The Living Coast Discovery Center inspires the community to connect with and care for our coastal environment.


Who We Are

The Living Coast Discovery Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit zoo and aquarium located on the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Founded in 1987 as the Chula Vista Nature Interpretive Center, we have served the San Diego community for over 30 years. We are open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

We are a community of staff, volunteers, wildlife ambassadors, and a nationwide base of partners.

Our Mission

To inspire the community to connect with and care for our coastal environment. 

Our Vision

A thriving natural coast through engaged conservation.

Education

For more than 30 years, we have reached thousands of children through field trips, outreaches, scout programs, and other community education programs. On average, we see 80,000 visitors each year, including families, school groups, and special events.

Support Us

As a nonprofit organization, we rely on support from community members like yourself. Whether it’s a membership, volunteer time, donation, or sharing our message with your friends, we thank you for your support!

The Living Coast Discovery Center Team

Blog


Annual Reports

2022-23

PDF | Audit Report

2021-22

PDF | Audit Report

2020-21

PDF | Audit Report

2019-20

PDF | Audit Report

Living Coast Annual Report 2018-19

2018-19

PDF | Audit Report

Living Coast Annual Report 2017-18

2017-18

PDF | Audit Report


Contact Us

We welcome your questions, comments, and feedback.

Phone: (619) 409-5900
Fax: (619) 409-5910

Living Coast Discovery Center
1000 Gunpowder Point Drive
Chula Vista, CA 91910

Press Inquiries

Please email:
Bridget@shortfusemarketing.com

Request Ticket Donation

The Living Coast Discovery Center will make every effort to process your request in a timely manner. Evaluation will be made on a “first-come, first-serve” monthly basis. A denial does not imply that the applicant’s program is not needed or worthy, but simply that it may not fall within the giving guidelines, our mission, or that we’ve fulfilled our available donations. Due to the volume of donation requests received by the Living Coast Discovery Center, requests must meet the following criteria: 

  • Request must be made online through DonationMatch. Mailed, emailed, or faxed donation requests will not be considered.
  • The event/organization is somehow related to our mission.
  • The event/organization has not received a donation within the past 12 months.
  • The Living Coast Discovery Center will be included in event marketing materials.
  • The organization must be a non-profit.
  • The request must be received a minimum of 60 days prior to event date.

If an organization or event is found to meet the requirements above — and our allotment of passes are available — we will send one Family Four Pack admission pass through DonationMatch.  We do not honor requests for memberships, facility rentals, day camps, group trips, monetary donations, or merchandise.