Geology museums in California

The La Brea Tar Pits is an area in the American city of Los Angeles where asphalt seeps from the ground to the surface. This unique geological phenomenon has led to the area being designated as a park. The tar pits are a fascinating sight to behold, with the asphalt appearing to bubble up from the ground.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, located in Los Angeles, California, is the largest natural history museum in the western United States. Its extensive collections include nearly 35 million specimens and artifacts that span 4.5 billion years of history. This vast collection provides a comprehensive view of the natural world and human history, making it a fascinating destination for tourists interested in natural history and culture.

The Exploratorium is a museum of science, technology, and arts in San Francisco, United States. It is characterized as a 'mad scientist's playground, a scientific funhouse, and an experimental laboratory, all in one.' The participatory nature of its exhibits and its self-identification as a center for informal learning has led it to be cited as the prototype for participatory museums worldwide.

The California Academy of Sciences, located in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California, is a unique blend of a science academy and a natural history museum. It features a planetarium, an artificial rainforest, and a large aquatic area. This combination of features offers visitors a diverse and comprehensive experience, allowing them to explore various aspects of natural history and science in one place.

The Giant Forest Museum is a natural history museum situated in Tulare County, California. It is nestled within the Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park and is operated by the National Park Service. This museum offers a unique opportunity to learn about the natural history of the area and the diverse wildlife that inhabits it.

The Point Reyes Lighthouse, also known as Point Reyes Light or the Point Reyes Light Station, is a significant landmark located in the Gulf of the Farallones on Point Reyes in Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County, California, United States. This lighthouse is a key feature of the area and offers visitors a unique insight into the region's maritime history.

The San Diego Natural History Museum, originally known as the San Diego Natural History Society, was established in 1874. This makes it one of the oldest scientific institutions in Southern California and the third oldest west of the Mississippi. The museum's rich history and longstanding commitment to scientific culture in the region make it a significant landmark for visitors interested in natural history.

The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, located in Santa Barbara, California, is a hub for nature enthusiasts. Each year, it reconnects more than 150,000 people to nature, both indoors and outdoors. The museum is a great place for tourists who are interested in natural history and want to learn more about the natural world.

The Yosemite Museum, situated in the Yosemite Valley within the Yosemite National Park in California, was established in 1926. The museum's exhibits primarily concentrate on the heritage and culture of the Ahwahnechee people, the original inhabitants of the valley. This provides a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the rich history and traditions of these indigenous people.

The Desert Discovery Center, located in Barstow, California, is a community education center that is open to the public. It serves as a hub for learning and promoting awareness about desert life. The center is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity for visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the desert environment.

The Discovery Cube Orange County, located in Santa Ana, California, is a science museum that was previously known as the Discovery Science Center and the Taco Bell Discovery Science Center. The museum is home to over 100 hands-on science exhibits that are designed to ignite the natural curiosity of children. These interactive exhibits provide an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

Turtle Bay Exploration Park, situated in Redding, California, is a unique blend of museums and natural spaces that aim to interpret the relationship between humans and nature. This complex offers a variety of attractions including a botanical garden, arboretum, natural history and science museums, and educational programs on history and science. It is located next to the Sacramento River, providing a beautiful backdrop for exploration and learning.

The Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center, formerly known as the LeConte Memorial Lodge, is a significant structure located within Yosemite National Park in California, United States. This historic building, built in 1903 by the Sierra Club, is a prime example of Tudor Revival architecture and serves as a testament to the Club's mission. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987 and is a notable point of interest for visitors to the park.

The Loomis Museum, also known as the Loomis Visitor Center, the Manzanita Lake Visitor Center, and the Manzanita Lake Museum, is a historic site located near Manzanita Lake, just outside Lassen Volcanic National Park in California, USA. It was built in 1927 by Benjamin Franklin Loomis, a local homesteader and photographer who played a significant role in the establishment of the national park.

Turtle Bay Exploration Park, situated in Redding, California, is a unique blend of museums and natural spaces that aim to interpret and showcase the intricate relationships between humans and nature. The park offers a diverse range of attractions, from botanical gardens and arboretums to natural history and science museums, providing a comprehensive and engaging experience for visitors of all ages.

The Western Science Center, previously known as the Western Center for Archaeology & Paleontology, is a museum situated near Diamond Valley Lake in Hemet, California. This location is ideal for tourists who are interested in archaeology, paleontology, and the natural history of the region.

The Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science is a prominent natural history museum situated in the heart of Bakersfield, California. It is conveniently located in the downtown Arts district, making it easily accessible for tourists and locals alike.

