After the Otters: More to Do Near Living Coast

Nestled on the edge of the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge, the Living Coast Discovery Center offers a unique peek into the region’s coastal habitats—with sea turtles, stingrays, and shorebirds stealing the show. But once you’ve wandered the exhibits and walked the salt marsh trails, there’s still plenty to see and do nearby. Whether you’re in the mood for a scenic stroll, a bite to eat, or a deeper dive into local culture, Chula Vista delivers. This guide rounds up 20 great stops to make your visit to the Living Coast part of a bigger adventure. 

Bayside Birding & Walking Trail 

📍 Address: 1000 Gunpowder Point Dr, Chula Vista, CA 

 🚶 Walking distance from Living Coast Discovery Center: 1 minute 

 💸 Budget: Free 

If you’re craving a bit of peace and wide-open sky after your visit to the Living Coast Discovery Center, this scenic, easygoing trail delivers. The Bayside Birding & Walking Trail begins just steps from the main entrance and loops through the salt marshes of the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge—a natural playground for birds, butterflies, and quiet reflection. 

What makes this spot special is how accessible it is. The flat, well-maintained path makes for an easy stroll, perfect for families or anyone who wants to slow down and soak up the scenery. Keep your eyes peeled: the area is a hotspot for shorebirds, egrets, and even the occasional osprey soaring overhead. Interpretive signs along the way help you ID what you’re seeing, and binoculars come in handy if you’ve got them. 

Expect a mix of sun and light breezes as you walk past coastal scrub and tidal wetlands, with occasional benches and lookout points for birdwatching or taking in the view. You might also spot hikers, joggers, or Living Coast visitors extending their day with some outdoor time. On clear days, you’ll even catch glimpses of the San Diego skyline across the bay. 

If you’re into nature photography, this trail offers some beautiful angles, especially around golden hour. And if you're traveling with kids, it’s an easy space to explore freely without needing to go far from the main site. 

Chula Vista Bayside Park 

📍 Address: 980 Marina Way, Chula Vista, CA 

 🚗 Distance from Living Coast Discovery Center: 7 minutes by car 

 💸 Budget: Free 

Looking for a peaceful spot to stretch your legs or enjoy a picnic by the water? Chula Vista Bayside Park is your go-to. Set along the marina with sweeping views of the bay, this low-key waterfront park is perfect for unwinding, snacking, or watching sailboats drift by. 

What sets Bayside Park apart is its laid-back charm. You’ll find wide grassy areas, palm-lined paths, and plenty of benches overlooking the water—ideal for sipping a coffee or catching your breath after a more active morning. Families love the small playground, while couples and solo wanderers gravitate toward the paved trails and sculpture-lined promenades. 

The park is part of the Chula Vista Bayfront redevelopment, so it’s kept clean and well-maintained. It’s also a great place to snap a few photos—especially near the marina or by the colorful public art installations dotted along the paths. 

You might even catch live music or community events on weekends, depending on the season. It’s the kind of place where locals linger, and visitors feel instantly welcome. 

Pro tip: There’s free parking available, but spaces can fill up on sunny afternoons—especially during events or holidays. 

Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge 

📍 Address: 1080 Gunpowder Point Dr, Chula Vista, CA 

 🚶 Walking distance from Living Coast Discovery Center: 5 minutes 

 💸 Budget: Free 

Tucked right alongside the Living Coast Discovery Center, the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge offers a broader look at the protected ecosystem that surrounds the center’s exhibits. If you loved meeting the sea turtles and birds up close, this is your chance to see them in the wild. 

This protected area is part of the larger San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge, home to more than 200 species of birds, dozens of native plants, and a variety of coastal critters. The walking paths weave through salt marshes and upland habitats, offering plenty of spots to pause and admire the view—or catch a glimpse of a burrowing owl or snowy egret going about its business. 

You’ll find a handful of well-marked trails that are mostly flat and easy to navigate, making them perfect for a slow-paced nature walk. If you’re traveling with kids, the open paths and interactive signage provide a little structure to your adventure, while photographers and birdwatchers will appreciate the wide-angle views and close encounters with wildlife. 

Pro tip: Mornings and late afternoons are best for birdwatching, especially during migration season. And if you're heading out in warmer weather, wear closed shoes—the trails are natural and can get sandy or uneven. 

