Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary has a total area of over 3,300 square miles - it's kind of hard to miss. But your first stop should be The Olympic Coast Discovery Center, on the Port Angeles waterfront. It's a great place to begin your learning adventures on the Olympic Coast.

Visitor Information

Plan your trip to Neah Bay, La Push, Kalaloch or other coastal destinations. Trained Discovery Center staff will provide detailed information on where to hike, where to see whales, the best views or secluded beaches. You'll get road distances and driving times, and tips for getting the most out of your visit.

Marine Conservation

Find out what makes National Marine Sanctuaries so important in our efforts to protect the oceans, marine ecosystems and marine wildlife. And because each National Marine Sanctuary is a unique world of its own, you'll discover why the Olympic Coast is so important. You'll meet its marine mammals, seabirds and its habitats, including tidepools and deep sea canyons.

Science and Exploration

In order to protect, we must understand. Ocean scientists are at the cutting edge of technology, developing tools that let us visit the ocean floor and understand the sea's mysterious workings. Learn about this history of exploration of the Olympic Coast and the many tools that researchers use to understand the underwater landscapes, living communities and ocean processes that make Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary the ecological treasure it is. Hop into our Deepworker Theater to see actual underwater videos narrated by Sanctuary researchers.

Maritime Heritage

From time immemorial, people have formed deep bonds with the ocean. Whether it's a first encounter with a tide pool or the experience of many generations, the Olympic Coast has shaped its communities' identities, cultures, and livelihoods. Before there was written history, Native Americans thrived on the ocean's bounty. Today, fishing, transportation and recreation are keystones to the region's wealth. Discover what it means to have an Olympic Coast way of life.

Visit the Olympic Coast Discovery Center first, then launch your own journey of discovery to the wild Olympic Coast.



Olympic Coast Discovery Center
NOAA's Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary
The Landing
115 East Railroad
Port Angeles, WA, 98362 USA
(360) 452-3255



FREE OF CHARGE!

OCDC Hours of Operation for 2007

December 1- February 28
Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

March 1 - May 24
Thursday thru Sunday,11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

May 25 - September 3
Daily, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

September 4 - November 30
Thursday thru Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.