Santa Cruz Whale Skeleton & Sea Lions

Stand next to an 87 foot blue whale skeleton, pet a swell shark, then watch sea lions under the wharf. Small, cheap and calm on a weekday.

1.5 hrs drive · 1 day · Best for toddlers to teens · Sep–Mar

Day 1: Marine lab and wharf

Ms. Blue, the 87 foot blue whale skeleton, is right at the entrance. Keep walking toward the cliffs to find a smaller gray whale skeleton most families miss. Bonggamom blog
A volunteer lets kids gently pet the swell shark, and they get an 'I touched a shark' sticker. Ask at the front for the scavenger hunt sheet (easy, medium, hard) to trade for a small prize. Bonggamom blog
Visitors say the included tour is worth it because it is the best way to see the research dolphins. The center is small, so 1.5 to 2 hours is plenty, and weekday parking is easier. Trustburn visitor reviews
For sea lions on the wharf, look through the viewing holes at the far end, or go to the lower deck across from Bonnie's for a close view. Tinybeans
The Mystery Spot tour is about 45 minutes and guides pull kids in as volunteers. Kids under 5 can get bored, so it suits ages 6 and up best. Santa Cruz Life

Seymour Marine Discovery Center is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 to 4, closed Mondays. Kids under 3 free. Tours are included with admission at 11, 1, 2 and 3, first come first served for groups of 9 or fewer.
The Santa Cruz Wharf fully reopened on Apr 29, 2026 after the December 2024 partial collapse.
Mystery Spot weekday hours are listed as Monday to Friday, 10 to 4. Prices were not posted on the county visitor site, so check mysteryspot.com and buy a tour time ahead.
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History: Tuesday to Friday 11 to 4, weekends 10 to 5, closed Mondays. Adults $5, under 18 free. Street parking on Pilkington Ave.
On Nov 11, 2026, veterans and military get free state park entry nearby, including Natural Bridges and Wilder Ranch. Wilder Ranch's interpretive center is closed after flooding.