Shipley Nature Center, Huntington Beach CA

10 stars! Minus 1 star for not being open much.
This is a great place to bring the kiddos to learn about the awesomeness of nature. Or just come by yourself and stroll around the trails, find a bench, sit amongst the tranquility, read a book or just watch the clouds roll by.

Shipley Nature Center is a wonderful nature experience with paths, learning presentations about gardening, plants and the native animals, birds and butterflies

There are presentations, events, musical events and kids classes. It is delightful for all ages.

The only times you can get in is Fridays and Saturdays between 9 am - 1 PM.

It’s only $3 to explore and enjoy Shipley nature center. Bring friends and family and help support this local treasure

In summer the gates open at 4: 30 and close at 7: 30.

I'm a little bias with this place since I worked here as a groundskeeper in my early 20's. It was a great experience working with a great mix of volunteers from all walks of life. I fell in love with observing my interactions with the flora and fauna.

If I lived closer I'd be a volunteer. Hope this place gets interest from the new generations because it serves a unique niche of a little taste of wilderness in the middle of the suburbs.

Pleasant Saturday walk through the Shipley Nature Center, Huntington Central Park East, Huntington Beach

Update of our review. We did have a great experience on the Saturday morning we went. Although it is a compact area, it was packed with many different wildlife and plants and we had a great docent. They also have a children's program.

Lots of shaded paths and nice view of the lake. Wish the loop path wasn't closed in one section. Nice activities for kids!

Here’s yet another natural addition to Huntington Central Park, as well as to my natural area reviews overall!
Unfortunately, this beautiful section of the park is only open to the public on Saturday’s from 9: 00 a.m. To 1: 00 p.m.
Here it’s possible to see the nursery with native plants, learn methods of conservation, composting and vermiculture.
Local animals, including squirrels, rabbits and birds may be seen along the way!
Going thru this part of Huntington Central Park seems to complete the overall natural experience, having covered the main park with scenic walking trails, the garden, open green space, shaded picnic areas, ponds, lakes and Urban Forrest.

It is a nice place to exercise and there is a big open field in front to exercise on, and a walk path. Police and security just said and it is sensible to stay away from any obviously bad people and some homeless in the area, they want everyone to know they should be careful and not to worry and go on it is a nice place to enjoy.

Peaceful and beautiful, full of wild life, great looking Red Wood Tree area, the Nature Center is nice, love the little brook created, and the walk around the Nature Center is adventurous!

Sorry i went there on a Wednesday. Its only open on Saturday from 9am to 1pm. I did see an egrets nest from the outside. Plenty of nature there.

My girls have a blast every time we come. The ducks are friendly and get close to us often. Thank God we cam still visit places like this.

Shipley Nature Center is an escape from the hectic pace of city life, and on the days it's not so busy, it feels like you're exploring nature in your own mini wonderland. The trails are quiet, and trees shade part of the loop hike. Please be advised during the rainy season, low-lying parts of the trail over by Goldenwest Ave, near the lake, do get flooded and this portion of the loop will be closed and posted with signs.

I've seen all kinds of birds here, including Allen's & Anna's Hummingbirds, Red-Tailed Hawks, Red-Shouldered Hawks, Cooper's Hawks, ducks of varying species in the reed-surrounded lake, Crows, Snowy Egrets, Great Egrets, which actually nest in the trees here, Goldfinches, and sparrows to name a few.

They've also planted so many flowering plants on the grounds, especially in the Butterfly Garden up front, but also in several other areas of the loop trail, so this is a butterfly lover's paradise.

Plenty of squirrels can be found racing back and forth up the large trees, just east of the small amphitheatre here, where they host weddings.

Please be kind and donate into the metal drop box a short way inside the gate on the left. I've always dropped a couple buck in each time I've visited. It helps with the miscellaneous costs of this privately run nature center. Shipley is open only on Saturdays, from 9am to 1pm.

Volunteers are kind, and free with their knowledge here. Spread some smiles by saying, "Hello. "