The Marine Mammal Center has been leading the charge in the field of ocean conservation, through its marine mammal rescue, veterinary science, and education programs, for decades. Located just north of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge in the Marin Headlands, the interactive center was the first hospital built in the US dedicated to the treatment and rehabilitation of marine mammals.
Since its opening, the Marine Mammal Center has treated thousands of animals, with the ultimate goal of releasing them back into the wild. Typically, you can view some of the animals being housed at the center and tour its rehab and research facilities.
Admission is free, but there's a charge for guided tours; tickets for both must be booked in advance.
No dogs are allowed.
The Marine Mammal Center is a nonprofit organization; through its Adopt-a-Seal® program, you can help provide food and medicine for its animal patients.
You can reach the Marine Mammal Center by car from US-101, taking the Sausalito exit. Follow signs for the Marin Headlands until you reach Bunker Road. From there, stay on Bunker Road, with Rodeo Lagoon on your left, until you see signage for the Marine Mammal Center. You can also take the Muni 76X Marin Headlands Express to Rodeo Beach on weekends before a short walk to the center.
The Marine Mammal Center is open Friday to Monday from morning to late afternoon, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
February through May is pupping season for northern elephant seals, California sea lions, and harbor seals. Sea lions and elephant and harbor seal pups are strong enough to brave the ocean June through October. November through January is a bit quieter, but the weather is mild.
