Membership Perks

Unlimited admission for 12 months.

Exclusive access to member-only events and exhibit previews.

Member pricing on special events, day camps, birthday parties, and private animal encounters.

Discount on gift shop merchandise.

Membership Levels

Add Ons

$49 Bring-A-Guest – Receive free admission for one accompanying guest per visit. Guest must accompany at least one named member.

$30 Add-A-Child (age 3-12) to any membership.

Go Green and Save

Get 10% off your membership when joining our automatic membership renewal program. Just check the box “Sign up for auto-renewal and get 10% off!’ when purchasing your membership online. Use Discount Code AUTO on the payment page.


Living Coast Discovery Center - Conservation Circle

We invite you to join the Conservation Circle and enjoy even more membership benefits while supporting the Living Coast Discovery Center’s vision for a thriving natural coast through engaged conservation.

Together we can serve our mission to inspire the community to connect with and care for our coastal environment.

Are you interested in monthly payment options? Contact us at 619-409-5940 or email membership@thelivingcoast.org.

Conservation Circle Levels

$750 Inspiring– For up to 6 named adults or children. Plus, two 2-for-1 admission coupons, (1) accompanying guest per visit, an invitation to special exhibit openings,  (4) one-time use guest passes, (1) private educational tour, recognition in the Annual Report, digital recognition, (1) VIP animal encounter for 6 people, and a digital member spotlight. ($571 Tax-deductible)

$500 Caring– For up to 6 named adults or children. Plus, two 2-for-1 admission coupons, (1) accompanying guest per visit, an invitation to special exhibit openings,  (2) one-time use guest passes, (1) private educational tour, recognition in the Annual Report, and digital recognition. ($461 Tax-deductible)

$250 Exploring – For up to 6 named adults or children. Plus, two 2-for-1 admission coupons, (1) accompanying guest per visit, and an invitation to special exhibit openings. ($250 Tax- deductible)

We are Grateful to Have the Continued Support of our Conservation Circle Members

Inspiring Level Members:

Jeanne and James Bonk, Rebecca Vesterfelt and Louis Cohen, Kathrin Mautino, Debra Dodson and Michael Meacham, Marianne Meivers, T. Nelson Family, Marjorie and Daniel Noyes, Joseph Rangus, Stark Awning & Canvas Co., and Shauna Stokes and Joel Chew.

Caring Level Members: 

Paul Davidson, Christine and Douglas Evans, Christy and Adam Lara, Elaine Morrison, Robert Ross, Sarah Stivland, Rudy Tcruz, and William Neubauer.


Member Events & Promotions

World Wetlands Day: Feb. 7 – 8

Members Get Free Admission

Did you know? Wetlands are one of nature’s heavy hitters when it comes to fighting climate change. Often called the “ecological guardians of the coast”, wetlands, including saltwater marshes, like the Sweetwater Marsh at the Living Coast, protect shorelines from erosion by buffering waves and trapping sediment. They also filter runoff, hold carbon that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere, and help maintain water quality.

Join us for World Wetlands Day and learn how you can join in on being a guardian of the coast!
Eagle Presentation: 10:30 AM
Shark & Ray Presentation: 1:30 PM
Sea Turtle Presentation: 2:30 PM
Arts & Crafts: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Species Spotlight: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Event details are subject to change without advance notice.

Member-Only Crab Hike: Feb. 8 at 10:15 AM

Members Get Exclusive Access

Let’s go crabbing! This member-only crab hike with a Living Coast educator will guide you through sections of the wetlands that are usually not accessible to the public. You’ll learn how to identify cab species in their natural habitat.

The crabbing activity will take place on uneven, muddy, and slippery rocks. The Living Coast will provide all participants with waterproof boots, which are required to participate. Crabbing activity is ideal for children ages 6+ and adults. Children must be accompanied by an adult (18+).

Member Pricing on Private Animal Encounters

Members Get 10% Off

As a member, you already enjoy free admission all year long. Make your next visit even more special by booking a Private Animal Encounter! Your family and friends will go behind the scenes, learn about Emerald, our resident green sea turtle, and interact with her up close! Book an experience you’ll never forget.

Your $75 $67.50 Private Animal Encounter Includes:
15-minute encounter with Emerald led by an Education team member
Tour for up to six guests 
Opportunities to provide enrichment for Emerald

Please note that general admission is not included. If everyone attending is an active Living Coast Discovery Center member, admission is free. 