Tacos El Gordo 

📍 Address: 689 H St, Chula Vista, CA 

 🚗 Distance from Living Coast Discovery Center: 12 minutes by car 

 💸 Budget: $ 

If your perfect day involves sunshine and tacos (and let’s be honest, whose doesn’t?), then a detour to Tacos El Gordo is totally worth it. This beloved SoCal chain originally hails from Tijuana, and it shows—bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and no-nonsense street food done right. 

It’s a counter-service setup, so expect to line up by taco type—al pastor has its own station, as does carne asada, lengua, tripa, and more. The al pastor is king here: spicy, juicy pork sliced straight from the rotating trompo and served on a warm, handmade corn tortilla with onions, cilantro, and a swipe of avocado crema. Add some salsa roja if you like it hot. 

The vibe is casual and lively—bright red booths, sizzle sounds from the kitchen, and the buzz of happy taco fans digging into trays of crispy rolled tacos and juicy mulas. It’s not a sit-down experience in the traditional sense, but it’s fun, fast, and full of character. 

Everything is made to order, and the prices are super friendly, especially for the portion sizes. If you’re not sure what to try, grab a mixed plate of tacos and sample a little of everything. And don’t sleep on the horchata or tamarindo agua fresca to cool things down. 

Rohr Park 

📍 Address: 4548 Sweetwater Rd, Bonita, CA 

 🚗 Distance from Living Coast Discovery Center: 13 minutes by car 

 💸 Budget: Free 

Just inland from the coast, Rohr Park offers a perfect balance of wide-open lawns, shaded walking trails, and play areas—all set against the quiet, leafy backdrop of Bonita. Whether you're traveling with kids, walking off lunch, or just looking for somewhere to relax and recharge, this is a go-to spot. 

The park stretches out over 60 acres, so there’s room to roam without the crowds. You’ll find a loop trail that’s ideal for walking or biking, plus plenty of picnic tables and barbecue areas tucked under mature trees. For kids, there are multiple playgrounds, including climbing structures and swings that cater to various age groups. 

If you’re lucky, you might spot the miniature train in action—on select weekends, the Sweetwater Valley Little League Train offers rides around the park, adding a fun, nostalgic touch. There’s also a small duck pond, which always gets a smile from younger visitors and bird lovers alike. 

Fitness enthusiasts often use Rohr Park as a training ground thanks to the flat, well-maintained trails and quiet atmosphere. And even if you’re not in workout mode, it’s a great place to kick off your shoes and stretch out under a tree with a book or snack. 

There are public restrooms, drinking fountains, and plenty of parking, making it easy to spend a couple of hours here without hassle. And thanks to its size, you’ll always be able to find a quiet corner—even on weekends. 

Sparks Gallery (Pop-up or Downtown Alternative) 

📍 Address: 530 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA (for downtown gallery) 

 🚗 Distance from Living Coast Discovery Center: 20 minutes by car 

 💸 Budget: $–$$ 

While not right next door to the Living Coast Discovery Center, Sparks Gallery is worth a short drive if you're craving some visual inspiration. Located in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, this contemporary art space champions local and regional artists, spotlighting both emerging talent and established names across a range of mediums. 

The gallery is set inside a beautifully restored historic building with industrial-chic touches—think exposed brick, wood beams, and soft gallery lighting. The layout is inviting and easy to explore, and the rotating exhibitions mean there’s always something new to take in. Expect everything from bold oil paintings to sculptural installations and experimental mixed media. 

What sets Sparks apart is its commitment to accessibility and community. The curators do an excellent job presenting work that feels thoughtful and current, while still being relatable to the casual visitor. Whether you’re a collector, a curious traveler, or someone who simply enjoys creative expression, it’s a warm and welcoming place to browse. 

If you're lucky, your visit might line up with one of their artist talks, receptions, or collaborative events that mix local food, wine, and art in a lively setting. Even without an event, it’s an ideal place to escape the heat, slow down, and take in something thought-provoking. 

Pro tip: If you're tight on time and want something closer, check for local pop-up art events in the Chula Vista area—community centers and libraries often host rotating exhibits from regional artists. 

Hollingsworth Farm & Bakery 

📍 Address: 3741 Main St, Chula Vista, CA 

 🚗 Distance from Living Coast Discovery Center: 14 minutes by car 

 💸 Budget: $–$$ 

Tucked away on a quiet stretch of Main Street, Hollingsworth Farm & Bakery is the kind of place that feels like a secret—until you try the cookies. Family-run and community-loved, this farmstand-meets-bakery serves up freshly baked treats, rustic pies, and produce straight from local growers, all in a cozy, down-home setting. 

