A must-see for San Diego families! The Living Coast Discovery Center, formerly known as the Chula Vista Nature Center, is a unique zoo and aquarium located on the southern edge of San Diego Bay in Chula Vista. The center offers an intimate wildlife experience for animal lovers of all ages. Guests are able to get up-close and learn more about a wide range of marine and terrestrial animals native to the Southern California coastal region including endangered sea turtles, sharks, rays, jellies, eels, snakes, tortoises, octopuses, owls, hawks, eagles, falcons and shorebirds.
 Living Coast Discovery Center |
 Living Coast Discovery Center |
 Kids With Crabs |
Uniquely situated within the natural beauty and tranquility of Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, the center is a favorite destination for families and wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors are invited to watch the daily animal feedings or, for an extra-special experience, add on a VIP Animal Encounter for families or small groups to go behind the scenes to meet, feed, touch and ask questions about your favorite Discovery Center animals.
 Girl With Owl Hat |
 Living Coast Discovery Center |
 Bald Eagle |
Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the breeze off San Diego Bay. Bring binoculars and bird watch from the observation decks and take in the panoramic views of the downtown skyline and Coronado Bridge. Take an easy stroll through the wildlife refuge and explore for crabs, shorebirds and other critters. Don’t miss the gift shop for special animal mementos of your visit.
 Owl |
 Turtles |
 Duck |
In addition to the ongoing live animal exhibits, the center also offers a variety of educational and recreational programs throughout the year including day camps, Family Overnight Adventures, wildlife lectures, art workshops, environmental conservation trainings and school field trips.
 Living Coast Discovery Center |
 Living Coast Discovery Center |
 Living Coast Discovery Center |
The Discovery Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: $14 adults, $9 Children (4-17)
Young Children (0-3), $9 Seniors (65+), $9 Students (18+ w/ID), Military – 20% Discount
Group Rate – 20% Discount (reservation required).
 Living Coast Discovery Center |
 Living Coast Discovery Center |
 Living Coast Discovery Center |
Annual memberships are available, including a family membership good for two adults and up to five children for just $75. Members enjoy unlimited admission all year, plus discounts at the gift shop and on day camps, the annual food and wine event and other special programs.
 Jackson With Flower |
 Jonah With Turtle |
 Meghan with Tortoise |
Just minutes from Downtown San Diego, the Discovery Center is located just off Interstate 5 at the E Street exit. It is also just steps from a San Diego Trolley stop. The shuttle bus takes visitors from the parking lot onto the protected wildlife refuge approximately every 15 minutes. Parking is free and the last shuttle leaves at 3 p.m.
 Shark |
 Trail |
 Tyto |
More information, including special events and promotions, can be found at www.thelivingcoast.org or by calling (619) 409-5900. The Living Coast Discovery Center can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.
 Baby Sea Turtle |
 Living Coast Discovery Center |
 Living Coast Discovery Center |
