Gaylord Pacific - Admissions

General Admission

Thank you for purchasing tickets to visit the Living Coast Discovery Center! We are open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM. 

Your tickets will be sent to the email you used to make the purchase. Please have a digital or physical copy of your ticket when redeeming it.

A valid photo ID can be requested to verify a senior (ages 65+) or student ticket. Special discounts like AAA, Military, etc., are only available when purchased at the Living Coast Discovery Center.

Tickets expire one year after the date of purchase. Refunds will not be provided for expired tickets. 

Birthday Parties

Standard Package: $575 (Members $518)

  • Admission for up to 25 Guests (cannot exceed 25 guests of all ages)
    • Guests can visit the center until 5:00PM.
  • Private, Decorated Space
  • 1.5 hours of Guided Activities 
    • 2 Animal Encounters
    • Nature Craft
  • 30 minutes for Cake and Food

Deluxe Package: $725 (Members $653)

  • Admission for up to 30 Guests (cannot exceed 30 guests of all ages)
    • Guests can visit the center until 5:00PM.
  • Private, Decorated Space
  • 2 hours of Guided Activities 
    • 3 Animal Encounters
    • Nature Craft
  • 60 minutes for Cake, Food, and Backyard Games

What to Tell Guests: There is a shuttle service from the Living Coast guest parking lot. Please encourage guests to arrive 15 minutes early to take the shuttle. Upon arrival, they will check in at the front desk.

What Not to Bring: Glitter, fire, balloons, confetti, piñata, noisemakers are not allowed due to the safety of wildlife. Alcohol is also strictly prohibited.

Team Up to Clean Up

Trail to Bay Hike

Scout Programs

Scout Program: $300 (no discounts apply)

  • Admission for up to 30 people (includes scouts, adults, and siblings of all ages)
    • Participants can visit the center until 5:00PM
  • Private classroom space during the program
  • 1.5 Hour interactive program
    • 1 Animal Encounter
    • Badge specific activities

 

Living Coast scout patches can be purchased onsite.

 



Compost Workshop

Backyard Compost Workshop Registration

*Workshop open to all Living Coast guests with paid admission* 

Chula Vista residents can receive free admission to the Living Coast Discovery Center on select Sundays by registering in advance to attend a Backyard Composting Workshop! Register below and choose your workshop date. Present your ID and confirmation email at the front desk to receive free admission to the Living Coast. If multiple people are attending from same household, you must fill out separate registration form for each person in attendance. Registrations are accepted until 4 PM the Thursday before scheduled workshop, please plan accordingly.

Sweetwater Safari Hike

Sweetwater Marsh Trail Hike

 

Join us every Saturday as we explore the Sweetwater Marsh Trail on the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge! We will learn about the history of the Sweetwater Marsh, the salt marsh ecosystem, and the plants and wildlife thriving in this protected space. Backpacks with fun activities including magnifying glasses and binoculars will be available for families to use while on the hike. 


Check-in time: 11:30 am

Duration: 30-45 Minutes

 

Meeting Location: We will meet outside the front doors of the Living Coast Discovery Center located at 1000 Gunpowder Point Drive, Chula Vista, CA 91910.

Driving directions: From the I5 freeway, exit at E street and head west to the Living Coast Discovery Center parking lot. This hike location is located on a wildlife refuge, and all visitors must park in the outer lot and take the free Living Coast Discovery Center shuttle.

Suggested parking: This locations parking lot is located outside of a wildlife refuge. All visitors must take the free shuttle from the parking lot located on Gunpowder Point Drive. This lot is located at Gunpowder Point Drive, Chula Vista CA 91910.


Restrooms and Water: The nearest restrooms are located inside the front doors of the Living Coast Discovery Center. You do not have to pay to use the restrooms, but if visitors choose to enter the facility to visit exhibits they must pay the admission fees.

 

Hike lengths: This trail is approximately 1 mile in length.

Program Supplies:  Please make sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes for hiking. Bringing a water bottle, bug protection, and sun protection are highly recommended.

 


Hiking level: Easy

 

No pets will be allowed on the hike.

Animals on the Bay Day

Overnights

Overnight programs at the Living Coast Discovery Center!

Maximum of 50 participants, including all adults and children.
We are unable to accommodate groups over 50. 

You must include the Overnight Program ticket in your booking, or your program will be canceled. The program ticket accounts for up to 20 participants. For each person in your group over 20, you must add an "Additional Adult" or "Additional Child" to your booking. There is a maximum of 50 participants.

The program lasts from 5:30 PM to 9:00 AM the next day.

Example Schedule:

Evening

5:30 PM: Check In
6:00 PM: Dinner
6:30 – 9:00 PM: Activities
9:00 PM Snack & Movie
10:30 PM: Bedtime 

Morning

6:30 AM: Breakfast
7:30 – 8:30 AM Activities
8:30 – 9:00 AM Clean up & Depart

 

Private Clean-ups

Join in our conservation efforts and create a bonding opportunity for your team through a Private Clean-Up at the Living Coast Discovery Center! 

 

Private Clean-Ups are a 2-hour program guided by our education staff and include:

  • Introduction to the center and safety instructions
  • All tools needed to conduct a safe and successful clean-up, including buckets, grabbers, and gloves
  • Exclusive access to our restricted coastline
  • A private picnic space and storage space
  • Admission to the Living Coast Discovery after your program 
  • A private animal encounter 

 

Pricing: 

  • 10-20 participants $1,500
  • 21-40 participants $2,000
  • 41-60 participants $2,500

Private Animal Encounters

Private encounter with Emerald the Green Sea Turtle! 

Go behind the scenes and meet our green sea turtle! Emerald is the gem of the Living Coast; in this encounter, you'll meet her up close and learn about how she found her home with us and more! 

Private animal encounters will take place Wednesday through Sunday are available at 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM.

THIS IS NOT A GENERAL ADMISSION TICKET. Please purchase your general admissions ticket online or at the door in addition to your private animal encounter.  

 

Please note:

To select a different date or time, please click "Other dates..." or "Other times:" above.

Animal encounters are available for up to six (6) guests per time slot. If there are children, then there must be one adult at least 18 years or older present. 

Please plan accordingly and arrive at least 15 minutes in advance of your reservation. 

Animal encounters are subject to change based on the welfare and health of our animal ambassadors.