Dreaming of getting closer to nature in San Diego? You’re spoiled for choice! There’s the Living Coast Discovery Center, a personal, eco-friendly spot nestled right on San Diego Bay, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo, where rare animals and lush habitats span 100 acres in the heart of the city. Whether you prefer intimate wildlife encounters with marine life or an epic day alongside elephants and koalas, this guide will help you pick your perfect animal adventure—with plenty of tips for food, fun and photo ops along the way.
The scoop…
Living Coast Discovery Center
- Immersive wildlife sanctuary focused on local flora and fauna: sea turtles, rays, raptors, sharks, owls, eagles and more
- Set inside the protected Sweetwater Marsh, minutes from downtown Chula Vista
- Borderless aviary lets birds fly overhead; touch tanks get you up close with rays and small sharks
- Intimate, uncrowded, hands-on exhibits and daily animal encounters
- Interactive trails through native marshland for self-guided adventure
San Diego Zoo
- Legendary, 100-acre urban zoo in Balboa Park—home to 4,000+ animals and 650 species (pandas, gorillas, exotic birds, polar bears and more)
- Famous for immersive habitats: Africa Rocks, Elephant Odyssey, the Australian Outback, Lost Forest and more
- Playful animal encounters: koala talks, giraffe feedings, wildlife care chats and giant pandas (when on exhibit)
- Skyfari Aerial Tram for city and zoo views
- Dining choices for every taste, from sit-down cafes to snack stands and gourmet grab-and-go
Sounds great, tell me more...
Sounds great, tell me more...
Living Coast Discovery Center: your hands-on bayfront sanctuary
From the moment you board the free shuttle (eco-friendly parking lot access only—hello, wildlife protection!) you know Living Coast is a different animal. Housed in a modern, sunny building ringed by the wild Sweetwater Marsh, the Discovery Center brings you nose-to-beak (and shell) with dozens of rescued and rehabilitated local critters.
Head to Turtle Lagoon to meet rescued sea turtles gliding slowly in luminous green water, or dangle your fingers in the Ray Touch Pool and let snub-nosed bat rays swoosh by. The Shark & Ray Experience lets you learn right from the experts—yes, you can ask if rays really like belly rubs! In the aviary, there’s no glass between you and the egrets, black-crowned night herons or rescued raptors—you might spot a bald eagle perched overhead.
Shaded trails loop through wild marshland, making it easy to turn your visit into a wildlife hike. Kids love the scavenger hunts, daily animal-feeding demos and hands-on activity tables weaving science and craft. Intimate, relaxed and never crowded, Living Coast blends the fun of a zoo with the feel of a true wildlife refuge. Education is everywhere (without the lecture vibe), and all ages leave buzzing with happy stories of local wildlife conservation.
San Diego Zoo: the classic, can’t-miss animal wonderland
The word ‘zoo’ doesn’t do this place justice—it’s a destination, an urban jungle, and a living monument to biodiversity. Sprawled across Balboa Park’s canyons, the San Diego Zoo features miles of lush exhibits: pandas (if they’re visiting), arctic foxes, meerkats, orangutans, tree kangaroos, towering giraffes and elephants. Iconic habitats like the Lost Forest (swinging monkeys, prowling big cats) and Elephant Odyssey blend immersive design with clever, up-close viewing points.
What’s it like on a typical day? Ride the Skyfari Aerial Tram for city and zoo views. Wander past waterfalls and hippo pools, watch polar bears swim feet from your face and pop into koala country for eucalyptus-scented selfies. Animal encounters are non-stop—keeper talks, bird shows, and the chance to feed a giraffe or pet a goat at the Children’s Zoo.
Seasonal events like Nighttime Zoo and Jungle Bells splash extra color and entertainment after hours, and there’s a delightful chaos in spring when new animal babies appear across the park. The zoo’s conservation work is world-renowned, and the educational signage makes exploring an adventure for all ages.
Ok, so which is more impressive?
If impressive means big, world-famous, and jam-packed with rare animals, San Diego Zoo is the clear winner. The size, diversity and spectacle of the place is jaw-dropping—you could spend all day here and still not get to see every animal or show. The lush landscaping, clever architecture, and creative animal habitats set a global gold standard.
But don’t count out Living Coast Discovery Center—its location inside a real, working salt marsh, its intimate animal encounters, and its passion for local conservation create a sense of meaningful wonder. Living Coast is deeply impressive—just in a totally different way.
Which is more fun?
It depends on your definition of fun! San Diego Zoo brims with entertainment, from tram rides to playgrounds, scheduled shows and animal encounters. Everywhere you go, a new animal awaits, making it an all-day joyride for energetic families, animal lovers and groups of friends.
Living Coast Discovery Center delivers fun for those who love hands-on, ask-the-zookeeper experiences and the simple thrill of feeding a ray or hearing an owl hoot right above you. Kids adore the Discovery Center for its personal attention—there’s always a staffer or volunteer at hand for animal chats or interactive science. You’ll finish feeling like a local wildlife expert (and maybe a bit muddy from the marsh trails).
If you want non-stop activity, the Zoo wins. For interactive chill and pure animal connection, Living Coast takes it.
Which is more beautiful?
Which is more beautiful?
San Diego Zoo’s setting is stunning: rolling hills, botanical gardens, shady groves and dramatic enclosures make it a delight to stroll. Flamingos wade in tropical pools; misty forests house monkeys swinging through the canopy. There’s something cinematic about seeing a polar bear emerge from a waterfall or watching giraffes graze beneath a miniature savanna.
Living Coast Discovery Center offers a quieter, more natural beauty. The Sweetwater Marsh is teeming with wildflowers, birds and sweeping bay views—sunrise and sunset here truly sparkle. The salt marshes and native plants (many labeled on the trails) draw butterflies, frogs and songbirds, adding a relaxed ‘wild San Diego’ vibe you won’t find anywhere else.
Which has better views?
The Living Coast Discovery Center offers one of San Diego’s most unexpected vistas—long boardwalks through salt marshes, distant downtown skyscrapers to the north and the sparkling bay to the west. Birders and photographers love the sunrises, and lucky visitors spot ospreys diving for fish or coyotes trotting through the reeds.
San Diego Zoo’s best views are from the Skyfari Tram. You float above gorilla forests and flamingo lagoons, with downtown San Diego and the Coronado Bridge framed in the distance. From certain high paths, you’ll get sweeping shots of Balboa Park’s lush canyons, mosaic-tiled domes and exotic tree canopies—especially vivid as the late afternoon sun lights up the whole zoo. Waterfalls, lush hillsides and flower beds give every corner a new perspective.
We’re calling this one a draw.
How do I get there?
Living Coast Discovery Center
By public transit: Take the San Diego Trolley Blue Line to E Street Station in Chula Vista, then hop on the free Living Coast shuttle in the parking lot for a 5-minute eco-friendly ride to the entrance (no on-site public parking).
By car: Enter 1000 Gunpowder Point Dr, Chula Vista, CA in your GPS. Free parking is in the designated lot at E Street and Bay Boulevard—then follow signs to the shuttle stop.
By bike: The Bayshore Bikeway brings you very close; bring a lock to park up in the shuttle lot.
San Diego Zoo
By public transit: Use the #7 or #215 SDMTS bus to the Park Boulevard/Zoo Place stop, then walk a few minutes through Balboa Park to the main entrance.
By car: Input 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA in your GPS. There’s ample free parking in the large zoo lots, but expect to circle or walk a bit during weekends or holiday seasons.
On foot/bike: The park is well-connected by walking and bike routes. If you’re already exploring Balboa Park, just follow Zoo Place past the Natural History Museum.
Best choice for families, couples or friends
Best choice for families, couples or friends
- For families: The San Diego Zoo has more kid-focused features—playgrounds, splash areas, family rest spots and a huge Children’s Zoo. There are interactive encounters, animal feedings and tram rides that keep even the most energetic little ones entertained. Stroller and wagon rentals, ample bathrooms and changing facilities make it extra easy. The Living Coast Discovery Center is perfect for families who appreciate a slower pace. Kids love touching rays, feeding birds and joining hands-on activities with docents. The compact size means little feet won’t wear out, and the marsh trails are stroller-friendly.
- For couples: Animal lovers will find romance at both, but a sunset stroll or an early morning birdwatch at Living Coast can feel cozy and private. Couples that want a full day’s adventure with a bucket list vibe will love hopping from koalas to tigers at the Zoo, sharing snacks or getting sweet photos under shady banyan trees.
- For friends: San Diego Zoo rules for large groups—loads of food options, massive grounds to roam, and so many Instagrammy animal moments to share. Living Coast is ideal for a smaller crew wanting to chat with keepers, join a wildlife walk and feel a little off the beaten path.
I have fidgety kids - which has more hands-on fun?
Living Coast Discovery Center is all about touchable, interactive fun. The Ray Touch Pool, discovery stations with shells and feathers, critter meet-and-greets, marsh scavenger hunts and rotating family crafts are laid out for little explorers. Docents keep things friendly and accessible, so even shy or hesitant kids feel comfortable handling new critters or poking through the mud.
What’s the accessibility like?
Living Coast Discovery Center
Fully accessible by design. Level, paved walkways throughout the center, ramp access, accessible restrooms, and the shuttle is wheelchair-friendly. Trails through the marsh are flat and suit most strollers or mobility aids, though some wild sections may be a bit bumpy.
San Diego Zoo
The zoo is mapped, marked and regularly updated for accessibility—ramps, elevators, wide main paths and ADA-friendly restrooms make it easy to cover most of the park. Free shuttle buses help you tackle hills (the zoo is built into a canyon) and there are accessible viewing points in all major animal zones. Wheelchair and ECV rentals are available at the entrance, and staff are always ready to assist with route planning for those with limited mobility.
Best lunch spots nearby?
Best lunch spots nearby?
Near Living Coast Discovery Center
- Galley Café: Just outside the entrance (before the shuttle) with classic diner-style sandwiches, fish tacos and breakfast burritos. Big windows offer Sweetwater Marsh views.
- Chula Vista Brewery Taproom & Grill: About five minutes away, this neighborhood spot does burgers, fried chicken and stellar local craft beers in a breezy, kid-friendly courtyard.
- Tacos El G: A casual, 10-minute drive north. Authentic Mexican street tacos, carnitas, horchata and housemade salsas—super fast and packed with happy families.
- South Bay Fish & Grill: Fresh seafood, poke bowls and crispy calamari right by the marina. Try the fish tacos or a ceviche sampler.
At San Diego Zoo
- Albert’s Restaurant: Table service, a shaded terrace and a waterfall backdrop—serves salads, burgers and cold local beers.
- Sabertooth Grill (Africa Rocks): Rotisserie chicken wraps, flatbreads and healthy snacks overlooking penguin habitats.
- Front Street Café: Easy grab-and-go mains plus kid classics in a sun-dappled spot near the Zoo entrance.
- Sandwich Company (Urban Jungle): Deli sandwiches, vegetarian wraps, chips and ice creams—quick to eat and big portions for sharing.
Where can I find the best photo ops?
Living Coast Discovery Center:
- The Ray Touch Pool, with kids’ delighted faces as they pet rays.
- Open aviary, where vibrant herons, egrets and hawks pose in the marshes.
- Boardwalks at sunset or sunrise for beautiful marsh panoramas.
- Turtle Lagoon, especially during feeding demonstrations.
San Diego Zoo
- From the Skyfari Aerial Tram for sweeping views over the zoo and city.
- Panda/koala habitats for close-ups with world-famous animals.
- The flamingo pond—massively photogenic and colorful.
- The Lost Forest: waterfalls, lush greenery and dramatic animal encounters—perfect for wildlife and people shots.
We’re finished and thirsty – any good bars nearby?
Near Living Coast Discovery Center
- Seven Mile Casino Bar: Classic cocktails, local craft beer taps and great views—just across the river in a casual gaming setting.
- Novo Brazil Brewing Company: Colorful brewery with a South American twist and plenty of outdoor seating; try their IPAs or açai hard seltzer.
- Third Avenue Alehouse: Hip, friendly taproom in downtown Chula Vista—a rotating tap list of the county’s best micheladas, and a breezy social vibe.
Near San Diego Zoo
- The Prado Bar: In Balboa Park, just across the way—creative cocktails, local wines and a shady garden patio.
- Panama 66: Sculpture garden by day, craft beer oasis by night—great local taps plus jazz on weekends.
- The Balboa: An old-school, low-lit neighborhood bar with legendary local lore and classic cocktails, a short ride north in Bankers Hill.
Any other good stuff nearby?
Any other good stuff nearby?
Near Living Coast Discovery Center
- Bayshore Bikeway: Rent a bike and take this scenic path along the bay—great for spotting seabirds.
- Chula Vista Marina: Sunset strolls, paddleboard rentals and weekend family festivals on the bay.
- Otay Valley Regional Park: Birdwatching, hiking, fishing and peaceful wildflower walks.
- Pepper Park: Playgrounds, picnic tables, and a tranquil spot for post-zoo snacking or running off energy.
Near San Diego Zoo
- Balboa Park Museums: Air and Space Museum, Model Railroad Museum, Fleet Science Center and more—all a stroll from the zoo gates.
- Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater: Catch a classic puppet show for the little ones.
- Japanese Friendship Garden: Beautiful winding paths and koi ponds—ideal for unwinding after zoo crowds.
Spanish Village Art Center: Artists’ studios, colorful tiles, and quirky crafts to browse.
In summary…
Whether you’re after up-close animal encounters by the water at Living Coast Discovery Center or big-time adventures with the world’s most famous creatures at the San Diego Zoo, you’re about to have an unforgettable San Diego day. Dive into the marsh, soar over Balboa Park, and savor every memory along the way. The Living Coast Discovery Center charms with its friendly, hands-on experiences and peaceful bay views—you’ll leave feeling connected to local wildlife and inspired to help protect it. Meanwhile, the San Diego Zoo dazzles with its sheer size, awe-inspiring habitats, and the chance to see creatures from every corner of the world. Both destinations serve up a full day’s worth of discovery, fun and photo ops, no matter your style, age, or group. The best news? With Go City®, you don’t have to choose. Bundle both stops with other top attractions, saving time and money, and create a personalized adventure that flows at your own pace.
Looking for other things to do in and around San Diego? Discover yet more wild days out, and weigh up the relative merits of Balboa Park’s Model Railroad Museum and Automotive Museum.
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