The Exploration Center site (June 2009)
| Location | |
| 35 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060-5013 | |
| Hours | |
| Wed-Sun: 10 am - 5 pm | |
| Phone | |
| (831) 421-9993 | |
| [mailto:] | |
| Website | |
| http://www.montereybay.noaa.gov/vc/sec | |
| Project Funding | |
| Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. | |
| Established | |
| July 23, 2012. | |
The Exploration Center will allow visitors to learn about the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary marine environment, the issues impacting the sanctuary, and their personal roles in protecting one of our nation's treasures. This two-story, 12,600 sq. ft. facility will provide state-of-the-art, interactive, interpretive exhibits to an anticipated 200,000+ visitors annually and will highlight environmentally sustainable green design and construction methods. Santa Cruz was chosen as the location for the Exploration Center from 23 possible sites throughout the central California coastal area.
June 11, 2011 
Rendering of the Exploration Center
This facility opened on July 23, 2012.
