Coastal Discovery Center
Facility · California ·
Managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Don Dahvee Greenbelt · Open Access
- 116 ft
- Elevation
Located on beautiful San Simeon Bay, the Coastal Discovery Center offers interactive exhibits and educational programs highlighting the cultural and natural history of San Simeon, California state parks, and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The interface of land and sea is unique and draws people here for recreational opportunities and inspiration. Protecting these special places preserves them for use and enjoyment for generations to come.
This visitor center provides a range of accessibility features for every visitor to enjoy the exhibits. Visit our website to learn more information specifically about wheelchair mobility, service animals, sight and hearing impaired assistance, and sensory friendly assistance.
This visitor center provides a range of accessibility features for every visitor to enjoy the exhibits. Visit our website to learn more information specifically about wheelchair mobility, service animals, sight and hearing impaired assistance, and sensory friendly assistance.
Getting there
The Center is located at William Randolph Hearst Memorial Beach, opposite the entrance to Hearst Castle Visitor Center on California Highway 1, about halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles. It is about a five-hour drive from either city.
From Los Angeles: Take U.S. Highway 101 north to San Luis Obispo, then travel Highway 1 north about 39 miles.
From San Francisco: Take U.S. 101 south to California Highway 46, then travel west on 46 to Highway 1 and north about 13 miles.
From Monterey: Take California Highway 1 south (about 93 miles) to Hearst Castle. Or take Highway 68 east to Highway 101 south, then take Highway 46 west to Highway 1 and north, about 130 miles total.
From Cambria: Take California Highway 1 north for about 7 miles.
36.58885, -121.89646 · 36°35'19.9"N 121°53'47.3"W
Typical weather
Typically 71°F in Sep, down to 59°F in Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 60 | 61 | 63 | 63 | 64 | 66 | 67 | 69 | 71 | 71 | 64 | 59 |
| Low °F | 45 | 45 | 46 | 47 | 49 | 51 | 53 | 54 | 53 | 52 | 48 | 44 |
| Precip in | 4.3 | 4.0 | 3.3 | 1.5 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.9 | 1.8 | 3.6 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 0.5 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
Fees and stay limits
Free
From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Coastal Discovery Center
- Can you reserve a site at Coastal Discovery Center?
- No. Coastal Discovery Center is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.
Camping near Coastal Discovery Center
- White Oaks Campground 25.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- China Camp Campground 27.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Arroyo Seco 33.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Escondido Campground 38.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Memorial Campground 40.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Pinnacles Campground 40.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Bottchers Gap Campround 16.9 mi · Campground
- Ventana Wilderness 24.5 mi · Facility
- Sanctuary Exploration Center 27.8 mi · Facility
- Arroyo Seco Trailhead 33.4 mi · Facility
- Arroyo Seco Group Campground 33.7 mi · Campground
- Bear Gulch Nature Center 40.4 mi · Visitor Center
Contact
- Phone (805) 927 6575
- Email onms.destinations@noaa.gov
- Info Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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