Noyo Center for Marine Science

Coastal Highway 1


This small science center educates visitors about the climate-based threats facing the Mendocino coast, including the mass sea star die-off, explosion of invasive purple urchins and collapse of California's kelp forests over the past decade. It also has one of the largest orca skeletons on display anywhere in the world. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and eager to share how everyday visitors can help.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Coastal Highway 1 attractions

1. Triangle Tattoo & Museum

0.01 MILES

This one-off museum has an excellent exhibition of international tattoo art and explains the history in various cultures. You can also get a tattoo done…

2. Northcoast Artists Gallery

0.01 MILES

An excellent local arts cooperative where 20 full-time members work in photography, glass, woodworking, jewelry, painting, sculpture, textiles and…

3. Guest House Museum

0.04 MILES

A majestic Victorian structure built in 1892 displays historical photos and relics of Fort Bragg’s history.

4. Glass Beach

0.69 MILES

Named for (what very little is left of) the sea-polished glass in the sand, remnants of its days as a city dump, this beach is now part of MacKerricher…

5. Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

2.49 MILES

This gem of Northern California displays native flora, rhododendrons and heritage roses. The succulent display alone is amazing and the organic garden is…

6. Sea Glass Museum

2.95 MILES

Just south of town, this museum showcases the sea glass found on local beaches with beautiful displays, plus audiovisual explanations and additional…

7. MacKerricher State Park

3.17 MILES

MacKerricher State Park preserves 9 miles of pristine rocky headlands, sandy beaches, dunes and tide pools. The visitor center sits next to the whale…

8. Jug Handle State Natural Reserve

4.86 MILES

Between Mendocino and Fort Bragg, Jug Handle preserves an ecological staircase that you can view on a 5-mile (round-trip) self-guided nature trail. The…