Many places are currently closed or have limited hours due to COVID. Make sure to call or visit their websites for up to date information
ZOOS & SANCTUARIES
Star Eco Station
Culver City, CA
An environmental science museum, an exotic wildlife rescue center, and a haven for endangered and illegally-trafficked exotic animals confiscated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The Living Desert
Palm Desert, CA
For nearly five decades, The Living Desert has been engaged in the important work of preserving, conserving and interpreting the desert and all its varied plant and animal life.
Los Angeles Zoo
Los Angeles, CA
The Zoo is home to more than 1,400 mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles representing more than 270 different species, of which more than 58 are endangered.
Animal Tracks
Agua Dolce, CA
Animal Tracks strives to educate the public through outreach and up close animal encounters while providing a safe and happy home for animals that can't be returned to their natural habitats
The Reptile Zoo
Fountain Valley, CA
Over 100 exotic species of reptiles, amphibians, and arachnids from around the world.
Wildlife Learning Center
Sylmar, CA
zoological park nestled in an old olive grove in Sylmar, California, where visitors can appreciate and learn about animals from around the world.
The Gentle Barn
Santa Clarita, CA
The Gentle Barn rescues animals from severe abuse and neglect who are too old, sick, lame, or scared to be adopted into homes.
Gibbon Conservation Center
Santa Clarita, CA
A non-profit center to promote the conservation, study and care of gibbons through public education and habitat preservation.
Forever Wild Sanctuary
Phelan, CA
Forever Wild Exotic Animal Sanctaury provides a healthy, happy home for captive-bred animals that zoos will not take in, most of which would otherwise be euthanized.
FARMS & STABLES
Amy's Farm
Ontario, CA
A polyculture farm where a variety of plant and animal species live a symbiotic life. This system mimics nature where all species depend on each other.
Tickets:
$10
Shadow Hills Riding Club
Shadow Hills, CA
therapeutic riding programs in which horses are used as a tool for physical therapy, emotional growth and learning for individuals with mental, physical, and/or emotional disabilities.
Programs:
call for info
123 Farm
Cherry Valley, CA
Wander their organic lavender fields and view their sample garden which is the home of more than 90 varieties of lavender. It is also home to an olive orchard.
Tickets:
$3-5
Underwood Family Farm
Moorpark, CA
Pick your own fruits and vegetables on their fully operational working farm. The Farm Animal Center has farm animal displays, pony rides, activities and games.
Tickets:
$5-8
Riley's Farm
Yucaipa, CA
Riley’s Farm is a working apple orchard and living history farm featuring pick-your-own fruit, living history education, dinner theatre and extended, historically-themed overnight stays.
Tickets:
Free
MUSEUMS
La Brea Tar Pits
Los Angeles, CA
La Brea Tar Pits are one of the world’s most famous fossil localities. Visitors can also watch the processes of paleontology unfold. Every day inside the glass-enclosed Fossil Lab, scientists and volunteers prepare fossils.
Admission:
$7-15
William S. Hart Museum
Newhall, CA
William S. Hart's Mansion and Ranch House where guests may enjoy visiting a live collection of farm animals, a herd of American bison, a vast picnic area, a series of hiking trails, and a charming Western-themed Gift Store.
Admission:
Free
Kidspace Museum
Pasadena, CA
Kidspace Children's Museum has nearly 3.5 acres of interactive environments with a mission to nurture the potential of all children. They believe in giving their guests hands-on experiences that are relevant and inspiring.
Admission:
$14
Natural History Museum
Los Angeles, CA
A museum that protects over 35 million specimens dating back 4.5 billion years. Track the earth's biodiversity because knowing what is out there is the first step to conservation.
Admission:
$5-13
Autry Museum
Los Angeles, CA
Discover the art, history, and cultures of the American West! The Autry features world-class galleries filled with Native American art and cultural materials, film memorabilia, historic firearms, paintings, interactive areas, and more.
Admission:
$6-14
California Science Center
Los Angeles, CA
A dynamic destination where families, can explore the wonders of science through interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, innovative programs and awe-inspiring films.
Admission:
Free
PARKS & GARDENS
Descanso Gardens is a unique Southern California landscape distinguished by its specialized botanic collections, historical significance, and rare natural beauty.
Admission:
$5-15
The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is a unique 127-acre botanical garden and historical site located in what was the heart of the historic Rancho Santa Anita in the city of Arcadia.
Admission:
$5-15
It was founded to maintain and preserve the beauty and serenity of the Shoseian Teahouse and the Japanese Friendship Garden for future generations to enjoy.
Admission:
Free
Descanso Gardens is a unique Southern California landscape distinguished by its specialized botanic collections, historical significance, and rare natural beauty.
Admission:
$5-15
La Canada, CA
Descanso Gardens
Arcadia, CA
Los Angeles Arboretum
Glendale, CA
Japanese Tea Garden
Los Angeles, CA
Ferndell Trail
AQUARIUMS & MARINE RESCUE
Aquarium of the Pacific
Long Beach, CA
Souther California's largest aquarium that displays over 11,000 animals in more than 50 exhibits that represent the diversity of the Pacific Ocean.
Tickets:
$18-30
Marine Mammal Care Center
San Pedro, CA
MMCC provides in house medical care to injured or sick seals and sea lions that strand on the 70 miles of beaches from Malibu to Seal Beach.
Tickets:
FREE
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
San Pedro, CA
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is a trusted resource that inspires exploration, respect and conservation of Southern California marine life.
Donations:
$1-5
Pacific Marine Mammal Center
Laguna, CA
The Pacific Marine Mammal Center Rescues, Rehabilitates And Releases Marine Mammals And Inspires Ocean Stewardship Through Research, Education And Collaboration.
Admission:
Free
TRAILS & RESERVES
Fossil Falls
Inyo, CA
Fossil Falls, also known as Lava Falls, is a short series of dryfalls in a narrow ravine that leads to a wider canyon, all cut through a thick deposit of reddish/black basaltic lava, and formed between 20,000 and 10,000 years ago by a previous alignment of the Owens River
Trona Pinnacles
Trona, CA
The Trona Pinnacles are a unique geological features in the California Desert Conservation Area. The unusual landscape consists of more than 500 tufa spires, some as high as 140 feet, rising from the bed of the Searles Dry Lake basin.
Red Rock Canyon
Lancaster, CA