Cuyamaca Rancho State Park Visitor Center & Museum

In the months, weeks, and days leading up to a trip or event I prepare in an OCD sort of way. For this reason I look forward to checking out Visitor Centers, and I found the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park Visitor Center and Museum to be understated and nice during a trip to the park yesterday.
Traveled to Cuyamaca Rancho State Park from San Diego and, just a few miles after entering the park on Highway 79, saw a roadside sign indicating the Visitor Center. The building is barely (if at all) visible from the main road but came into view shortly after I took a right off Highway 79. There are few parking spots in a small dirt/​gravel lot directly in front of the building, but because of my car’s high-​maintenance tires I opted to park in the larger paved lot nearby. The paved lot contains marked 30-​minute parking (free) as well as registration materials and a pay box for day parking ($ 8).
There are also nice restrooms – Cuyamaca Rancho State Park in general has really decent restrooms – and a couple picnic tables in this area.
At this typical Visitor Center-​Museum-​Gift Shop combo you’ll find the following:
* free park literature and maps
* friendly Park Rangers full of information
* souvenirs such as books, apparel, magnets, stuffed animals, and postcards
* exhibits on topics such as local wildlife, history, and culture
* a donation box
Worth a stop if you’re visiting the park.