This educational center is part of UCSC’s Long Marine Laboratory. Interactive natural-science exhibits include tidal touch pools and aquariums, while outside you can gawk at the world’s largest blue-whale skeleton.
Guided 45-minute tours run at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm (free with admission; first come, first served) and teach you about the research taking place at the lab. There's also a 30-minute family tour at 11am.