Get wild in California

California is teaming with wildlife, and visitors to the Golden State can get up close and personal with native species, learn about conservation efforts, and develop a greater appreciation for the state's biodiversity. If you’re ready to learn where the wild things are, it’s time to explore California.

Native Habitats, Ecosystems & Wildlife Education

California's wild side reveals itself in wetlands, forests, and deserts, where dedicated organizations work to protect everything from migrating monarchs to rescued elk. These destinations offer a rare chance to witness conservation in action while getting up close with the creatures that call the Golden State home.

Mount Shasta Area Audubon Society

With over 300 species of birds, the Mount Shasta Area Audubon Society attracts birders to see them in their natural habitats from creeks, rivers, and lakes to wetlands and wildlife refuges. Depending on the time of year, visitors can spot everything from Greater Sandhill Cranes to Bald Eagles. The society offers visitors a map to find birds and a checklist for birders to record what they see. 

The Trails at Elk Valley 

The one-mile nature trail at The Trails at Elk Valley takes visitors through lush prairies and coastal redwood, spruce, and alder forests, where interpretive stations share stories of the local wildlife, diverse ecosystems, and the tribal traditions of Elk Valley Rancheria. There are special elk-viewing platforms that allow visitors to see the magnificent animals. The trail is also accessible for guests with disabilities.  

Tri Valley Wildlife Care

Amador County’s Tri County Wildlife Care(TCWC) is the only wildlife rehab organization in the region. It plays an important role in preserving the area’s wildlife diversity. The organization is critical to rescue operations, animal rehabilitation, and conservation tourism. Visitors can attend numerous presentations that help foster an appreciation for protecting the region’s wildlife.Śrī Surabhi Go Kṣetra, a peaceful cow sanctuary nestled in the Pleasanton foothills. Dedicated to saving cows, this nonprofit haven invites visitors to participate in wildlife care. Travelers can be part of voluntourism by helping pack nutritious feed bags and assisting with daily farm operations. 

Lindsey Wildlife Experience

Visitors to the Bay Area have a unique opportunity to connect with native wildlife at the Lindsey Wildlife Experience. The center is both an animal hospital and an education center. It cares for thousands of animals annually and offers interactive exhibits, up-close animal encounters, educational programs, and behind-the-scenes experiences. 

Yosemite Conservation Heritage Center

Operated by the Sierra Club for over 120 years, the Yosemite Conservation Heritage Centerpromotes conservation through its many public programs. Located in Yosemite Park, the center was originally called the LeConte Memorial Lodge. 

Conservation in Modesto

Modesto offers visitors several opportunities to learn about wildlife conservation in the area. At the Stanislaus Wildlife Care Center, travelers can see animal rehabilitation in action, with experts and volunteers working to revive injured animals. At The Yosemite Rivers Alliance, visitors can learn and protect the area’s rivers during volunteer work days, family programs, guided hikes, and festivals.

The butterfly effect

The Santa Maria Valley turns into a butterfly paradise from late October to February each year. Not far from iconic Highway 1, the Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove hosts upwards of 25,000 butterflies, making it one of only five spots in California where populations exceedover 10,000. Telescopes help visitors get up close and personal with the beautiful insects. The Monarch Dunes Butterfly Habitat in Nipomo features overwintering butterflies that live six months, rather than the typical six weeks. 

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is a non-profit zoo and desert botanical garden in Palm Desert. Visitors can feed the giraffes, take an African safari, adventure in Australia’s outback, and explore America’s desert ecosystem. The zoo is heavily involved in more than 80 conservation projects in both Palm Springs and worldwide. 

Big Bear Alpine Zoo

Big Bear Alpine Zoo is unique in that all its animals are rescues. Meeting the animals and learning their stories helps guests understand firsthand the impact human interaction has on nature. Daily enrichment programs help guests learn how keepers support natural behaviors while advancing animal welfare and conservation.

Marine wildlife & ocean conservation

California's coastline teems with marine life, offering visitors front-row encounters with elephant seals, migrating whales, playful dolphins, and the colorful creatures of the tidepools, whether exploring by boat or right from the shore.

Seal time in San Simeon

It’s the barking sounds that visitors first notice, alerting them to something special off the coast of San Simeon. So many elephant seals have made the shoreline their home that it’s now known as Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery. The rookery offers a rare glimpse into elephant seals resting, molting, and congregating on the beach year-round. The site is free and requires no reservations to visit.

Whale watching cruise

In Los Angeles, people-watching is a favorite activity, but with Harbor Breeze Cruises, visitors can also do some seasonal whale-watching. Guests join experienced captains who provide live narration on the Pacific gray whale migration from Alaska to Baja California, with many cruises also featuring a biologist from the Aquarium of the Pacific. Dolphins are frequently spotted alongside whales, creating an up-close and educational marine experience.

Laguna Ocean Foundation

Laguna Beach is one of California’s most biodiverse coastal ecosystems. At the Laguna Ocean Foundation, visitors can explore eight tidepool locations on docent-guided tours that provide education on local species, conservation efforts, and responsible exploration. The nonprofit combines science and community engagement to protect fragile tidepool habitats, reefs, and kelp forests.

Oceanside Adventures

All aboard Oceanside Adventures for a cruise into Oceanside’s marine diversity. Led by a certified naturalist, visitors often spot gray whales, humpback whales, fin whales, over 30 dolphin species, and blue whales. Better yet, every booking supports Wild Coast’s conservation through the ‘Every Adventure Gives Back’ program.

California rewards the curious traveler with close encounters and a deeper respect for the creatures that call this state home. All it takes is a little wandering to find where the wild things are.