California Raptor Center Davis
A free, educational center rehabilitating and showcasing majestic birds of prey like eagles, owls, and hawks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Open daily for visits
California Raptor Center Davis
Best Time
Open daily for visits
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, educational center rehabilitating and showcasing majestic birds of prey like eagles, owls, and hawks.
"The California Raptor Center is a great place to see these magnificent birds. The huge bonus... IT'S FREE!"
🎯 Free Admission & Donations
Entry is free! Donation boxes are available if you wish to support their work.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the enclosures, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Majestic Birds of Prey
Enclosures throughout the center
See eagles, owls, hawks, and vultures up close. Many are rescues with unique stories.
Educational Encounters
Visitor areas and special events
Learn about raptor rehabilitation, conservation, and the challenges these birds face.
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Ambassador Birds
Designated viewing areas
Meet ambassador birds like Kalli, who are part of the center's educational outreach.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission, Big Impact
Meet the Feathered Residents
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission & Donations
Entry is free! Donation boxes are available if you wish to support their work.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the enclosures, so comfortable footwear is a must.
❓ Ask the Staff
Staff are friendly and happy to answer questions about the birds and the center's mission.
📸 Photography Opportunities
Great chances to photograph these magnificent birds up close.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission & Donations
Entry is free! Donation boxes are available if you wish to support their work.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the enclosures, so comfortable footwear is a must.
❓ Ask the Staff
Staff are friendly and happy to answer questions about the birds and the center's mission.
📸 Photography Opportunities
Great chances to photograph these magnificent birds up close.
🚗 Parking Availability
Free parking is available, especially noted during special events.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the California Raptor Center for its free admission and the incredible opportunity to see birds of prey up close. The educational aspect and the friendly, knowledgeable staff are frequently highlighted as major positives. Some visitors note that the center is small, but still find it a worthwhile and feel-good experience.
"The Raptor Center is so cool! There are permanent resident raptors and raptors rehabilitating and a small museum to learn More about skeletons and feathers and even owl pellets to disect! If you are lucky wou can be there for feeding time to see all of the birds interacting with the team of very friendly and knowledgeable staff."
Lalena Daigneault
"Grandma took 2 grandsons to the raptor center for Mother's day! They saluted the bald eagle. The museum is great also!"
Dale Evje
"Free entry. Small yet fabulous. We were lucky to meet 2 people who were caring for the residents, & they were both happy & willing to answer our questions. Worth a stop!"
kaliador18
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The California Raptor Center is located at 1340 Equine Lane, Davis, CA 95616. It's part of the UC Davis campus. Visitors can drive and park for free, especially during regular visiting hours.
While specific public transport routes directly to the center might vary, UC Davis is generally accessible via local bus services. It's advisable to check Yolobus or other local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.
From Highway 80, take the Richards Boulevard exit in Davis. Head north on Richards Boulevard, then turn right onto Russell Boulevard. Continue on Russell Boulevard, which will eventually lead you towards the UC Davis campus. Follow campus signage for the Raptor Center or Equine Lane.
Yes, free parking is available for visitors. This is particularly convenient for families and those coming from out of town.
Absolutely! The California Raptor Center is a popular day trip from Sacramento. It's about a 30-40 minute drive west on I-80.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The California Raptor Center offers free admission to all visitors. While there is no charge to enter, donations are greatly appreciated to support the care of the birds. +1
No, advance booking is not required for general visits. The center is open daily, and you can typically walk in during operating hours.
The California Raptor Center is open seven days a week from 9 AM to 4 PM.
Yes, the center occasionally hosts special events like Spring Open Houses, which may include bird demonstrations and educational activities. Keep an eye on their social media for announcements.
The California Raptor Center is a rehabilitation center for injured, sick, and orphaned raptors. If you find an injured bird of prey, contact them for guidance on how to safely assist and transport it.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can expect to see a variety of birds of prey, including eagles, owls, hawks, and vultures. Many of these birds are non-releasable due to injuries or birth defects and serve as educational ambassadors.
A visit usually takes about 30-45 minutes to walk around the enclosures and learn about the birds.
Many of the birds housed at the center are non-releasable due to permanent injuries, blindness, or birth defects that would prevent them from surviving in the wild.
Yes, it's a fantastic place for children! It's educational, engaging, and free, offering a great opportunity for kids to learn about wildlife.
While you can see the birds up close in their enclosures, direct interaction is usually limited to ambassador birds during specific presentations or events, often handled by trained staff.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, the center offers excellent opportunities for photography. You can get quite close to the birds, allowing for detailed shots of eagles, owls, and hawks.
You can photograph a variety of raptors, including bald eagles, great horned owls, red-tailed hawks, and various types of falcons and vultures.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, it's always a good idea to be respectful of the birds and other visitors. Flash photography might be discouraged to avoid disturbing the animals.
Mornings or late afternoons can offer softer lighting, which is often ideal for wildlife photography. The birds are also often active during these times.
Yes, a telephoto lens can be very useful for capturing detailed shots of the raptors from a respectful distance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Plan for about 30-45 minutes, which is perfect for shorter attention spans. The staff are often happy to answer children's questions, making the experience interactive. Remember to bring comfortable shoes for walking around the enclosures.
💰 Budget Travelers
This makes it a perfect addition to a day exploring Davis or as a stop on a road trip. You can easily spend an hour here, learning about raptor conservation and enjoying close-up views of impressive birds of prey, all while staying within your travel budget.
🦉 Nature & Wildlife Enthusiasts
+1You'll gain a greater understanding of raptor biology and the critical role they play in the ecosystem. The chance to see these magnificent creatures up close, often with detailed explanations from knowledgeable staff, makes for a truly enriching experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mission: Rehabilitation and Education
+1Beyond rehabilitation, the center plays a crucial role in public education. Many of the birds they care for are non-releasable due to permanent disabilities, such as blindness or severe wing damage. These birds become invaluable ambassador animals, allowing visitors to learn firsthand about raptor biology, conservation challenges, and the importance of protecting these apex predators. Through these encounters, the center fosters a deeper appreciation for wildlife and inspires future conservation efforts.
+2Visiting the Raptor Center: What to Expect
Visitors often highlight the incredible proximity they can achieve to the birds, which is a significant draw. Seeing a bald eagle or a great horned owl just feet away offers a perspective rarely possible in the wild. The staff and volunteers are frequently praised for their friendliness and willingness to share their knowledge, enhancing the educational value of the visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit