Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center

The Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center is thirty minutes from Bear Valley on Drakes Beach off of Sir Frances Drake Boulevard.

Directions from the Bear Valley Visitor Center

Located at beautiful Drakes Beach, the Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center contains exhibits that focus on 1500s maritime exploration, marine fossils, and marine environments. A minke whale skeleton is suspended from the ceiling. Allow 20–30 minutes to view exhibits.

Park- and ocean-themed books, guides, and postcards, and maps, along with coffee and packaged snacks are for sale in the PRNSA bookstore adjacent to the Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center.

Special Event: Annual Sand Sculpture Contest on the Sunday before Labor Day weekend.

Additional information:

• Good rainy day activity.

• Handicap accessible.

• Restrooms and outdoor shower are available from 6 am to midnight. 

• A payphone is available outside the Visitors Center.

• There are picnic tables and barbecue grills nearby. Only charcoal briquettes may be used in the grills. Woodfires are only permitted on the beach.

• Drake's Beach Cafe, located next to the Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center, is indefinitely closed.