Neal Taylor Nature Center

Situated on breathtaking Lake Cachuma, the Neal Taylor Nature Center is an interactive museum dedicated to teaching children and adults the importance of the area's wildlife and ecosystems. 

The nature center was founded in 1988 by naturalist Neal Taylor. Neal brought his passion for the great outdoors, fishing, and storytelling to the center, where he developed programs and hands-on exhibits for children and adults. When he passed in 2011, the board honored him by renaming the facility the Neal Taylor Nature Center. 

While the nature center is in a small ranch house, it is full of impressive exhibits that showcase the unique vegetation and animals of Lake Cachuma. Visitors can engage in hands-on activities and attend workshops designed to foster an appreciation and education for the area's habitat. Additionally, volunteers lead guests along scenic trails meandering through the habitats, offering a chance to observe native wildlife. 

Additionally, with its Lake Cachuma location, it's easy to combine a visit to the Neal Taylor Nature Center with a hike on the nearby Tequepis Trail. 

Add the Neal Taylor Nature Center to your vacation itinerary for an adventure that will appeal to both young and old.

Fun Facts & Cool Features

A fun fact about the Neal Taylor Nature Center is that it is a non-profit funded by donations and operated by volunteers. These dedicated individuals lead the tours, renovate the ranch home "room by room," and pour their heart and soul into the center. Their spirit and joy are contagious, which adds to your visit. 

The best feature of the center is the exhibits. The indoor museum has five rooms displaying artifacts from the indigenous Chumash tribe and local history. You'll also get to explore hands-on displays featuring the geology, plants, and animals of Santa Barbara County. Several taxidermy mammals, fish, and bird specimens are available to examine, and they make great backdrops for family pictures or selfies. 

The Native Plant Garden behind the nature center has a short interpretive trail that is wheelchair accessible. This garden is unique because the plants are labeled and have a QR code. With a quick scan, you can learn in-depth information about how the Chumash people used them.

A popular program from May through September is "Going Batty." The Native Bat program includes weekly talks when the migrating bats make their home in garden bat boxes. Visitors can visit these any day of the week, at dusk, when the bats drop out of their boxes to feed.

The annual Fish Derby is a tip of the hat to founder Neal Taylor, an avid fisherman. The fundraising event for the Nature Center is held on beautiful Lake Cachuma in mid-April, with donated prizes and awards given to winners. 

After a day exploring the Nature Center, take the gang to nearby Cold Spring Tavern for a hearty meal on your way back to Santa Barbara. This family-friendly eatery features antique furniture and an Old-West vibe back when it was a stagecoach station. 

The Neal Taylor Nature Center is an ideal spot for families, nature enthusiasts, and anyone looking to deepen their appreciation for California's diverse ecosystems on a Santa Barbara getaway.

Getting There 

Here are step-by-step driving directions to Neal Taylor Nature Center from Santa Barbara: 

• Head west on W Carrillo St toward State St 
• Turn left onto State St 
• Merge onto US-101 N via the ramp to Ventura 
• Take exit 102A for CA-154 N toward San Marcos Pass   
• Continue on CA-154 N for approximately 9 miles 
• Turn right onto San Marcos Rd 
• Continue for about 1 mile 
• Turn left onto E. Elflein Rd 
• Follow until you reach the Neal Taylor Nature Center.
• Address: 5500 E. Elflein Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93105 

Cost 

Visiting the Neal Taylor Nature Center is free. Consider making a donation to support ongoing programs and maintenance.