Living Coast Discovery Center Family Day Trip

The Living Coast Discovery Center is seven miles south of downtown San Diego, yet it feels like a world away. The Center focuses on education, animal interaction, and enjoying the beautiful natural setting of the 316-acre Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge. The nature center offers a budget-friendly alternative to the more expensive attractions in San Diego and makes for a fun family day trip.

The Living Coast Discovery Center offers many learning opportunities, with several exhibit areas focusing on specific habitats and species. Here are some points of interest to check out while visiting the Center:

Shark & Ray Experience

The Shark & Ray Experience is a 21,000-gallon tank with an interactive shallow-water touch area. Visitors can roll their sleeves, get hands-on, and touch the resident rays and sharks, a neat experience. A large underwater viewing area provides an observation area for sharks and other marine animals. In the morning and afternoon, there is a feeding at the Shark & Ray Experience, with friendly and knowledgeable staff available to answer questions and give you information on the different animals.

Bald and Golden Eagles, Plus Native Birds

Eagle Mesa features the Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle, two mighty birds. In this area, you can learn about bird flight, how these big raptors hunt their prey, and more. Raptor Row focuses on native birds of prey that were injured and would be unable to survive on their own, highlighting the Center’s commitment to conservation and rehabilitation. Visitors to Raptor Row will see several kinds of hawks, owls, falcons, kestrels, and a turkey vulture. The Shorebird Aviary educates endangered birds, including the Light-Footed Clapper Rail. Other birds that can be seen include egrets, mergansers, ducks, oystercatchers, ibis, and more.

Discovery Center Turtle Lagoon

Turtle Lagoon is the home to the Center’s Eastern Pacific Green Sea Turtles. These gentle giants can be seen from the surface and underwater viewing windows. There is an afternoon feeding time where visitors can talk to the animal keeper and get their questions about the majestic turtles answered.

San Diego Bay Trails

A walking trail stretches from the Nature Center to San Diego Bay. This charming path takes you past historical remnants, including the foundation of a gunpowder factory that once stood on the aptly named Gunpowder Point. You can also observe remnants of the railroad that delivered kelp to the gunpowder factories. Trail walkers will be delighted by the sight of shorebirds, raptors, rabbits, and more.

Tickets and Hours of Operation

The Living Coast Discovery Center is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It offers various discounts, including free admission for children under 2 years old and special promotions like “Kids Free October.” There’s also a membership option for frequent visitors, which includes benefits like unlimited entry.

Getting There

The Living Coast Discovery Center can be reached via a shuttle service from the main parking lot, departing every 15 minutes. This shuttle system is in place because the Center is located within a wildlife refuge, helping to minimize additional automobile traffic and noise that could disturb sensitive habitats. The shuttle is designed to accommodate strollers and wheelchairs.

Tips Before You Go

• Feel free to bring food and snacks to the Nature Center and make a day of it. They also sell snacks and beverages at the gift shop.
• Bring sunscreen and binoculars if you plan to walk the nature trail.
• A light windbreaker is also a good idea since the winds can pick up along the bay.
• There is always plenty of staff, including volunteer docents, who are on hand to make your visit a fun one.
• Always check the official website for the latest information, events, or special programs available during your visit. https://www.thelivingcoast.org/

Address:
Living Coast Discovery Center
1000 Gunpowder Point Drive
Chula Vista, California

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