Museums California
Nature Centers

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Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
Lancaster, California

Archaeology, Botanical Garden, Culture, General, History, Historic House, Natural History, Nature Centers, Park, Science

Each spring, the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve comes alive with the seasonal surprises of the Mojave Desert Grassland habitat. The duration and intensity of colors and scents vary from year to year. The wildflower season generally lasts from as early as mid-February through May, with a variety of wildflowers creating a mosaic of color that changes daily.

Aquarium Of The Pacific
Long Beach, California

Aquarium, Natural History, Nature Centers, Science

Take a journey of discovery through the world’s largest ocean at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California. Our website can help prepare you for your visit. Explore our exhibits, and discover sunny Southern California and Baja, the frigid waters of the North Pacific, and the colorful reefs of the Tropical Pacific. Come face-to-face with, and even touch, the ocean’s ultimate predators in Shark Lagoon. And hand feed lorikeet birds. With affordable prices and an entertaining and educational experience for the whole family, there is no better time to visit the Aquarium of the Pacific than now.

Bay Area Discovery Museum
Sausalito, California

Children's, General, History, Nature Centers, Park, Science

At the Bay Area Discovery Museum, play cultivates creativity. The construction cones in Lookout Cove turn out to make perfect wizard hats. And who would have predicted that children would use the hidden reaches of the willow-maze as a garage for the gravel-pit dump trucks, or that they would ride those trucks down the incline of the Golden Gate Bridge? At the Museum, it is not unusual to see children playing within an exhibition in ways never imagined by the exhibit designers.

Cachuma Lake Nature Center
Santa Barbara, California

Anthropology, Botanical Garden, Children's, Culture, Historic House, Natural History, Nature Centers, Park

Cachuma Lake Nature Center in Santa Barbara, CA is one of more than 15,400 museums in the MuseumsUSA directory. Find an exciting museum to visit where you live or vacation today.

Chico Creek Nature Center
Chico, California

Nature Centers

The Chico Creek Nature Center's mission is to enhance the quality of all life by promoting understanding, awareness, appreciation and knowledge of our environment using Bidwell Park as an outdoor classroom.

Chumash Indian Museum
Thousand Oaks, California

Anthropology, Art, Culture, General, History, Library, Nature Centers, Park, Specialized

The goal at the center is to provide the public with an awareness of the Chumash People and their historical, cultural, material and present day interactions throughout Southern California. A blend of resources are used to accommodate a wide variety of interests!

Eaton Canyon Nature Center
Pasadena, California

Nature Centers

The Eaton Canyon Nature Center features local natural history, live animals, educational program and Native American artifacts.

Effie Yeaw Nature Center
Carmichael, California

Nature Centers

Effie Yeaw Nature Center in Carmichael, CA is one of more than 15,400 museums in the MuseumsUSA directory. Find an exciting museum to visit where you live or vacation today.

El Dorado Nature Center
Long Beach, California

Nature Centers

The El Dorado Nature Center includes two lakes, a stream, 21/4 miles of trails. The area is home to foxes, opossums, skunks, insects, turtles and birds. The center provides for outdoor learning for all ages.

Elkhorn Slough National Esturine ResearchReserve Visitor Center
Watsonville, California

Nature Centers

Elkhorn Slough National Esturine ResearchReserve Visitor Center in Watsonville, CA is one of more than 15,400 museums in the MuseumsUSA directory. Find an exciting museum to visit where you live or vacation today.

Aquarium of the Bay
San Francisco, California

Children's, General, Natural History, Nature Centers, Science, Specialized

Aquarium of the Bay is San Francisco Bay’s Aquarium. We are passionate about providing fun and unforgettable encounters with our natural world in ways that ignite both wonder and conservation. We do this from our 50,000 square foot building at the heart of San Francisco's history and culture. We are nestled in the shadow of Coit Tower and Telegraph Hill on Fisherman’s Wharf at PIER 39, along the City’s “Walkable Waterfront.”

Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve Visitors Center
Guerneville, California

Nature Centers, Park

The Visitors Center features diplays on the redwoods.

