Padilla Bay Interpretive Center

The Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is a protected area located in Mount Vernon, Washington, that provides research and stewardship opportunities, as well as educational classes and professional trainings on environmental topics. The Breazeale Interpretive Center, located within the reserve, features an aquarium with exhibits and offers free admission. The reserve is home to a massive eelgrass meadow, which serves as a nursery for juvenile salmon, crab, and herring, and provides critical habitat for waterfowl and marine birds. Visitors can explore the intertidal mudflats, observe sea stars, urchins, and other marine life, and spot eagles, herons, ducks, and other birds. The reserve also offers trails and an overlook site for bird-watching and nature exploration. The Padilla Bay Interpretive Center is ADA/wheelchair accessible and allows dogs/pets on leash. It's a great place for family-friendly activities, including beach exploration, bird watching, and hiking