The Marine Mammal Center

We registered online in advance groups up to 10 per party. Our reservation window was 10am to 1pm and we were running late so I called and they were very happy to accommodate us. The times are just a window to visit the location. We were able to learn a lot about the marine mammals that come to our little section of the coast. It's suggested that you go online and make a reservation. IT'S FREE, go check it out.

Extremely friendly staff! We appreciated how kind and patient they were with our toddler. Highly recommend you visit.

This a wonderful educational and working rehabilitation center for marine mammals in the area. Perfect for inspiring kids and adults alike and it’s free.

I went during late summer when it’s more calm. February in comparison is very loud with hundreds of elephant seal pups.

It’s close to several points of interest like the beach, light house Marin Headlands arts studios.

Our middle school has attended two field trips with the marine mammal center. Each field trip has been educational, informative and so interesting. One of the center leaders, Jade, is outstanding. She is very knowable, she’s extremely patient with the middle school kids and you can tell she loves that she does! Thank you for providing our students the opportunity to see what you do

Truly one of the most impaction places to visit and support effective efforts to save animals in the wild.

The tours get booked up in advance but we were able to do the self guided tour and snag cute souvenirs. It was elephant seal pup season and they had a live feed.

The Marine Mammal Center is the country’s largest marine mammal hospital. Absolutely worth the visit and the tour if you’re interested in hearing about the important work they do to support our natural environment and help mitigate the pretty idiotic things we humans do to the detriment of wildlife. Depending on the time of year and a little luck, you’ll get to see all sorts of marine animals in rehab.

Great destination for a hike through the headlands. Went out on Monday to visit the little marine mammals on the mend.

Great little visitors center with extremely friendly staff. The gal at the door was so happy to explain the center and features within.

Inside there are a couple rooms with informative displays and interactive objects like seal pelts. Also some skeletons of seals that are really interesting! You can really see how they are mammals with their little front and back paws!

In the viewing area was this nice young vonunteer named Allison! She was super sweet and excited to tell me all about the seals, seal lions and otters in their care.

Great spot for kids! For adults it's interesting for sure. I'm an avid hiker and grew up on the coast of Oregon and Alaska so seals are nothing new for me. That being said I'm glad I went to check it out, 100% recommend:)

Tickets are free and can be reserved online ahead of time.

We had the most FANTASTIC experience at the facility today! We have been awaiting for this day since May. Many thanks to John, colleagues and team for all that you do. Hoping one day Cutter will follow this path for the mammals. We will never forget this day. Thank you so much! Blessings, The Lamunyan’s (Hudson, FL)

Very cute spot to come on a date, by yourself or bring your kids!

This place is hidden in the mountains of Marin county but it’s a must stop if you are an animal lover. You can make reservations online or through eventbrite at least 24hrs before your visit. However my friend and I didn’t get tickets and we just showed up with no problem. I recommend you calling to ask if there is space for you to join since some days is pretty packed.

The mammal center itself was very cool, with a lot of information about the animals in the facility and information on how to contribute to the cause and be mindful of our environmental footprint.

This place is volunteer run so you can also become a volunteer or ask questions about what’s going on.

Some things to keep in mind:

You probably won’t get very close to the animals. This is because they are either sick or wounded so they need silence and very little interaction.

If you get lucky you might see volunteers feeding them, cleaning their cage or transporting the animals but this is not a zoo like experience.

In some areas they might be operating or examining dead animals so discretion is advised.

The place is kinda small so it probably would take you around 1 hr to see it all

Either way it’s a really fun place to learn about animals in the Bay Area and understand them.

Found an orphaned sea lion pup at Ft. Funston several weeks ago. Contacted MMC, which rescued her same day. Outcome was not what I'd hoped for but they gave her a fighting chance. Grateful for the work the do up and down our California coast. ❤❤❤

Neat place to see sea lions, elephant seals, and many other marine mammals that have been rescued. Best of all it’s free.

Really appreciated the helpful docents. They were very patient and answered all of our 6y.o.’s questions. The picnic tables are a great spot for the kids to refuel with a snack and the adults to enjoy the view.

Lots of sea life being will looked after on their road to recovery. Nice informative displays, lots of interactive exhibits. Good for all ages. Donations only, free entry. Tables for eating lunches.

It’s NOT a zoo. It’s a marine mammal hospital with lots of volunteers and they offer education on the animals they care for. Some reviewers are disappointed not to see animals up close. These people didn’t get the message. Call 415-289-SEAL (7325) if you see an ocean creature in distress. Volunteers from the center will come to the rescue.

I had an incredible time here with my teen! Here's what they had to say:

"I learned all about rescuing seals and sea lions here! We went on a Guided Tour and learned all about what they do at the center. We even got to witness a tube feeding of the Northern Elephant Seal pups! It was just amazing to see all of those rescued animals for free and know how much effort The Marine Mammal Center was putting in to rescue, rehabilitate and release them."

Great place to spend a couple hours and learn more about the local seal and sea lion populations. The tour was fun and educational.

This place was awesome. Their mission and their volunteers were great. It's definitely worth the visit, especially if you have younger kids. We went during the week, so a reservation was easy to get, but we can't speak for busier times of the year.

Such an amazing experience. A great facility with knowledgeable staff. This was well thought it was a public learning center. Also get to see the pinnipeds and their recovery. My favorite was the necropsy, I know a little dark but very educational.

Great tour! Learn so much here

I always enjoy bringing out of town friends here. It is a great space, that has a little something for everyone. There is a beautiful view of the ocean to enjoy before you even go in. They have hosted tours or you can wander on your own. This is one of the largest veterinary hospitals in the world and they do very important work. They have a very nice gift shop with things in all price ranges. If you have a little time to spare, it's worth the side trip.