Educational Programs for All!

Since opening in 1987, the Living Coast Discovery Center has offered various educational programs right here on the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Sweetwater Marsh.

The Living Coast - Chuckwalla
The Living Coast - Field Trips - Tortoise
The Living Coast - Field Trips - Jellyfish

Choose your program!

Coastal Education Program: Chula Vista Elementary School District ONLY

Chula Vista Elementary School District

Since opening in 1987, the Living Coast and Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) have partnered together to provide standards-based, hands-on science classes to all schools throughout the district.

Field Trips

The Living Coast - Kids Programs - Butterflies

Plan Your Visit

The Living Coast Programs - Archeology

Free Transportation Requirements

The Living Coast - Field Trips - Turtle Lagoon

Living Lab Field Trips: All Other Districts

The Living Coast - Field Trips - Rays and Sharks

Enrich your learning experience with hands-on, standards-based lessons that include interactive activities during your visit to the Living Coast.

Learn more about our TK – 12th grade programs, descriptions, and pricing. *NOTE* Scroll down for CVESD Programs.

Self-Guided Field Trip

Self-guided field trips offer educators a flexible and affordable way to bring students to the Living Coast Discovery Center. Reservations are only available Wednesday through Friday. During a self-guided visit, your group can explore our animal exhibits, coastal trails, and educational spaces at your own pace while leading your own learning experience.  Self-guided field trips include discounted admission of $11 per participant (students and most adults), with a limited number of adult chaperones admitted free based on our 1:10 school field trip ratios. Groups will also have access to a designated lunch space with tables and storage during their visit. To support your students’ exploration, the Education Team can provide optional learning resources such as outdoor scavenger hunt worksheets and Discovery Backpacks. These backpacks include tools and activities like binoculars, bingo cards, and trail-based exploration materials designed to help students observe wildlife and engage more deeply with the coastal environment. 

Self-guided field trips are available for verified educational institutions only and can accommodate up to 100 total participants, including students and adults.  If you are interested in scheduling a self-guided visit, please click below! You will receive email confirmation once we confirm your institution and complete your reservation. All bookings must be made a week in advance. 

Outreaches to Your School

The Living Coast - Kids Programs - Tortoise

Bring scientific exploration of the natural world to your classroom with the Living Coast’s outreach programs. We offer a variety of outreach lessons, science night Discovery Station booths, animal encounters, and library programs.

Learn more about outreaches to your location!

Program Sponsorships

The Living Coast - Kids Programs

The Living Coast Discovery Center is fortunate to receive support from local organizations and foundations so that we can offer sponsorship to eligible groups. Sponsorships cover the cost of program fees but do not cover the cost of transportation. Availability of sponsorships is subject to change based on grant sponsorship. Please keep checking this page for updates on sponsorship opportunities!

Learn more about our current grant sponsorships and recommendations for other organizations that offer funding.

Resources & FAQs

FAQs: click here
Program descriptions & resources: click here