I didn't see anything that implied the owners were creationists, it seemed more educational and kitschy. Admission is $10 for adults and $9 for kids 2-12. Our 15 month old loved it, but was just as interested in the twigs and rocks on the path as the dinosaurs. The bathrooms are surprisingly clean and there's a lot to look at. No one else was climbing the T-Rex while we were there so it wasn't too hot or crowded. No misters either. But maybe it's under new ownership. Definitely worth admission just for our toddler to stretch his legs and have a snack.
I didn't see anything that implied the owners were creationists, it seemed more educational and kitschy. Admission is $10 for adults and $9 for kids 2-12. Our 15 month old loved it, but was just as interested in the twigs and rocks on the path as the dinosaurs. The bathrooms are surprisingly clean and there's a lot to look at. No one else was climbing the T-Rex while we were there so it wasn't too hot or crowded. No misters either. But maybe it's under new ownership. Definitely worth admission just for our toddler to stretch his legs and have a snack.
This is an amazing spot but unfortunately has been closed for a number of years due to vandalism and restoration projects. Niki de St. Phalle was a prolific mosaic sculpture artist and had many sculptures in and around San Diego. Queen Califia's Magical Circle Garden is a mosaic sculpture garden encircled by serpents. You enter through a mirrored "maze" to the center where a large goddess sculpture stands to one side, facing two different totem sculptures. If you look closely below the goddess you can see a tiny mosaic homage to Botticelli's Birth of Venus.
I discovered this with some friends in my junior year of college. It was still open to the public as late as 2009 but when I tried to return for my engagement photos in 2013, it was closed due to vandalism. I was recently there for a Fatger's Day photo shoot and it's still closed.
I have been camping here for almost 30 years with my family. Every summer in my childhood and teenage years we spent two weeks hiking, swimming, rafting and adventuring here. The coin op showers are great, best ones are near the visitor center, the Smith river is super clear and clean, great jumping rocks and rapids. The fire pits in the campsites are great for cooking and marshmallow roasting. There are plenty of campsites with redwood trees in them. The best sites are near the river. The campfire programs are fun. I miss Ranger Doug, he used to play the bagpipes to announce his campfire talks and we still sing his campfire songs. My husband proposed to me here and we have a ton of memories in this campground. Favorite campground in the world.
Have been traveling through this area for almost my entire 31 years- this is a must see. Reminds me of Return of the Jedi, Darby O'Gill and the Little People- and is just a beautiful drive. If you have the time to stop and hike, some of those hikes are relatively low impact and good for kids who need to stretch their legs.
I have been camping here since birth, and two years ago, my husband proposed to me on the wooded path down to the picnic grounds- the facilities are well maintained, and the campfires are fascinating. The spots are all beautiful, many with old redwoods in the site. The Smith River is clear and cool, a great place to spend the day swimming, kayaking, and jumping off rocks. Across from the campground is an old growth grove called Stout Grove, home of the Stout Tree. It's a level walk, quiet and green. In 2016 we will be returning with our son who will be 14 months- we can't wait to share it with him!