The vibe here is earthy and welcoming—think wooden crates filled with seasonal fruits, chalkboard menus, and the smell of warm bread drifting through the air. You’ll usually be greeted by the owner or a family member behind the counter, happy to talk you through what’s just come out of the oven. 

Customer favorites include the apple hand pies, flaky croissants, and decadent cinnamon rolls, but don’t overlook their savory bakes and jams—many of which feature ingredients grown on-site or sourced locally. In spring and summer, you’ll often find tables of strawberries and citrus at the entrance, and around the holidays, the bakery goes all-in with themed desserts. 

There’s plenty of parking, and a few outdoor tables if you want to linger over your coffee and pastry. It’s an ideal pit stop if you’re en route to the coast or coming back from a hike and want a snack that feels special. 

South Bay Salt Works 

📍 Address: 1470 Bay Blvd, Chula Vista, CA 

 🚗 Distance from Living Coast Discovery Center: 7 minutes by car 

 💸 Budget: Free (viewing from public areas) 

If you’ve ever driven down Bay Boulevard and noticed what looks like blindingly white snow piles in the distance, you’ve already glimpsed the surreal landscape of the South Bay Salt Works. It’s one of the oldest businesses in San Diego and one of just two remaining solar salt operations on the West Coast. 

While the site itself isn’t open for public tours, it’s still well worth a drive or short walk to view from the adjacent paths and wetlands, especially if you’re into photography, local history, or just love a weirdly beautiful backdrop. The towering salt piles gleam in the sunlight and create an otherworldly contrast with the surrounding marshland and birdlife. 

This area is also a birdwatching hotspot, as the salty ponds draw a variety of shorebirds and waterfowl, including avocets, stilts, and even the occasional pink-tinged spoonbill. The best viewing spots are along the Bayshore Bikeway or the Bayfront trails, where you can stop and take in the contrast between industrial operations and delicate ecosystems. 

It’s a quirky, off-the-beaten-path highlight that feels oddly serene and visually striking. And if you’re interested in local industry and environmental science, it adds another layer of depth to the Living Coast story—these salt flats are part of the same fragile habitat system you’ll explore at the Discovery Center. 

Sesame Place San Diego 

📍 Address: 2052 Entertainment Cir, Chula Vista, CA 

 🚗 Distance from Living Coast Discovery Center: 15 minutes by car 

 💸 Budget: $$ 

If your day near the Living Coast could use a burst of energy and water-powered fun, Sesame Place San Diego is the answer. Packed with rides, slides, and interactive shows, this vibrant theme park is built for younger kids but charming enough for all ages to enjoy. And yes—you’ll definitely spot Elmo. 

The vibe here is bright, cheerful, and full of nostalgia. From gentle splash zones and lazy rivers to more thrilling rides like Cookie’s Monster Mixer and Honker Dinger Dash, there’s a water attraction for every comfort level. The park also features a dry play area with rides like Super Grover’s Box Car Derby and live Sesame Street-themed performances that keep the little ones thoroughly entertained between dips. 

For families, Sesame Place is especially great because it’s manageable in size—you can see and do a lot without it feeling overwhelming. The layout is stroller-friendly, and there are plenty of shaded rest zones, lockers, and food kiosks offering kid-friendly meals (think mac and cheese bites and fruit cups). Don’t forget swimwear—many of the water attractions are full-on splash zones, and dry clothes come in handy if you’re heading elsewhere after. 

It’s also a Certified Autism Center, with staff trained in sensory awareness and quiet rooms available, which makes it a thoughtful choice for neurodiverse families. Seasonal events like “The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular” or holiday light shows add even more incentive to visit if you’re in town at the right time. 

Whether you’re planning a quick visit or a full day around the Living Coast Discovery Center, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of your time in Chula Vista. From nature trails and waterfront dining to quirky roadside stops and splashy family fun, this part of San Diego packs in a surprising variety of experiences—all within a short drive of each other. So go ahead: mix science with sunshine, tacos with tide pools, and birdsong with a giant lemon. It’s all waiting just beyond the marsh. 

Ready to ramp up your San Diego experience? Discover our 4-day San Diego itinerary so  you don't miss a beat.

Step up your sightseeing with Go City®.   

We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.  

See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® - just choose a pass to get started!