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Marine Mammal Care Center

📍 San Pedro, CA

★4.8(653 Google reviews)đŸ‘ļAll ages

NOAA-authorised marine mammal rehabilitation facility in San Pedro where volunteer docents guide families through recovering seal and sea lion pools. Weekly S.E.A. Lab STEM sessions and Family Science Sundays run throughout the year.

✓ Conservation education✓ Knowledgeable volunteers✓ STEM programming✓ Seal and sea lion rehab✓ Gift shop✓ San Pedro location
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★★★★★Featured review by Sean Martin

Located in San Pedro. This is a rehabilitation center for Marine Mammals. The volunteers are knowledgeable and friendly. This is the slow season for recovery of sea Mammals. Last week there were 2, this week 5. They runoff donations and purchased gift shop merchandise. It's free to visit, however, they ask for a $10 donation per guest. I've taken 2 small groups of high school students. I recommend the small group route. It's a relatively short visit, I recommend eating in San Pedro after, lots of food choices. Apparently Busy Bee 🐝 is THE sandwich place to go. The Korean Friendship bell is great place to bring packed lunch.

🏆 Family Action Verdict

Best for curious families with school-aged children who respond to conservation stories and hands-on science. The visit is compact — plan for around 45-60 minutes and combine it with lunch in San Pedro to make a half-day outing.

â„šī¸ What to Know Before You Go

💡Check the website for Family Science Sunday topics before visiting to find a session that matches your kids' interests
⏰Donation at the door directly supports the animals' rehabilitation and care
đŸŽŸī¸Animal numbers vary by season — contact the centre ahead if seeing many animals is a priority
🚗The gift shop is a genuine way to support the mission rather than just a souvenir stop

đŸ’Ŧ What Families Are Saying

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4.8
★★★★★

653 Google reviews

Knowledgeable and friendly volunteers45%
Educational and informative experience30%
Clean and well-run facility15%
Meaningful conservation mission10%
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Sean Martin

6 months ago

★★★★★

“Located in San Pedro. This is a rehabilitation center for Marine Mammals. The volunteers are knowledgeable and friendly. This is the slow season for recovery of sea Mammals. Last week there were 2, this week 5. They runoff donations and purchased gift shop merchandise. It's free to visit, however, they ask for a $10 donation per guest. I've taken 2 small groups of high school students. I recommend the small group route. It's a relatively short visit, I recommend eating in San Pedro after, lots of food choices. Apparently Busy Bee 🐝 is THE sandwich place to go. The Korean Friendship bell is great place to bring packed lunch.”

A

AngelBagel

11 months ago

★★★★★

“The Marine Mammal Care Center is an incredible organization that aims to rescue, rehabilitate, and release sick and injured pinnipeds. While the size of the center is very small, the facility is very clean and it is very easy to see everything the facility has to offer. The staff and volunteers are also very knowledgeable and friendly, and are open to all questions. Admission of free for everyone, but donations are strongly encouraged, as donations go straight to the care of the patients. The facility is also very educational for people of all ages. I highly recommend this location for everyone, and it is very easy to access.”

D

DANIEL ALEXANDER

4 months ago

★★★★★

“Very informative & educational. Lovely gift shop with many items to choose from. Staff/volunteers are Excellent. I highly recommend visiting Marine Mammal Care Center.”

C

CONNI BERRY

a month ago

★★★★★

“Love what they do here! We visit several times a year and fully support the efforts and care they give these sweet babies!”

Reviews from Google

Overview

The Marine Mammal Care Center rehabilitates sick and injured pinnipeds and opens its doors to public visitors, guided by knowledgeable volunteer docents. Animal numbers shift with season — slow periods may have fewer patients in residence. Families can explore hands-on exhibits, join weekly STEM programming through S.E.A. Lab, and attend Family Science Sundays covering different ocean topics each week. A gift shop supports the centre's operating costs.

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday10:00 – 16:00
Tuesday10:00 – 16:00
Saturday10:00 – 16:00
Sunday10:00 – 16:00

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