Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank
Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank Visitor Center
Come enjoy a stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge at the Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries Visitor Center! Located in a historic Coast Guard station at the mouth of San Francisco Bay, the center offers visitors a wealth of educational resources about wildlife and conservation, and provides access to a sandy beach and green space that's perfect for a sunny day trip.
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Admission: Free
- Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Best for: Family picnics, birders, amateur photographers
Accessibility Features
Physical and Mobility Assistance
- Wheelchair Accessibility/Mobility
- The front door has two steps without a handrail. There is an ADA compliant ramp to an alternative entrance at the back of the visitor center, however, visitors need to ring a doorbell for the door to be opened.
- There is an accessible restroom.
- Once in the visitor center, there is one ramp between rooms and the space is accessible.
- Transportation
Service Animals
Service dogs are always welcome at the Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries Visitor Center. We follow the U.S. Department of Justice’s requirements for service dogs as listed under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Service dogs are defined as animals trained to provide assistance to a person with a disability.
Sight and Hearing Impaired Assistance
- Two of the exhibits focus on sound (i.e., feeding sounds of humpback whales and calls recorded from a common murre colony). These are simple push buttons.
One exhibit is tactile (i.e., touchable shark skin built into a frame).
- There are also other tactile possibilities like bone clone skulls, whale rib bones, and pinniped pelts, although these could be hard to find and navigate independently for someone with certain types of vision impairments.
- Videos playing throughout the center have sound. Some of these videos are captioned.
- The accessible restroom sign includes braille.
Sensory Friendly Assistance
Upon request, one-on-one tours are available to help those with special needs.
Partner Exhibits
Encounter stunning views of California's national marine sanctuaries’ spectacular underwater ecosystems, from giant octopuses to rocky reefs blanketed in vibrant pink anemones and colorful corals. Highlights include a 100,000 gallon Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary tank; a tide pool touch tank; and interactive displays that track the extraordinary migration pathways of sea turtles, sharks, and other long-distance travelers to the California coast.
The Oakland Museum of California's Natural Science Gallery has an entire wing focused on the rich and unique Cordell Bank ecosystem. The exhibit features an immersive video room, life-like models, specimens and microscopes to look close up and interactive stations.
While visiting the edge of California, gaze out over the mighty Pacific Ocean at the historic Point Reyes National Seashore Lighthouse. The Ocean Exploration Center is attached to the Point Reyes National Seashore Lighthouse visitor center and opens up the underwater world to visitors to share what lives below and above the waves in the Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank national marine sanctuaries. Wall to wall murals, life-like models and panoramic views of the sanctuaries can be enjoyed from the comforts of inside. When the weather is whipping outside, this center is a sanctuary to witness the wild weather that frequents the Point Reyes headlands. Ask the park ranger about junior ranger opportunities, talks and lectures offered at the Seashore! For hours and location, click here.