Visit Us
Nature Center & Gift Shop Hours
Thursday through Saturday
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday
10:00AM – 2:00PM
Monday – Wednesday
closed
*holiday hours may vary*
Admission to Nature Center: Donation
We charge a fee for groups of 15 or more.
The Neal Taylor Nature Center is a non-profit museum that depends on donations, memberships, and grants.
The Nature Center is located within Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, a Santa Barbara County Park.
There is a $10 per vehicle county fee except for Annual Day Use permit holders.
Nature Center Memberships Benefits at Associate level or above include an Annual Day Use permit.
Bring Your Group
to the Nature Center!
Are you bringing a large group of people (15 or more) to the Nature Center?
- We charge a $1 fee per person for group visits, which includes an optional scavenger hunt activity for all ages.
- Groups of 15 or more, school groups and summer camp groups are required to contact us and book in advance. This ensures we have enough of our volunteer docents available.
- The nature center building has a capacity of 20 people at a time. If your group is larger than 20, we ask that you plan to split into smaller groups and allow 20-30 minutes for each group to explore the nature center.
We offer special activities upon request. Additional fees apply.
- Nature themed arts & crafts
- Educational games
- Workshops & talks
Getting Here
Directions to the Nature Center
The Nature Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in the Cachuma Lake Recreation Area on Highway 154 (San Marcos Pass/Chumash Highway) between Santa Barbara (approximately 20 miles) and Santa Ynez (approximately 10 miles).
When you arrive in the park, take the second left on the main road. The nature center is in a historic white ranch house behind the Cachuma Lake Store.
To the left of the Cachuma Lake Store, you will see a large sign on a building in big green letters that says “Neal Taylor Nature Center”. The nature center is located in the house next to this building.
Typing “Neal Taylor Nature Center” or “Cachuma Lake Recreation Area” into Google maps or Apple maps will get you here, or simply navigate from the map below by clicking “View larger map”.
Support the Neal Taylor Nature Center
The Neal Taylor Nature Center at Cachuma Lake is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving and educating people about the Santa Ynez River Valley's rich history and ecology.
Ways to support our mission:
- Donate: Make a tax-deductible donation online, in person or by mail.
- Become a Member: Enjoy exclusive benefits while supporting our work.
- Volunteer: Make a difference as a residential camp host or visiting volunteer.
Donate
GET INVOLVED
Program Calendar
Western Tanager (Piranga ludoviciana)