Bay Model Visitor Center
Sausalito, California

General, History, Natural History, Nature Centers, Science

The Bay Model and the Bay Model Visitor Center is a research and education facility built and managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Inside is one of the most fascinating scientific tools you'll ever see: a working hydraulic model of San Francisco Bay and the Sacramento - San Joaquin River Delta Systems; simulate tide, currents, sediment movement. Used by scientists and engineers.

Carolyn Parr Nature Museum
Napa, California

Archaeology, Children's, Library, Natural History, Nature Centers, Park, Science

Displays of native animals and their natural habitats in Napa Valley; native plant, wildlife habitat garden; nature walks in Westwood Hills Park (picnic area); natural resource library available for reference on site, and children's library and games.

Chula Vista Nature Center
Chula Vista, California

Aquarium, Art, Botanical Garden, Children's, Natural History, Nature Centers, Zoo

The Chula Vista Nature Center is a living, breathing, flapping, buzzing and splashing home to the unique animals and plants of Southern California. This Zoo & Aquarium is a convenient six miles south of downtown San Diego. Kids love meeting the live owls & hawks while exploring the aquarium exhibits, making nature crafts, and more. The Nature Center sits on the 316-acre Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge. Guests can explore the Nature Center on their own or experience organized programs ranging from Critter Day Camps to Overnight Adventures. It’s the perfect place Celebrate your next birthday. Parents love the positive, educational, fun, kid-friendly staff, perfect size indoor and outdoor setting for the party, and happy kids.

Desert Tortoise Natural Area
Riverside, California

Nature Centers

Desert Tortoise Natural Area in Riverside, CA is one of more than 15,400 museums in the MuseumsUSA directory. Find an exciting museum to visit where you live or vacation today.

Edward-Dean Museum & Gardens
Cherry Valley, California

Arboretum, Art, Botanical Garden, Culture, General, Library, Nature Centers, Park

Take a Tour of the Edward-Dean Museum: Make the museum your own personal museum by taking a guided group tour. The friendly staff and docents at the Edward-Dean Museum will guide you in and out of the museum showing you the many cultural treasures hidden in the picturesque setting of Cherry Valley. Guided tours are by appointment only and are $5 per person and non-guided walk-through tours are $3.

El Capitan State Beach Visitor Center
Goleta, California

Nature Centers

El Capitan State Beach Visitor Center in Goleta, CA is one of more than 15,400 museums in the MuseumsUSA directory. Find an exciting museum to visit where you live or vacation today.

Elkhorn Slough Estuarine Reserve
Watsonville, California

Library, Natural History, Nature Centers, Science

Elkhorn SLough National Estuarine Research Reserve is located in the heart of Monterey Bay at Moss Landing. It is one of 28 National Estuarine Research Reserves around the country that serve as outdoor laboratories and field classrooms focused on our nation's estuaries. Elkhorn Slough is a 'Globally Important Bird Area' designated by the National Audubon Society and a rich environment for diverse wildlife, including one of the densest aggregations of California Sea Otters. The Reserve has 5 miles of walking trails and a visitor center with engaging exhibits that interpret the environment of this coastal jewel.

Environmental Nature Center
Newport Beach, California

Nature Centers

Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach, CA is one of more than 15,400 museums in the MuseumsUSA directory. Find an exciting museum to visit where you live or vacation today.

MUSEUM CONFERENCES

Public Lands Alliance 2025 Convention and Trade Show

February 2 - 6, 2025

Las Vegas, Nevada

Public Lands Alliance 2025 Convention and Trade Show

Sunday, February 2 - Thursday, February 6, 2025

Westgate Las Vegas

Las Vegas, Nevada

Hosted by: Public Lands Alliance

The Public Lands Alliance Convention and Trade Show brings together nonprofits, land management agencies and companies to learn, network and engage on public lands issues. The 2025 Convention and Trade Show will take place Sunday, February 2 - Thursday, February 6, 2025 in Las Vegas, NV

Connect with peers, explore the latest in public lands products, and return inspired with new strategies and resources for success in conservation and visitor engagement

Our annual Convention and Trade Show (PLA) is the premier gathering for leaders in the public lands sector to network, gain essential tools, and explore products that enhance the visitor experience and support conservation, preservation, and enrichment efforts.

