
Educational Programs for All
Since opening in 1987, the Living Coast Discovery Center has offered a variety of educational programs right here on the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Sweetwater Marsh. Discover why annually 25,000 kids attend programs at the Living Coast!

Education Department Contact Info
education@thelivingcoast.org | (619) 409-5908
Field Trips

Living Labs & Educational Tours
Living Lab Programs involve a one-hour standards-based lesson with a Living Coast staff member. The day will also include a guided tour with a Docent Volunteer, time to explore the Living Coast animal exhibits, and a provided lunch space with storage for lunches. Exact program schedule varies by group size. Click below to read about your grade-specific program.
Program Fees
Living Labs & Educational Tour
$10/student | $12/extra adults | 1:10 Free Adult Chaperones | Student aides free with credentials
Educational Tour Only
$8/student | $12/extra adults | 1:10 Free Adult Chaperones | Student aides free with credentials
Living Lab – Small Group | Min. 15 students – Max. 50 students
Early Start
9:30 – 12:30
- 9:30 – 11:30 Program & Tour
- 11:30 – 12:00 Lunch
- 12:00 – 1:30 Self-Exploration
Normal Start
10:00 – 2:00
- 10:00 – 12:00 Program & Tour
- 12:00 – 12:30 Lunch
- 12:30 – 2:00 Self-Exploration
Living Lab – Medium Group | Min. 51 students – Max. 75 students
Early Start
9:30 – 12:30
- 9:30 – 10:30
- Group A Program
- Group B Tour
- Group C Self-Exploration and Lunch
- 10:30 – 11:30
- Group A Tour
- Group B Self-Exploration and Lunch
- Group C Program
- 11:30 – 12:30
- Group A Self-Exploration and Lunch
- Group B Program
- Group C Tour
Normal Start
10:00 – 1:00
- 9:30 – 10:30
- Group A Program
- Group B Tour
- Group C Self-Exploration and Lunch
- 10:30 – 11:30
- Group A Tour
- Group B Self-Exploration and Lunch
- Group C Program
- 11:30 – 12:30
- Group A Self-Exploration and Lunch
- Group B Program
- Group C Tour
Living Lab – Large Group | Min. 76 students – Max. 100 students
Early Start
9:30 – 1:30
- 9:30 – 11:30 Group A & B Program & Tour
- 9:30 – 11:30 Group C & D Self-Exploration & Lunch
- 11:30 – 1:30 Group A & B Lunch & Self-Exploration
- 11:30 – 1:30 Group C & D Program & Tour
Normal Start
10:00 – 2:00
- 10:00 – 12:00 Group A & B Program & Tour
- 10:00 – 12:00 Group C & D Self-Exploration & Lunch
- 12:00 – 2:00 Group A & B Lunch & Self-Exploration
- 12:00 – 2:00 Group C & D Program & Tour
Educational Tour Only – Small Group | No Min. – Max. 50 students
Early Arrival
9:30 – 12:30
- 9:30 – 11:30 Self-Exploration & Tour
- 11:30 – 12:00 Lunch
- 12:00 – 12:30 Self-Exploration
Late Arrival
10:00 – 1:00
- 10:00 – 12:00 Self-Exploration & Tour
- 12:00 – 12:30 Lunch
- 12:30 – 1:00 Self-Exploration