Southern California’s beaches are so popular that sometimes our other destinations can end up ignored. One spot that’s often missed by tourists is Shipley Nature Center, an 18-acre park filled with native plants. The nature center is both relaxing and informative. You’ll feel miles away from the chaos of Huntington Beach’s more touristy areas as you stroll through the grounds.

Southern California has some incredible greenery. It's easy to miss because people are so focused on the skyscrapers of Los Angeles and the sands of Malibu. But we do have nature here and Shipley Nature Center celebrates that!
Laura Hill/Google Maps
The nature center is a fenced area within Huntington Beach's Central Park. It was founded in 1974 and renovated in the early 2000s after the park became overrun with invasive plant species.
Shipley Nature Center/Google Maps
Shipley Nature Center features 16 distinct areas that visitors can view by walking loop trails. Each area represents a different ecosystem in the Southern California region. There are areas for oaks, pines, redwoods, and marshes.
Friends of Shipley Nature Center/Facebook

Related Stories

Go Cherry Picking At This Sweet Cherry Farm In Southern California That Has Over 3,600 Trees In The Orchard

Go Cherry Picking At This Sweet Cherry Farm In Southern California That Has Over 3,600 Trees In The Orchard

 The Photos Of The 2021 Blooms At This Beautiful 50-Acre Flower Farm In Southern California Are Beyond Magical

The Photos Of The 2021 Blooms At This Beautiful 50-Acre Flower Farm In Southern California Are Beyond Magical

 Not Many Know About Forever Wild, An Exotic Animal Sanctuary Right Here In Southern California

Not Many Know About Forever Wild, An Exotic Animal Sanctuary Right Here In Southern California
If you look closely, you'll also notice all kinds of wildlife! The plants within the nature center support a variety of animals. You'll see squirrels, reptiles, birds, and pollinating insects. This is a great place to bring children to educate them about the world around them.
Bob Thompson/Google Maps
With all the trails here, you can spend hours enjoying the natural beauty of Southern California! There are plenty of benches that provide great spots for relaxation and contemplation.
Friends of Shipley Nature Center/Facebook
For those wanting to bring nature home with them, the center regularly holds sales of native plants! It also sells pre-made compost and provides workshops on composting.
Friends of Shipley Nature Center/Facebook

For more information about the Shipley Center such as hours of admission and a calendar of events, check out its website.

Have you ever visited this little oasis of nature in Huntington Beach? Tell us about your experiences in the comments!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Southern California

Featured Addresses
17851 Goldenwest St, Huntington Beach, CA 92647, USA