Sweetwater Marsh at San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge

The Sweetwater Marsh unit of the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge is located on the east side of the bay in the Chula Vista area of San Diego, CA. It has an educational visitor center, walking trails, and a beach on the tide flats.

This vast undeveloped property is surrounded by densely-packed cities, but is a haven for protected birds and other animals. A nature center has been built in the center of the marshlands and provides access to trails that lead to a narrow sandy beach on the bay and countless birding viewpoints. Birdwatching is common here year-round, but best in the fall and winter months.

The main reason to visit Sweetwater Marsh is for the zoo, aquarium, and educational exhibits at the nature center. Kids and adults will enjoy it all.

The parking lot is located at the west end of E Street in Chula Vista. A shuttle bus takes you from the lot to the nature center. For admission prices, hours of operation, shuttle info, current exhibits and more, see the Living Coast Discovery Center website.

Nearby, Chula Vista Kayaks offers kayaking tours on waters around Sweetwater Marsh. The kayak tours start from the J. Street Marina at Chula Vista Bayside Park.

Address

1000 Gunpowder Point Dr
San Diego, CA 91910

Phone

619-409-5900

Park Name

San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Other Names

Gunpowder Point

Owner

National Wildlife Refuge

Pet Details

No dogs allowed on the beach

Fees

Entrance fee for Discovery Center. Free to walk trails.

Activities

Birdwatching, Walking, Kayaking

Amenities

Nature Center, Zoo, Aquarium, Guided Tours, Bird Blinds, Trails, Interpretive Signs, Accessible Features

Links

Water Quality
Surfing Info & Web Cams
Water Temps
Tide Chart