Deane Dana Nature Center

This is a small nature center within Friendship Park. It opens at 9AM daily. There is some history about surrounding events and on animal life in the area. They have a small display of stuffed animals and a few live reptiles, mainly several types of snakes.
This is an interesting place to spend a few minutes and would be great for kids. If you are in the area, I would recommend it.
parking — free lot
tip — use this area as a starting point for a nice hike down to PCH and across to the beach

This is a cool little spot located at Friendship Park where you can come cool down in the AC after a hike around the parks trails and learn about all the local critters. There is no admission cost so you can just walk right in and check it all out. There are snakes, frogs, lizards, etc. On display. Both live and stuffed. There is also a room where they hold learning activites and different events. On one occasion I went and they were holding a nature fair and Home Depot was there teaching people how to make either a bird house or a little flower box. The staff is friendly and more than willing to answer your wildlife questions to the best of their knowledge. Definitely worth a peek for both young and not so young next time your in the area.