Point Vicente Interpretive Center – 13 APR 2013

Located next to the Point Vicente Lighthouse, this museum which opened in 1984, has a mission to present and interpret the unique features and history of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. 

The 10,000 square foot state of the art facility, highlights the peninsula’s flora, fauna and geology, with an emphasis on the Pacific gray whale.

I loved the large display dedicated to Marineland of the Pacific.

Marineland started as a research facility but opened its door to the public in 1954 and became the world’s largest oceanarium of its time.

If you’ve ever seen the classic black and white movie Creature from the Black Lagoon, there were several scenes shot at Marineland before it became an amusement park.

There were several pictures of celebrities visiting the park, below is Elvis and Irene Ryan (Granny from The Beverly Hillbillies):

There are picnic tables with a view of the lighthouse and bird watching opportunities.

December through April the Pacific gray whale migrates across the point; several whales were spotted while we were visiting.

The park grounds are open dawn to dusk. Fires and barbecues are prohibited and dogs must be on leash.

Beside catching pelicans at eye level, you get this view of the lighthouse: