Ready to cram your day full of natural beauty, public art and pure community spirit—without spending a dime? The neighborhoods and nature preserves near the Living Coast Discovery Center are all the evidence needed that San Diego Bay’s wild side means more than just a walk on the beach. Whether you’re birdwatching in the marshes, exploring art downtown, or picnicking by the water, you’re never far from something new to discover…
Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge
If you’re in the market for a slice of natural beauty right on San Diego Bay, look no further than Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, a place to immerse yourself in wildflowers and waving grasses just steps from the Living Coast Discovery Center. This protected wetland happens to be one of the last prime habitats for Southern California’s coastal birds—so if you’re a birdwatcher (or just bird-curious), prepare to fill up your camera roll quickly.
The loop trails here are generously wide and mostly flat, and long boardwalks stretch out into the marsh, where egrets, herons and the elusive Ridgway’s rail stalk tiny fish at low tide. Depending on the time of year, bright yellow wildflowers or silvery pickleweed line your approach. Benches along the path invite you to linger—bring a sandwich or just sit and see how many species you can spot. Don’t forget the binoculars!
Since it’s right next to the Living Coast Discovery Center, the refuge’s trails are the perfect way to extend your outing without opening your wallet. It’s wild, welcoming, and pure San Diego Bay magic—all for free.
Bayshore Bikeway
Bayshore Bikeway
Few places let you experience San Diego’s legendary waterfront on a budget like the Bayshore Bikeway. This 24-mile route encircles San Diego Bay, but you don't need to take on the whole thing to fall in love with the views. Near the Living Coast Discovery Center, this paved trail slices through protected marsh and hugs the coastline, offering section after section of smooth, car-free riding, or strolls with scenery at every turn.
Even if you just walk or bike for a mile or two, you’re treated to endless blue water, glimpses of the skyline, and fields alive with chirping shorebirds. This stretch of the Bikeway is especially welcoming for families, dreamy wanderers, or anyone new to cycling—no big hills, just gentle curves and soft breezes off the water.
On weekends, you’ll spot locals jogging, rollerblading and pedaling beach cruisers, plus friendly dog walkers happy to offer directions or tips on local eateries. If you head south, keep your eyes peeled for the South Bay Salt Works, with its massive white salt mounds that glint in the sun. Go north, and you’re drawn towards bustling Chula Vista Marina. There’s no cost to access the Bikeway, so it’s a prime pick for anyone traveling on a budget.
Chula Vista Marina viewpoint
If you love boats, sunsets and the easygoing pace of waterfront life, the Chula Vista Marina deserves a spot on your must-visit list—and you don’t need a yacht club membership to access its charms. About a 10-minute stroll from the Living Coast, the marina bustles with gentle activity: sailboats swaying at anchor, pelicans wheeling overhead, and salty breezes drifting off the Bay.
Take a wander along the harbor walkway, where you can watch boats come and go and enjoy the crisp, clear air. There are benches positioned for maximum sunset views—on clear evenings, the sky turns every shade from apricot to electric pink. The marina grounds are beautifully maintained, with gardens, small art installations, and often a pop-up vendor selling cold waters or local treats.
Drop by during a weekend regatta for a touch of local energy. Free, accessible, and never pretentious, the Chula Vista Marina is where San Diegans go to exhale—and where visitors find that signature South Bay vibe, one spectacular sunset at a time.
South Bay Salt Works overlook
South Bay Salt Works overlook
Venture just a short distance south along the Bayshore Bikeway and you’ll stumble upon a uniquely San Diego sight: the South Bay Salt Works. The salt works are off-limits to the general public, but the surrounding trails and bikeways offer fascinating vantage points for a look at this local institution.
First established in the 1800s, these dazzling white salt piles still help produce sea salt for kitchens across the U.S.—but they’re also a magnet for photographers, nature lovers, and anyone eager for a slightly surreal landscape. When the sun’s out, the bright salt glows against the blue of the sky, punctuated by deep pink and green ponds created during the evaporation process. The whole area buzzes with wildlife: you’ll likely spot black-necked stilts wading in shallow water, sandpipers darting at the edge, and majestic ospreys perched on old poles scouting for fish.
What’s extraordinary about this setting is its mix of wilderness and industry. Rail tracks cross the marsh, and the hum of machinery mixes with the calls of gulls and terns. Bring snacks, take a seat on the path’s edge, and soak in views that feel equal parts natural wonder and old-school coastal California.
Living Coast nature trails
One of the best-kept secrets at the Living Coast Discovery Center is the network of nature trails you can access from the public trailhead—no ticket required. These paths snake through the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, giving everyone a front-row seat to native marshland, salt flats, and some of California’s most interesting birds.
Start at the E Street parking lot, where the trailhead sits just outside the Living Coast entrance. These looping paths wander through sage scrub and coastal marsh, blending flat terrain and wooden bridges with the occasional sign highlighting local flora and fauna. It’s a landscape unlike anywhere else in San Diego: you’ll spot snowy egrets, soft purple sand verbenas, and maybe even a rare Ridgway’s rail if you’re quiet. It’s a brilliant place to take kids, as the wildlife feels close enough to touch and the signs make learning about each species fun and easy.
You can spot the downtown skyline on clear days, with planes dipping towards the airport and sailboats gliding along the bay. The fresh smell of brine and blooming wildflowers makes even a short walk feel refreshing. The entire loop is less than two miles, so it’s perfect for a gentle morning stroll or afternoon ramble. There’s no cost to access, and you’ll quickly see why this wild edge of San Diego Bay is so beloved by residents—and a hidden gem for visitors.
Chula Vista Bayfront Park
Let’s talk about a little slice of green heaven tucked right on the Bay—Chula Vista Bayfront Park. It’s a flat, breezy park that offers more space and fewer crowds than almost any other waterside park in greater San Diego. A short walk or easy bike ride from the Living Coast Discovery Center, this expansive park is a go-to for families, friends, or solo visitors ready for a restorative pause.
First up: the open lawns. They’re made for spontaneous soccer games, kite-flying or a sunny nap on a blanket (yes, people really do this here). Huge, shade-gifting palm and eucalyptus trees provide plenty of options for a cool picnic spot. There are paved paths winding throughout, so you can stroll and take in art sculptures scattered among the greenery. The waterfront walkway beckons with peaceful bay views, distant sailboats and the sweet smell of salt air.
Public art pops up near the main entry—a whimsical whale sculpture here, a mural there—which keeps little ones interested. There’s also a small playground and, often, friendly locals playing catch or chess in the shade. Best of all, it’s blissfully free.
Third Avenue Village art walk
Third Avenue Village art walk
Looking for local charm and creativity just a stone’s throw from the bay? Head north from the Discovery Center (or grab a quick bus ride) and find yourself in downtown Chula Vista’s Third Avenue Village. This area’s public art is a treat for the eyes, and it’s completely free to explore.
Third Avenue pulses with local life—artisan bakeries, Mexican restaurants and indie shops, all framed by creative murals and street art installations. The art walk is self-guided and seasonal, so each visit brings something new. Wander past rainbow-hued geometric murals, clever animal portraits tucked into alleyways, and community mosaics celebrating Chula Vista’s multi-cultural vibe. You might even catch a muralist at work if you’re lucky.
On Thursdays, the blocks fill with the scents and sounds of the weekly farmers' market. Street performers, local bands, and food trucks add to the festival feel, and there’s always an open curb for sitting and people-watching.
Otay Valley Regional Park
Ready to swap Bay breezes for oak-shaded creeks and wildflower-speckled meadows? Just a short drive, bike ride or bus journey east brings you into the greener expanse of Otay Valley Regional Park. Stretching for miles, this linear park follows the Otay River, threading through pockets of marshland, eucalyptus groves and sweetly-scented sage. Whether you want just an hour on the trails or a full afternoon picnic, this park offers all the drama of the wild—without any entry fee.
Otay Valley Regional Park is a genuine local favorite, with more than eight miles of multi-use trails. Some segments are paved and perfect for cycling or strollers; others are broad dirt paths that sweep beneath big skies and over rustic bridges. You’ll likely share the space with hikers, birdwatchers, and dragonflies skimming across the ponds. Early mornings are magical—flocks of birds dart between cattails, and mist hangs over the river. Kids and grownups alike will love the thrill of spotting hawks, rabbits, or turtles basking in the sun.
Pepper Park
Head just north along the Bayshore Bikeway or a quick bus hop and you’ll hit Pepper Park—a beloved waterfront park in National City, ideal for relaxing, picnicking and soaking up Bay views that stretch all the way to the Coronado Bridge. This spot manages to pack a lot into a compact space while remaining remarkably uncrowded, even on sunny weekends.
The park sits directly on the Bay, so you’re never far from the gentle lapping of water or the distant calls of seabirds. Shady palm groves provide a lush backdrop for picnic tables, each perfectly positioned to catch the afternoon sun or slide into shade as needed. There’s a small children’s play area with nautical-themed equipment, making it a hit for families, plus sloping lawns for frisbee or just watching the sunset melt over the water.
A fishing pier draws patient anglers hoping for perch or halibut—feel free to wander the planks, strike up a conversation, and glimpse the local fishing culture in action. The paved walking path keeps you close to the water’s edge, and vibrant murals nearby add a dose of color and creativity to the scene.
Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve
If you’re up for a short public transit hop and a real feeling of wide-open exploration, head a few miles south to the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve. This immense wildlife preserve sits at the intersection of land, sea and international border—a fascinating blend of wild river mouths, dune meadows and salt marshes, all teeming with life.
Start at the Visitor Center, where rangers can point out the best trails for the time of year. Flat, sandy paths wind through the reserve, letting you wander quiet stretches of beach, spot flashes of rare birds like the light-footed Ridgway’s Rail, or gaze at wildflowers and butterflies. This is a genuinely wild slice of San Diego—unspoiled, scenic, and always a bit surprising. Artists and writers love the wide-open landscapes and vast skies; families enjoy the chance to dip their toes in the surf or watch grasshoppers zip between tall reeds.
No fees, miles of trails, and a sense of wild adventure you just won’t find downtown—the Tijuana River Estuary is perfect for explorers who want to experience the wildest, most soulful edge of San Diego Bay.
Looking for more San Diego inspo? Discover all the best wildlife experiences in town, and check out our tips for negotiating a San Diego heatwave.
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