Anthony C. Beilenson Visitor Center — Attraction in Agoura Hills

Honestly thought it was abandoned when we pulled up. Aside from all the cars in the TINY parking lot we would have assumed it was shut down. Walking up to the building, the exterior appeared like it hadn’t had any proper care in months. Every plant was dead and there were leaves littering the ground. The parking lot is very small. There is a decent amount of parking for cars but hardly any for vans or RVS. There are 3 spaces for a van / RV but one Class A RV would take up all three easily. Not to mention a broke down National Parks Van took up one space and another work truck was using another so the day we arrived there was only one spot for larger vehicles. Additionally there was a TWO HOUR limit. Why? People drove a long way through LA traffic to get here just to be ushered out quickly. That’s ridiculous.

The water fountains were still the old school kind, there was no water bottle fill up station on the premise.

The bathrooms were okay… there was a sign on the door that said they were short staffed and to help keep the bathrooms clean.

Walking inside we were greeted by a very nice gentleman and a female ranger who were very kind and helpful.

The museum was okay. It started off very childish which I understand is for the kiddos but then adult information was mainly the same 6-7 points repeated all the way through.

I get we are out in nature and I am in no way advocate for pesticides but in the museum there was a massive trail of ants leading in from outside, across one of the information canvases and into the air vent.

Liked the placement of benches throughout the museum....

The Visitor Center is in the former Stables for the King Gillette Ranch and is very well done with a small museum and explanation of how the Santa Monica Mountains became an important part of the conservation of natural flora and fauna in California. It has a wealth of information about the Santa Monica Mountains but many people may not realize the visitor center and the ranch house are two seperate things or areas, IMO. The house and the functions are seperate from the center. Make sure you go to the center first and explore all the information available about the area. Then after viewing the museum (and getting some souvenirs to support the efforts) go walk the grounds of the house. Very nice grounds surround the center but the King Gillette house should be restored to its former glory. Of course that would cost a lot of money but potentially an investment that would result in many more donations and rental opportunities. Finally, go out on walks and hikes and do things outdoors to truly appreciate the depth of the value of this conservation area.

Please take the time to talk to the Rangers and find out about hikes that will fit your interests and abilities before walking out on your own. They have very good information that will make your...

National Park Visitor Centers are highly underutilized. The SMMNRAVC is an amazing educational resource on our local wildlife. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of preserving what little natural habitat we have. It encourages the enjoyment of our national parks in respectful ways.

I learned a lot while at SMMNRAVC. I learned that I take the Santa Monica Mountains for granted while either driving up the 101 or PCH. I learned to appreciate them not only for their varying beauty but for importance of our ecosystem.

The visitor center itself if well kept. The building is Spanish Colonial revival in style with a flowing central fountain. The rangers at the visitor center were very welcoming and helpful. They helped me discover Paramount Ranch. Without their help, I would not have...