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About Sweetwater Marsh at San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge in San Diego, California

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
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
Map of Sweetwater Marsh at San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Chula Vista, US
1:31 am, March 29, 2024
temperature icon 55°F
L: 55° H: 61°
Feels like 54.27 °F scattered clouds
Wind gusts: 4 m/s
UV Index: 0
Precipitation: 0 inch
Visibility: 10 km
Sunrise: 6:39 am
Sunset: 7:06 pm
Humidity 83 %
Pressure1015 mb
Wind 4 m/s

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