Yep it's touristy as noted, but pleasant touristy and easy to stroll around and back to the Santa Monica shops.
Great place to visit and walk around - the guide book is worth buying. The blow hole was cool!
Stunning spot to stop an explore / take in the view
The visitors centre has a lot of information on the crater - and allows you through to the rim to take in the sheer size of the crater. Not necessarily cheap, but I don't get why people drive out there and turn back without looking. We spent maybe 90 minutes there. Not the cheapest place to visit, but not bad value either.
Ditto on the fee - it's privately run, and a comprehensive facility allowing you to take in one gaping big hole in the ground caused by a meteor.
We spent an hour or so wandering around - that's probably a good time to explore etc
Come when there is a full moon to enjoy as well.
Some parts were incredibly hot during the day (we were there early May)
Certainly a unique experience - worth the effort
Amazing to walk through - good thing we now access it via walkways and ladders! Took our 4 year old no problems at all.
Just go. You will understand. This is an amazing place to visit - my regret - only spending about a day and a half there