Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
Stunning monarchs. Endless birdlife. Vivid wildflowers. Rockstar geology. Wow-worthy whales. The best place to enjoy the outside, inside.
The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History is one of the very first and very best natural history museums in all of California, the perfect spot to take an educationally eager group of visitors.
First founded in 1883, the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History was among the first wave of natural history museums in America. This AAM-accredited museum serves as a ‘living field guide’ of California’s Central Coast, a place to go to learn all about local plants, animals, geology, and cultural history. Your group will learn about various Central California birds, insects, and other wildlife as you peruse the various exhibits and collections at the museum, a great learning opportunity for any age group!
The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History works to ‘inspire discovery, wonder, and stewardship of our natural world’ through several permanent exhibits onsite, as well as a few special and temporary exhibits. You will see exhibits such as Birds of Monterey County, Biodiversity, Geology, Native Plant Garden, Pacific Grove’s Chinese Village, and more. The museum even has over 30,000 records collected over 130 years regarding Birds, Native American Textiles and Pottery, Herbariums, and the Point Pinos Lighthouse as well.
For more specific educational options during your visit check out the STREAM Program (Scientific Training, Research, Education, and Monitoring) and its various hands-on field trip options, each option broken down into age-specific learning groups (k-2, 3-5, Middle School, High School).
The Pacific Grove Monarch Sanctuary is run in accordance with this museum, so this is a good opportunity to double over and go see the butterflies if you have time and it is the proper overwintering season (November-February).
- Video regarding Natural History Project
