At the Charles Paddock Zoo you will discover over 100 animals in five park-like acres. You will be able to view the animals up close in naturalistic habitats. When you're ready for a break, grab some refreshments and head over to the picnic area. 9305 Pismo, Atascadero, CA. 805-461-5080

The property directly south of Shell Beach now known as Dinosaur Caves, was the site of an amusement park, with a giant cement dinosaur to gather attention. H. Douglas Brown started building the dinosaur in 1948 and was stopped by local opposition. The headless dinosaur remained a local landmark until it was torn down in the late 1950's. Pismo Beach was also known to be a place to find booze during the Prohibition Era.

San Simeon State Park is one of the oldest units of the California State Park System. The coastal bluffs and promontories of the scenic park offer unobstructed views of the ocean and rocky shore. The park includes the Santa Rosa Creek Natural Preserve, the San Simeon Natural Preserve and the Pa-nu Cultural Preserve were established in 1990.

Each year thousands of vibrant orange and black Monarch Butterflies flock to Pismo Beach, seeking shelter from the freezing northern winters. From late October to February, the butterflies cluster in the limbs of a grove of Eucalyptus trees at Pismo State Beach. The grove is easily accessible. It is located on State Highway 1 at the south boundary of the city limits of Pismo Beach. 800-443-7778

The Museum of Natural History - the only one in the California State Park system -- opened in 1962. It served over 10,000 visitors in its first two years alone, and now some 65,000 thousand people visit the Museum annually, including 14,000 children who participate free-of-charge in the docent-led school group programs that support California's required science and social studies standards. Morro State Park Road, Morro Bay, CA. 805-772-2694.

Quicksilver Ranch is located in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley, just 30 miles north of Santa Barbara, between Solvang and Ballard, California. Quicksilver Ranch does not offer petting pens or rides in the cart, but you are able to get up close and personal with the miniature horse.

The SLO Children's Museum officially closed on September 17th, 2004 in order to begin construction on our "BRAND NEW" Museum that will be built in the same fabulous downtown location. Everyone is so excited and supportive of this wonderful project and we urge you to check our progress through this web site! Your support now is more important than ever! The Mission of the SLO Children's Museum is to enable preschool through elementary age children to learn about subjects such as health, safety, history, humanities, science, nature, the arts, and their community through entertaining, enticing, quality hands-on exhibits and programs, which encourage adults to share the learning experience with children.

Where Kids Love to Learn! 705 McClelland Road, Santa Maria, CA. 805-928-8414

To establish an environment for the interpretation of the natural world available for all who wish to experience it. To provide education, exhibits and the opportunity for research in the Santa Maria Valley which will inspire a respect for nature and the environment. 412 S. McClelland Street, Santa Maria, CA. 805-614-0806

The museum now has 11 aircraft, a Bowers Flybaby, Rand KR-2, 1929 Fleet Model 2, Parker Sailplane, Jensen Hang Glider, Stinson Reliant, 1931 Great Lakes (the Hunt Special), Klemm 35, North American F-86 and McDonnel/Douglas F-4S Phantom. 3015 Airpark Drive, Santa Maria, CA. 805-922-8758

Promoting the conservation of the Guadalupe-Nipomo dunes ecosystem through education, research and the support of cooperative stewardship. 1055 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe, CA. 805-343-2455