You can plan for a day of learning and lots of smiling faces of your kids as the center does an excellent job making it fun for the little ones. Let’s explore the details of the exhibits a bit more!
Turtle Lagoon
Green sea turtles are endangered, which is why places like Turtle Lagoon are so crucial to their survival. Turtles swim happily in their glass enclosures while guests observe their behaviors and interactions with great interest.
You can also meet ‘Emerald’, the Living Coast’s Atlantic Sea Turtle, who acts as ambassador for the wild sea turtles that inhabit San Diego Bay, every Wednesday through Sunday at 1:00 PM during the Living Coast’s Turtle Lagoon presentation.
The Aquarium
From trout and amphibians to octopuses and jellies and more, discover the animals that make up San Diego’s watersheds, as well as native reptiles such as iguanas and snakes that make up its drier habitats.
Shark & Ray Experience
Not only will you get to see amazing aquatic animals at the Shark & Ray Experience, you'll also get to interact with them directly!
Visitors to the touch pools can actually gently place their hands on swimming rays, who typically enjoy a light pat. You'll also get to visit with treasured park resident Sapphire, which is Living Coast's resident loggerhead sea turtle.
Shorebird Aviary
The walkthrough Shorebird Aviary provides an uncluttered view of local birds like snowy egrets, red-breasted mergansers, and black-crowned night herons. Living Coast takes great pains to recreate these birds' natural habitats, which allows them to thrive within the facility.
Eagle Mesa
Marvel at the proud, distinguished bald and golden eagles of the Eagle Mesa during your visit. Stop by during feeding time and you'll be privy to how these birds hunt their prey.
Raptor Row
Fascinating birds of prey are the stars of Living Coast's Raptor Row, so-named for these birds' prehistoric ancestors.
The Center has rehabilitated numerous birds and now provides them a safe, stimulating place to call home. Get up close and personal with ospreys, barn owls, red-tailed hawks, and many other impressive creatures.
Walking Trails & Native Plant Gardens
Before your visit ends, be sure to check out the 1.5 miles of scenic walking trails, as well as plant gardens featuring many native species.
Additionally, be sure to check out the native pollinator gardens, where bees, birds, butterflies, and even bats can be found flying high. You'll also learn why creating a pollinator garden at your home is also very important to wildlife.
And while you’re there, take a walk through the Compost Garden and learn how you can use your food waste to reduce your carbon footprint and grow your own garden with the nutrient-rich soils you create from it.
Sweetwater Safari Hikes
Every Saturday at 11:30 AM, you can take your family on an interactive, guided trail hike with one of the Living Coast’s wildlife educators. Learn about the natural flora and fauna and talk about the history of the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
This hike also counts towards one of the requirements for the Trail to Bay challenge.
Compost Workshops
Every Sunday at 11:30 AM, you can learn about the wonders of soils (as well as get discounts on outdoor composting units) at the Living Coast Discovery Center.
In these workshops, you’ll learn practical ways to set up home composting systems to organically beautify the landscape and lessen your ecological footprint.
Seasonal Exhibits
The Living Coast runs a new seasonal exhibit each year, featuring animals from around the world, from late March/April through Labor Day.