Hands-on Learning: Coastal Interpretive Center in Ocean Shores
A visit to the Coastal In
terpretive Center in Ocean Shores provides a fun and hands-on learning experience for all ages, fulfilling the center’s mission of promoting environmental stewardship.
The non-profit Coastal Interpretive Center is charged with educating the public concerning natural and man-made environments on the Point Brown Peninsula through the presentation of the history and ecology of coastal life.
Popular displays include Native American artifacts and basketry, rock identification tables, and several collections of shells and whalebones. There are displays about maritime history, Japanese tsunami debris still washing ashore and information about the history of Ocean Shores. Natural history galleries focus on seabirds, area wildlife and marine life, particularly the Orca whales that live in the waters of the San Juan Islands.
The center’s exhibits and displays captivate people of all ages and backgrounds.
The Coastal Interpretative Center is open from 11 a.m.to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, now through April. It’s open daily May through September. The center is located on the south end of Ocean Shores, between the Marina and the community club.
A retail shop is operated on site, offering a wide variety of books and gifts. All proceeds help underwrite the center, which is also member supported.
Visitors to the center are welcomed by volunteers who can guide you through the exhibits. Special or larger groups are encouraged to call ahead to make reservations.
The center is located at 1033 Catala Ave, SE. For more information, call 360-289-4617.