Living Coast Discovery Center
About
Bayfront Zoo and Aquarium With Endangered Sea Turtles
Living Coast Discovery Center is a non-profit zoo and aquarium on the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge - 316 acres of bay shoreline at the north end of Chula Vista. Houses endangered Eastern Pacific green sea turtles, sharks, rays, owls, hawks, eagles, and Sweetwater Marsh wildlife.
What Kids Can Do
The Shark and Ray Touch Tank lets kids touch leopard sharks, bat rays, and shovelnose guitarfish. Sea Turtle Lagoon houses endangered greens kids can feed during keeper sessions. Raptor displays outside feature live bald eagles, hawks, owls, and falcons. Half-mile loop trail extends along the saltwater marsh - tidal pool stations, bird-blind shelters, fiddler crab spotting. Free shuttle from the entrance parking lot to the main building [marked: free shuttle every 15 minutes - parking is at the I-5 exit lot, not at the center itself].
What's Included
Admission $19 adults, $14 kids 3-17, free under 3. Shark/ray touch tank, all exhibits, marsh trail, raptor area, free shuttle included.
Experience
Plan 2-3 hours. Mix indoor and outdoor exhibits plus marsh trail. Bring sun protection - much of facility is outdoor. Stroller-friendly throughout (shuttle bus accommodates strollers). Free parking at I-5 Bay Blvd exit lot. Open Thursday-Sunday 10am-5pm.