the robert j. lagomarsino visitor center at channel islands national park

Liked the walk up to the tower that already educates you about the ecology of the Channel Islands before viewing them from the tower.

The Visitor Center is small, informative and fun. The displays are interesting and there is a new viewing tower with immersive facts about the ocean levels. Located on 5 islands at the end of the continent, the park itself is isolated and protective. The water is pristine and the land is recovering. It is a special treat to spend a day hiking in one of America's least visited National Parks.

The movie explained the islands and what to expect if we visited them. In talking with the staff we were told where to go to view harbor seals and their pups. So great to get to see them and I saw a whale blowing. Makes my trip!

A clean and informative center. It offers a short movie of the waters around the Channel Islands, large replicas of the islands, museum with literature for sale, an aquarium with typical fish, and a historic display of island animal life past and present. The volunteer staffers are knowledgeable and friendly. Great two story lookout over the harbor and ocean. Great for families,

The 20 minute video about the islands was excellent, gave us a good overview before our trip out there. The exhibits were probably more interesting for younger folks, and the garrulous volunteer latched onto us until the next party arrived, preventing us from taking our time and focusing on the exhibit material.Very well designed, clean, good rest rooms.

The Center is beautifully designed and very educational. Wonderful views from the tower of the harbor and the ocean. The displays a well thought out and visitor friendly. The staff is well trained and engaging.

Interesting place, loved the movie. Got us ready for our trip to the channel islands. Lovely native plant garden so you know what to look for.

For a fairly small NPS visitor center, this one is very well done. It's got a great diorama (??) with all the critters and many plants represented in their natural surroundings. A tower you can go up for a view of the Channel Islands (if there's no fog...); and an outdoor garden with most all the plants native to the area.

This is the best way to experience everything you want to know about the amazing Channel Islands and their history. The hands on tide pool and the videos in their theater are an amazing experience. I live here and visit it often. I never fail to bring my visitors to see it.

From an indoor water tide pool to an tall outlook over the Channel Islands, Ventura Harbor and beaches, this is a great place to visit. There are two movies that are helicopter views of the islands along with narration by Kevin Costner (who I heard is from Ventura). Outside there is a nature area with plants from the islands identified by placards - even poison oak.

I have a very different take on the Lagomarsino Visitors Center than most reviewers. It seemed old, tired and worn out to me, and in major need of a thorough cleaning. Good intro to the islands however.

I unfortunately was not able to take the trip over to the Channel Islands, but feel almost like I was there because of the great visitor center on the mainland. The video shown there was spectacular and the live tidal pool was as good as at many aquariums I've seen. Part of my traveling party did go to a nature tour of the islands and believe it was time and money well spent.

OK I volunteer here in the native garden outside the building so I am prejudiced. The garden is incredible in the Spring when the Giant Coreopsis are in bloom. We work hard to keep the garden looking natural. You get a preview of plants that are endemic to the islands, and we do propagate seeds from the island plants for the garden and replacements on islands. The plants may look "dead" in the summer but like the plants on the island, they are just awaiting the winter rains to make them break dormancy. (since we have no rain lately, we do cheat and water so newly planted babies can survive) Inside there is a nice exhibit of islands and animals found there. A very small aquarium delights children. Be sure to watch the movie narrated by Kevin Costner - it shows the islands at their best, as well as, the underwater part of the park. Climb up the tower and on a clear day you can see the islands.

They have models of the islands with descriptions, as well as a 25 minute movie, so you know before you go. The pristine beauty of the islands and the coastal inhabitants are true gems.The park personnel at the desk were very informative and helpful. Also , there were lots of brochures listing boat service and times, flights, etc.

Very informative for all ages. They have a free short movie about the channel Islands that gives you some insight about the area. Also large tanks with sea animals you can touch. Lots of books, tapes, toys to buy, regarding the ocean and the Islands