Living Coast Discovery Center

Overview

The Living Coast Discovery Center is a unique combination of zoo, aquarium, and wildlife center located on the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge in Chula Vista, California. It offers interactive exhibits, educational programs, and up-close encounters with local wildlife.

The center plays a crucial role in local wildlife conservation and education, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the natural ecosystems in the San Diego region.

Educational Wildlife Conservation

Location

Address

1000 Gunpowder Point Drive, Chula Vista, California

Neighborhood: Gunpowder Point

Coordinates

32.640000, -117.080000

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

sunday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission

Adults

$25

Children

$12 (ages 3-12)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds and more active animals

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

2 hours

Recommended

4 hours

Full Experience

half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

mild to warm

• spring wildlife exhibits
• blooming gardens

summer

hot

• extended summer hours
• outdoor aquatic exhibits

autumn

cool and pleasant

• fall wildlife exhibits
• harvest-themed exhibits

winter

cool

• holiday-themed exhibits
• indoor tropical bird exhibits

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Purchase tickets online in advance
Bring a valid ID
Check the weather and dress appropriately

What to Bring

essential

ID tickets water bottle

seasonal

jacket umbrella hat

not allowed

outside food large bags drones

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: low to moderate

• uneven paths in some areas

Medical facilities: first aid available on-site

Payment Information

Accepted

credit/debit cards, cash

Currency

USD

Typical Costs

entry $25

parking $5

food $12

souvenirs $15

Dress Code

casual and comfortable, comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, closed-toe shoes recommended for some exhibits, inappropriate or revealing clothing

Booking Tips

• at least 1 week in advance
• official website
• 48 hours for full refund
• available for online ticket holders

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Living Coast Discovery Center App

Size: 30 MB

Features: Interactive map, Daily schedule, Ticket purchase, Audio guide

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Café

Charging Stations: Visitor center, Café

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: San Diego International Airport

Distance: 15 miles

Travel Time: 25 minutes

taxi

$40-$50 25 min

public_transport

$2.50 45 min

From City Center

Distance: 10 miles

metro

$2.50 20 min

bus

$2.50 25 min

taxi

$25-$30 15 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Unique blend of education and entertainment, supports local conservation efforts

Historical Significance: Located on a former military site, now a vital wildlife refuge

Insider Tips

Visit during feeding times for the most active animal encounters
The café offers locally sourced food and great coffee
Weekday visits are less crowded and more peaceful

Local Recommendations

• Try the local coffee at the on-site café
• Ask for the guided wildlife tour with expert naturalists
• Visit the nearby beaches for a complete day out

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Hello

thank_you Thank you

where_is Where is

how_much How much

beautiful Beautiful

ticket Ticket

Guide Languages: English, Spanish

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Seal and Sea Lion Habitat

Best Time: Morning

Tips: Capture the animals' playful behavior

Result: Dynamic and engaging shots

#Wildlife #MarineLife

Tide Pool Plaza

Best Time: Afternoon

Tips: Low angle for unique perspectives

Result: Detailed and vibrant images

#Nature #TidePools

Outdoor Aviary

Best Time: Golden Hour

Tips: Use natural light for soft, warm tones

Result: Beautiful bird photographs

#Birds #Aviary

Photography Rules

allowed areas Outdoor exhibits, designated areas

prohibited areas Inside animal enclosures, restricted zones

flash photography not allowed near sensitive animals

commercial photography permit required

drone policy prohibited

tripod policy allowed in designated areas only

selfie sticks allowed but use responsibly

Nearby Attractions

OTB Waterway Park

Distance: 1 mile

Walking: 20 min

Type: Park

Chula Vista Nature Center

Distance: 2 miles

Walking: 40 min

Type: Nature Center

San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Distance: 3 miles

Walking: 60 min

Type: Wildlife Refuge

Reviews

4.6

Based on 1,200 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Arrive early to see the most active animals"
"Bring a hat and sunscreen"
"Don't miss the seal and sea lion feedings"

Contact Information

+1 (619) 409-5900

info@livingcoast.org

www.livingcoast.org

Social Media

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