Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center

The Kenneth Patrick Visitor Center is in a spectacular setting. It’s not as comprehensive as the Bear Valley one with its dioramas, but it’s all about the view. There is now a monument to Sir Francis Drake’s voyage of discovery; Drake would eventually found the Jamestown&Roanoke settlements in Virginia, but one could say that nearby Drakes Beach is a placid New England shore. The visitor center is tucked among oyster-​harvesting esteros and historic cattle ranches. One could call it surf&turf in an extreme, powerful setting.
They have a good gift shop… and unlike the Bear Valley one, a coffee/​tea/​hot cocoa snack bar. There are several picnic tables. Though it is closed from late September to late December, it is an okay visitor center.

Make sure to go here for a map and advice from the rangers. Shout out to Ranger Sarah King whose advice for the day was as good as it gets.

Located at beautiful Drakes Beach, this facility has houses exhibits focusing on 16^th-​century maritime exploration, marine fossils and marine environments. A minke whale skeleton is suspended from the ceiling. There is also an interesting aquarium sponsored by UC Davis consisting of starfish, sea urchin and plants…