 or anyone who is experiencing the symptoms of COVID-19?
- Has received a positive test result for COVID-19 in the past 10 days?
- Guests experiencing any of the above symptoms or answered yes to any of the above questions may not visit Seymour Center Outdoors.
NOTE: Guests who do not comply with our policies will be asked to leave.
Still have questions? Please review the FAQs below.
We Need Your Support Now More Than Ever
Seymour Center Outdoors is free to visit with a suggested $10 donation per household. Become a sustaining supporter of the Seymour Center, and purchase a membership!
Make a Donation Become a Member
FAQs
General
Do I need to make reservations?
No. Reservations are not required to visit Seymour Center Outdoors.
Are there restrooms available?
Yes, restrooms are available.
Is parking available?
Visitor and handicap parking is available in front of the Seymour Center. Hours of enforcement are Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excepting holidays.
Can I eat my lunch at the Seymour Center?
Eating or drinking is only permitted outdoors. Two outdoor classrooms with picnic tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Food and drink are not available for purchase.
Will the Seymour Center still offer virtual events and programs?
Yes! We will continue to offer virtual events and programs. Please visit our calendar for the latest offerings or sign-up for our e-newsletter.
COVID-19 and Safety
What measures is the Seymour Center taking to keep visitors safe?
- Face coverings are required for all guests ages 2 and up and must cover both nose and mouth when indoors using the restroom or shopping at the Ocean Discovery Shop.
- Guests are asked to complete a symptom check upon entering the building to use the restroom or shop at the Ocean Discovery Shop.
- Seymour Center staff must also complete a daily symptom check.
- We have increased the amount of sanitizing stations throughout Seymour Center Outdoors.
What if I forget my face covering, or my face covering breaks?
We will provide you with a disposable face covering.
When am I allowed to take my face covering off?
Face coverings are only required indoors when using the restroom or shopping at the Ocean Discovery Shop.
Still have questions? Call us at 831-459-3800.
