As a member, you are a vital part of our community.
Together, we can continue to inspire the community to connect with and care for our coastal environment.
Member Benefits
Member Levels
Individual Membership
1 Adult
$59
Dual Membership
2 Adults or 1 Adult and 1 Child
$99
Family Membership
4 Named Members. 1 Adult required
$159
Join the Conservation Circle and enjoy even more membership benefits while furthering your commitment to a thriving natural coast through engaged conservation.
$250 EXPLORING
Exploring – Benefits for up to 6 adults or children,
(2) 2-for-1 admission coupons,
(1) free accompanying guest per visit,
Invitations to special exhibition openings,
Free admission and gift shop discount to more than 1,500 NARM organizations.
($250 Tax- deductible)
JOIN NOW
Monthly payment options are available. Contact us at 619-409-5940 or email membership@thelivingcoast.org.
$500 CARING
Caring– Benefits for up to 6 adults or children,
(2) 2-for-1 admission coupons,
(1) free accompanying guest per visit,
Invitations to special exhibition openings,
(2) one-time use guest passes,
(1) private educational tour,
Digital recognition
Inclusion in the Annual Report
Free admission and gift shop discount to more than 1,500 NARM organizations.
($461 Tax-deductible)
JOIN NOW
Monthly payment options available. Contact us at 619-409-5940 or email membership@thelivingcoast.org.
$750 INSPIRING
Inspiring– Benefits for up to 6 adults or children,
(2) 2-for-1 admission coupons,
(1) free accompanying guest per visit,
Invitations to special exhibition openings,
(4) one-time use guest passes,
(1) private educational tour,
(1) VIP animal encounter,
Digital member spotlight,
Digital recognition,
Inclusion in the Annual Report,
Free admission and gift shop discount to more than 1,500 NARM organizations.
($571 Tax-deductible)
JOIN NOW
Monthly payment options available. Contact us at 619-409-5940 or email membership@thelivingcoast.org.
We are grateful to have the continued support of our Conservation Circle Members
Inspiring Level Members:
Jeanne and James Bonk, Kathrin Mautino, 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, Dorothy Little, Kevin McDermott, William Neubauer.
Member Events
All event details are subject to change without advance notice. Member-only event space is limited and requires advance registration. Registration generally opens 2 weeks before the event.
June
Urban Oasis Member-Only Preview: June 5 from 9:00 -10:00 AM
Members Get Exclusive Access
As one of our most committed supporters, we are thrilled to invite you to our member-only exhibit preview of Urban Oasis!
Urban Oasis will allow students and visitors of all ages to learn about mammals like raccoons, their role and importance in our coastal ecosystem, and increase awareness and appreciation for wildlife that live alongside humans in urban environments.
This is the first time that the Living Coast Discovery Center has featured a mammal in a public exhibit! This is truly a momentous occasion that we hope to celebrate together.
World Sea Turtle Day: June 13-14
Members Get Free Admission
Join us this World Sea Turtle Day and say ‘hi’ to our unofficial greeter, Emerald, the Atlantic Green Sea Turtle.
Sea turtles are often referred to as ancient ocean dwellers or living dinosaurs since it is believed that they have remained virtually unchanged for millions of years. We even have approximately 60 turtles living in San Diego Bay, although the number fluctuates from year to year.
Did you know that sea turtles lay eggs in the sand? The gender of the hatchlings is determined by the temperature: cool results in males, warm in females, and a fluctuating temperature produces a mix of both.
Eagle Presentation: 10:30 AM
Arts & Crafts: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Reptile Species Spotlight: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Shark & Ray Presentation: 1:30 PM
Sea Turtle Presentation: 2:30 PM
Saturday Sweetwater Safari Hike: 11:30 AM
Sunday Compost Workshop: 11:30 AM
Member-Only Behind-the-Scenes: June 14 at 3:00 PM
Members Get Exclusive Access
Emerald, the green sea turtle, may be our most well-known animal ambassador. But what is less known is how we care for her and her aquatic neighbors. Join us on Sunday, June 14, for a behind-the-scenes look at where her food is carefully prepared, weighed, and charted. You may even get a chance to build an enrichment item for her to enjoy.