The Discovery Cube Orange County, previously known as the Discovery Science Center and the Taco Bell Discovery Science Center, is a science museum located in Santa Ana, California. The museum is home to over 100 interactive science exhibits that are designed to ignite the natural curiosity of children. These exhibits provide a hands-on learning experience, making science fun and engaging for all ages.

The park provides a variety of amenities including an amphitheater, barbecues, baseball/softball fields, bicycling, fire rings, fishing, group picnic areas, hiking trails, horseshoe pits, an Interpretive Center, interpretive programs, model sail boating, picnic tables, picnic shelters, playground equipment, tennis courts, and volleyball courts. These facilities cater to a wide range of recreational activities for visitors of all ages.

The Big Bear Discovery Center is a regional visitor and nature center situated in the scenic Big Bear Valley of the San Bernardino Mountains. It is nestled within the San Bernardino National Forest, in San Bernardino County, southern California. This location offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty and diverse wildlife of the region.

The Morro Bay State Park Museum of Natural History, located in Morro Bay State Park, Morro Bay, California, United States, has been welcoming visitors since its opening in 1962. This museum is a part of the California State Park system and is the only natural history museum within it. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural history of the region.

The Mojave National Preserve Visitors Center, also known as the Kelso Depot, Restaurant and Employees Hotel, is situated in the heart of the Mojave Desert. This historic site is part of the National Park Service's Mojave National Preserve, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the region's past. The depot was originally built to provide services to passengers and railroad employees, and it also served as a water stop for steam locomotives. Today, it stands as a testament to the area's rich history and serves as a central point for visitors exploring the preserve.

The Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose is dedicated to early childhood education, building and displaying interactive exhibits that cater to this focus. The museum's exhibits, programs, and initiatives have received local, regional, and national attention. Some of its exhibits include life-size replicas of Columbian mammoths, explorable vehicles like a fire engine and a Wells Fargo stagecoach, and five visual and performing arts spaces.

The Cal Poly Humboldt Natural History Museum is a prominent natural history museum located in Arcata, California, United States. It offers a wide range of exhibits and collections that cater to the interests of various visitors, making it a significant destination for those interested in natural history.

The Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science is a renowned natural history museum situated in the heart of Bakersfield, California. Its location in the vibrant Arts district makes it easily accessible and a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

Fresno Discovery Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit family science center open to the public in Fresno, California since 1954. Our property has 5.5 acres of outdoor exhibits, play structures, gardens, and animals to visit in a park setting. Our indoor Science Center provides science exploration through e

The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History is situated in Pacific Grove, California, United States, in close proximity to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. This museum is dedicated to the natural history of the region, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the local flora, fauna, geology, and cultural histories.

The Maturango Museum, situated in Ridgecrest, California, is renowned for its guided tours of the Coso Rock Art District, which is located on the China Lake Naval Weapons Station. These tours provide a unique opportunity for visitors to explore and learn about the rich history and cultural significance of the area.

Mendocino Headlands State Park, located in Mendocino, California, is a vast expanse of 347 acres of untouched seaside bluffs and islets. The park, which surrounds the town of Mendocino, features two beaches - Big River Beach and Portuguese Beach. Additionally, the park includes the Big River Unit, a larger area that stretches for eight miles along both banks of the nearby Big River.

The Old Lake County Courthouse, also known as Lake County Courthouse, is a historic building located in Lakeport, California. Constructed in 1870, this building has stood the test of time and remains a significant part of the city's history. It's not just an architectural marvel, but also a symbol of the region's past.

The Lompoc Museum, situated in the town of Lompoc, California, is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of the Lompoc area. This museum provides a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the rich history and heritage of the region.

The Museum of Creation and Earth History, located in Santee, California, is a facility that promotes young earth creationist views. It was opened by the Institute for Creation Research in 1992 at its original headquarters.

Consequences of the eruption of Mount St. Helena some 3 million years ago. Petrified trees, shells, clams. Worth the trip from Napa!

The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, fondly referred to as "the Whale Museum", is one of the earliest museums in the state of California. It was established in 1905, originating from the collection of Laura Hecox. This museum is a testament to the rich history and natural diversity of the region, making it a significant destination for tourists interested in natural history and the cultural heritage of Santa Cruz.

The Interpretive Center opened in 1984 with a mission to present and interpret the unique features and history of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The almost 10,000 square foot expanded Interpretive Center, re-opened on July 15, 2006, features exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the Peninsula

A visit to this center with a 700,000 year old Columbian Mammoth tusk and hundreds of other fossils from nearby Fairmead site is time well-spent.