5 Ways To Explore Animal Kingdom In Santa Monica
The city of Santa Monica, located in western Los Angeles County, California, is known for its beautiful beaches, outdoor recreational opportunities, and family-friendly atmosphere. While it may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of exploring the animal kingdom, Santa Monica has a surprising number of ways to get up close and personal with wildlife. From marine life to terrestrial animals, here are five ways to explore the animal kingdom in Santa Monica.
1. Santa Monica Pier Aquarium
The Santa Monica Pier Aquarium is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in marine life. Located beneath the Santa Monica Pier, the aquarium features a variety of exhibits showcasing the diverse marine life of the Santa Monica Bay. Visitors can get up close and personal with sea stars, anemones, and other marine animals in the interactive touch tanks. The aquarium also offers daily feeding demonstrations and educational programs for kids.
Tide Pool Exploration
The Santa Monica Pier Aquarium also offers tide pool exploration sessions, where visitors can explore the shallow pools of seawater left on the beach at low tide. This is a great opportunity to see marine animals such as anemones, sea stars, and mussels in their natural habitat.
2. Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Just outside of Santa Monica, the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area offers a wealth of opportunities to explore the animal kingdom. The recreation area is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including mountain lions, bobcats, and coyotes. Visitors can hike through the mountains and explore the various trails, taking in the stunning scenery and spotting wildlife along the way.
Wildlife Viewing
The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area offers a variety of wildlife viewing opportunities, including guided tours and self-guided driving tours. Visitors can spot a range of wildlife, including deer, rabbits, and birds.
3. Annenberg Community Beach House
The Annenberg Community Beach House is a popular destination for families and beachgoers. The beach house offers a range of activities, including beach volleyball, paddleboard rentals, and swimming lessons. Visitors can also explore the nearby tide pools and spot marine animals such as anemones and sea stars.
Marine Animal Encounters
The Annenberg Community Beach House also offers marine animal encounters, where visitors can get up close and personal with marine animals such as sea stars, anemones, and crabs. These encounters are a great way to learn about the marine life of the Santa Monica Bay.
4. Heal the Bay Aquarium
The Heal the Bay Aquarium is a small aquarium located under the Santa Monica Pier. The aquarium features a variety of exhibits showcasing the marine life of the Santa Monica Bay, including sea stars, anemones, and fish. Visitors can also participate in interactive activities such as marine animal encounters and touch tanks.
Marine Debris Education
The Heal the Bay Aquarium also offers educational programs on marine debris, including interactive activities and lectures. Visitors can learn about the impact of marine debris on the environment and what they can do to help reduce their own impact.
5. Santa Monica Farmers Market
The Santa Monica Farmers Market is a popular destination for foodies and families. The market features a range of local produce, meats, and dairy products, as well as prepared foods and baked goods. Visitors can also explore the nearby animal exhibits, which feature a range of animals such as goats, sheep, and chickens.
Petting Zoo
The Santa Monica Farmers Market also features a petting zoo, where visitors can get up close and personal with a range of animals such as goats, sheep, and chickens. This is a great activity for families and kids.
What are some popular animal-related activities in Santa Monica?
+Some popular animal-related activities in Santa Monica include visiting the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, exploring the tide pools at the Annenberg Community Beach House, and participating in marine animal encounters at the Heal the Bay Aquarium.
Are there any petting zoos in Santa Monica?
+Yes, the Santa Monica Farmers Market features a petting zoo where visitors can get up close and personal with a range of animals such as goats, sheep, and chickens.
Can I see marine animals in their natural habitat in Santa Monica?
+Yes, the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium and the Annenberg Community Beach House offer opportunities to see marine animals in their natural habitat through tide pool exploration and marine animal encounters.
We hope this article has inspired you to explore the animal kingdom in Santa Monica. From marine life to terrestrial animals, there are plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with wildlife in this beautiful California city. Whether you're a family looking for a fun and educational activity or an animal enthusiast looking to learn more about the local wildlife, Santa Monica has something for everyone.