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Things to do in California, United States: The Best Natural History Museums
California is a fertile, peaceful place where you’ll find a near-equal balance of vineyards and deserts, beaches and mountains, hippies and traditionalists. Catch an epic wave in Big Sur or swirl a glass in Napa Valley. Be dazzled by the Joshua Tree night sky or just star-gaze in Hollywood. Swish down the slopes of a Tahoe ski resort, or cruise across the Golden Gate Bridge with the top down and the music blasting. Above all, don’t forget to soak up some Golden State sunshine.
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1. Heritage of the Americas Museum
2. The Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology
3. Ralph B. Clark Interpretive Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
The Ralph B. Clark Interpretive Center provides an educational view of prehistoric Orange County through exhibits, programs and guided tours. Among the fossils on display is a 9 million year old baleen whale skeleton --it is reputed to be one of the only complete ice age whale fossils in existence. Visitors can also watch scientists and volunteers excavate and prepare fossil specimens for study an
4. Museum of Ancient Wonders
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
From treasures of the pharaoh to the mystical ritual of African masks to Mesozoic dinosaur skeletons, the Museum of Ancient Wonders awes visitors. More than 200 reproduction artifacts and laboratory fossil casts gathered from 30 museums worldwide.
Reviewed By JustKeepItMoving - Los Angeles, United States
A small but ambitious museum filled with impressive recreations of historical artifacts, each with a detailed description. Most items currently on display are Egyptian, with some African and dinosaur items also included in their own sections. Because they are modern recreations, almost nothing is behind glass. This allows a visitor to closely inspect the works (no touching though, of course). The owners are very friendly and knowledgeable. They explained that they have many more items in storage and hope to expand. I’m happy to contribute to help them meet their goals. I felt it was clear they had a passion for the museum and the work they put into it. The museum is not very large in its current location, and one can get through the whole thing in an hour or two. Still, I think it’s worth the price of admission for anyone with an interest in history, especially Egyptian history.
5. Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 298 reviews
Founded in 1916 as the Museum of Comparative Oology, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History has evolved to include more than 3.5 million specimens covering every aspect of natural history—from mammals, birds, and marine life to geology, astronomy, paleontology, and anthropology. Newly renovated in 2018, the Museum boasts state-of-the-art interactive exhibits for all ages, paired with the Central Coast’s only planetarium, on 17 acres of oak woodland along Mission Creek. Guests learn about the Santa Barbara region’s unique and diverse natural history and then go outside to explore nature in the Museum Backyard. Museum education programs serve all ages to promote scientific literacy and instill a passion for nature and learning. Visit the website for current daily admission prices and hours. Parking is free.
Reviewed By hapsterpolly
The Museum hosted an event in the evening. The displays were available and outstanding. The catered food was perfect. and the entertainment--a trio-- was excellent. The museum is a true treasure in Santa Barbara.
6. Rancho La Brea
7. Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,319 reviews
Discover your world past and present. See dinosaurs in our new Dinosaur Hall, including the world’s only Tyrannosaurus rex growth series. Get the behind- the- scenes look at how scientists work on fossils at our Dino Lab. See 240 specimens, including skeletons from mastodons to whales, animal dioramas from North American and Africa, and more.Stroll through our extensive Nature Gardens, and discover true stories about plants and animals in our Nature Lab. See and touch more than 2,000 spectacular specimens displayed in our Gem and Mineral Hall, and enter into the vault to view diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and other exquisite gems. Our Butterfly and Spider Pavilions are open seasonally. Here you can wander through the changing ecosystem with over 30 species of fluttering butterflies all around you, or witness arachnids up close and personal.
Reviewed By LSQRD1 - Kent, United States
I am a big fan of natural history museums. So I was very happy to have a chance to visit the one in Los Angeles. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. There is a nice mixture of traditional displays as well as some very interesting educational areas. We truly loved the traditional taxidermy displays showing wildlife in very realistic settings. At the same time the lower level education center had a wonderful mixture of displays including live animals. The spider cages were unique and fascinating. The building itself is grand and the museum is very large. From dinosaurs to less visited bird displays a bit off the beaten track there was plenty to see and the crowds were modest in many areas. Overall a great visit for those interested in science and a chance to visit one of the exceptional museums in the world.
8. Tulare Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
9. Humboldt State University Natural History Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Natural history museum known for its fine collection of fossils and its special programs tailored for kids.
Reviewed By curious2_10
Anyone interested in birds should come here to see a collection one feels must be extraordinary and complete for the Pacific Flyway. I was quite surprised. It's at the university and there were very helpful people there to clarify things for me.
10. Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
This museum's exhibits feature Ohlone Native American artifacts and local flora and fauna.
Reviewed By christinam480 - San Francisco, United States
I visited Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History to hear the local artist Ann Thiermann speak. She painted the mural at the museum and has painted local motives all her life. The staff and volunteers were friendly and helpful throughout the evening at this lovely little Natural History museum.