Members Get 20% Off Gift Shop Merchandise: June 14 – 21
Members Get Exclusive Savings
Does your father or the father figure in your life love all things nature-related? Stop by the gift shop and find the perfect gift that says, “There’s no trout about it; you’re the greatest dad!”
Or, maybe you’ve had your eye on something special for yourself. Take this opportunity to treat yourself! 😉
July
Shark Awareness: Saturday, July 11 & Sunday, 12
Members Get Free Admission
Let’s Make a Splash — It’s Shark Time!
Sure, a shark fin slicing through the waves might send some scrambling out of the water — but there’s so much more to these fascinating creatures than fear and frenzy! Sharks are vital to the health of our oceans, helping to keep marine ecosystems in balance.
Dive into the truth and bust some common shark myths with us! Come face-to-fin with leopard sharks, guitarfish, bat rays, and more in our incredible 21,000-gallon Shark & Ray Experience. It’s jaw-some fun for all ages!
Member-Only Shark Feed: Sunday, July 12 at 2:00 PM
Members Get Exclusive Access
Ever wondered what’s on the menu for a shark? Join us for an exclusive members-only Shark Feed and get an up-close look at how our incredible Animal Care team keeps our aquatic species well-fed and thriving in their shared habitat. Learn fun facts about our fascinating sharks and the importance of tracking animal vitals every single day. It’s the perfect event for curious kids and ocean-loving adults alike—come explore the world of sharks like never before!
RSVP’s will be open 2 weeks before the member-only event. Limited space is available; all in attendance must be named on an active Living Coast membership. We will make every effort to allow as many members as possible to participate in the feeding. However, due to the nature of working with live animals, this may not be guaranteed. Fish and shellfish will be handled. Details are subject to change without advance notice.
National Zookeeper Week: Saturday, July 25 & Sunday, July 26
Members Get Free Admission
This Place Looks Like a Zoo… Because It Is!
Your Living Coast — where land meets marsh, and a whole world of local wildlife is waiting to meet you! Our Animal Care Team may be small, but their impact is huge! Working 365 days a year to keep over 80 local species of reptiles, avians, and marine life healthy and thriving. From daily feedings and health checks to cleaning habitats and maintaining exhibits, their passion and commitment shine through in everything they do. Discover what it takes to care for local wildlife and how you can make a difference.
Member Promotions
Get 3 Free Months Added to Your Living Coast Membership
Refer-a-Friend
Members Get 3 Free Months
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 for the very first time, you each get 3 extra months added to your Living Coast memberships.
They get a 15-month membership for the price of 12 and you get 3 extra months added to your existing Living Coast membership for free!
Shop with Purpose
Animal Wish List
Shop with Purpose
Every treat or enrichment item on our Animal Wish List makes a big difference in the lives of over 80 amazing local species who call Living Coast home. From brine shrimp eggs to scrub brushes, your gift helps keep wings flapping and fins flapping. Support their care – one item at a time!
Help us care for the animal ambassadors you love!
10% OFF SUMMER CAMPS - June 8 - August 7
Summer Wildlife Day Camps
Members Get 10% Off
Let’s get those kiddos outdoors this spring by signing up for a Summer Wildlife Day Camp! We have camps available on weekdays from June 8 through August 3 for students in Pre-K through 6th grade.
Your kiddo will:
Meet at least one animal ambassador up close every day
Explore the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge trails
Be guided by a Living Coast educator through exhibits for an insider’s look
Practice hands-on science
Create recycled arts & crafts, and more!
10% off Private Animal Encounters
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 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.
Contact the Membership Office
Call: (619) 409-5940 | Email: Membership@thelivingcoast.org
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 Lenise Andrade at (619) 409-5902 or LAndrade@thelivingcoast.org.
Member FAQs
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? Conservation Circle level memberships, such as Exploring, Caring, and Inspiring levels, include (1) accompanying guest per visit.
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.