For more information, please call 301-946-9475.

Georgia Association of Museums 2025 Conference

February 5 - 7, 2025

Milledgeville, Georgia

Georgia Association of Museums 2025 Conference

Wednesday, February 5 - Friday, February 7, 2025

Ina Dillard Russell Library Georgia College & State University

Milledgeville, Georgia

Hosted by: Georgia Association of Museums

The Whole Story Is The Meanin

“For the fiction writer himself the whole story is the meaning, because it is an experience, not an abstraction.”― Flannery O'Connor, Mystery and Manners: Occasional Pros

Join us in Milledgeville, Georgia, for the annual Georgia Association of Museums conference as we explore the profound wisdom of Milledgeville author Flannery O'Connor’s words. In a world where narratives intersect and perspectives diverge, this theme invites proposals that delve into the essence of storytelling within museums and cultural institutions. Our work in the museum field requires us to look at stories from as many angles and perspectives as possible so that we might do our best to tell the “whole story.

Through thought-provoking discussions, interactive workshops, and engaging presentations, we will uncover the layers of meaning embedded within every artifact, exhibition, and historical account. Just as O’Connor masterfully crafted narratives that resonate with universal truths, museums hold the power to illuminate the whole story behind many objects, artworks, and cultural phenomena

We will examine how museums can embrace inclusivity, diversity, and authenticity in their storytelling practices. By acknowledging multiple perspectives and amplifying marginalized voices, we can enrich our understanding of the past and present, fostering empathy and connection within our communities.

Small Museum Association 41st Annual Conference 2025

February 17 - 19, 2025

Gaithersburg, Maryland

Small Museum Association 41st Annual Conference 2025

Monday, February 17 - Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center

Gaithersburg, Maryland

Hosted by: Small Museum Association

The annual SMA conference attracts more than 300 museum professionals, board members, and volunteers from a wide variety of small museums. They attend sessions on topics ranging from collections and education to staffing and board issues.

We offer a large Museum Resource Hall and plenty of informal networking opportunities for you to talk with (and get ideas from!) other small museum professionals and volunteers

Theme for 2025: Make It Happen!!!

Is there an exhibit, program, or fundraiser that you've been talking about doing for years? Do you feel stuck because of procrastination, lack of board support, or insufficient funds? It's time to take action

At SMA 2025, small museum professionals will share their tips and tricks of how they made it happen!

2025 California Association of Museums Conference

February 18 - 22, 2025

San Fransico, California

2025 California Association of Museums Conference

Tuesday, February 18 - Saturday, February 22, 2025

San Fransico, California

Hosted by: California Association of Museums

CAM is hard at work planning for the 2025 conference, set to take place from February 18–22, 2025 in San Francisco. We look forward to highlighting best practices and innovative ideas from California's museum community

The California Association of Museums is excited to continue offering in-person programming for 2025. We will not be requiring proof of COVID vaccination/s, but highly encourage vaccination and boosters. For the health and safety of our colleagues, masks are also encouraged (but not required). Capacity and spaces will be thoughtfully considered in the planning of this event.

For more information, please email programs@calmuseums.org.

2025 Tennessee Association of Museums Conference: HOPE

March 11 - 14, 2025

Knoxville, Tennessee

2025 Tennessee Association of Museums Conference: HOPE

Tuesday, March 11 - Friday, March 14, 2025

Crowne Plaza hotel in Knoxville, TN

Knoxville, Tennessee

Hosted by: Tennessee Association of Museums

Tennessee museums are full of hope. But how are they turning hope into reality

With the Semiquincentennial quickly approaching in 2026, the state's museum community if approaching a turning point, and is now a great time to take stock and develop a vision for the future

The Tennessee Association of Museums' 64th Annual Conference in Knoxville will challenge the state's museums to think ahead and share their hopes, the best practices and strategies for turning those hoes into realities, and the rewards that come from aspirational thinking

The 2025 TAM Annual Conference will take place at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Knoxville, TN.

For more information, please call 615-495-3354 or email hawkins@aaslh.org.

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