Animal Wish List

Members Get Free Admission

Every treat, enrichment item, and cleaning supply on our Animal Wish List makes a big difference in the lives of the 80 amazing local species who call Living Coast home. From brine shrimp eggs to scrub brushes, your gift helps us keep wings flapping and fins flipping. Support their care—one item at a time!

Help us care for the animal ambassadors you love!

Refer a Friend: Get 3 Extra Months!

Member Exclusive

Get rewarded for something you already do –  sharing your love for the Living Coast with friends. Every time you refer a friend and they become a member, you each get three extra months added to your Living Coast memberships. They get a 15-month membership for the price of 12, and you get three extra months added to your existing Living Coast membership for free.

View the FAQ’s for details.


Contact the Membership Office

Call: (619) 409-5900  | Email: Membership@thelivingcoast.org

Member FAQs

General Membership Questions

Can family or friends use my membership? Membership benefits are non-transferable; only the individuals named on the membership are entitled to use the member benefits.

How do I make corrections/updates to my current membership? The primary member can update their membership information at the time of purchase. Additionally, once per year, members may update the names of the additional members by providing the following information to the Membership Department:

·        Member ID (optional)

·        Primary member’s first and last name

·        Primary phone number and email address

·        First and last names of the additional members to be removed from the membership

·        First and last name of the additional members to be added to the membership

Please email updates to membership@thelivingcoast.org or call (619) 409-5940.

Can I bring a guest when I visit? Your membership is valid for all individuals named on your membership. If you’ve purchased the Bring-a-Guest option, you will receive complimentary admission during regular business hours for one accompanying guest on each visit. Like all membership benefits, the Bring-a-Guest benefit is not valid for educational programs, including field trips. You may also receive single-use Guest Passes or 2-for-1 Coupons that you’re welcome to use for your guests. The physical Guest Passes and 2-for-1 Coupons must be turned in at the admission counter at the time of admission.

Do I need a membership card to receive my member benefits? All active members can check in with a photo ID at our admission counter. You can also use your digital membership receipt at check-in to enjoy periodic reciprocal benefits. See our Member Events & Promotions above for current offers.

What is the easiest way for me to update my contact information? To update your information, contact the Membership Department by emailing membership@thelivingcoast.org or by phone at (619) 409-5940.

How can I sign up to receive the member-only e-newsletter? To begin receiving the member-only electronic newsletter, please contact the Membership Department by emailing membership@thelivingcoast.org or by phone at 619-409-5940. We will need the following information to send you the monthly e-newsletter: the first and last name of the primary member, and a valid email address.

Can I use my membership to attend special events or educational programs such as field trips? Memberships, coupons, Groupons®, or other discounts are not valid for special events, school field trips, and other educational programs. Our educational program fees go to support educational programs for your students’ schools, scout groups, and wildlife camps. Membership fees cover general admission to the facility and member-only events.

In the event you are unable to use your membership for any reason, the Living Coast Discovery Center does not offer refunds. All memberships are considered final sale, non-refundable, and non-transferable.

Automatic Membership Renewal Questions

What if I decide I don’t want to renew my membership next year? You can contact us by phone at (619) 409-5900 or by email at membership@thelivingcoast.org 30 days prior to your scheduled automatic renewal to opt out of the renewal. We will also send you a payment reminder a month before charging your account on file.

Terms and Conditions for the Automatic Renewal Program: By opting into the automatic renewal program, you authorize the Living Coast Discovery Center to automatically charge the annual membership dues for your current membership level to the credit card used during the original membership purchase. You can opt out of the automatic membership renewal program at any time by providing a written request to membership@thelivingcoast.org, by calling 619-409-5900, or in person at our admission desk.

Referral Membership Questions

Get rewarded for something you already do –  sharing your love for the Living Coast with friends. Every time you refer a friend and they become a member, you each get three extra months added to your Living Coast memberships. They get a 15-month membership for the price of 12, and you get three extra months added to your existing Living Coast membership for free.

To qualify as a new member, you must not have been named on a Living Coast membership in the past.
Referred members must include the referring member’s ID number and name at the time of purchase.  Retroactive rewards are not possible.
3 Month extensions will only be applied to active memberships. It cannot be used for an expired membership. 
Cannot be combined with other offers, discounts, or promotions.

Corporate Memberships

Support your employees and the Living Coast Discovery Center!

 Benefits include, but are not limited to, family membership for each employee, prominent placement of your company logo, complimentary tickets to the annual Farm to Bay fundraiser, and more! We welcome companies of all sizes to learn more about the benefits of corporate membership.

Please contact Maya De La Torre, at (619) 409-5904 or MDeLaTorre@TheLivingCoast.org.