Chula Vista Nature Center
1000 Gunpowder Point Drive
Chula Vista, California (map)
(619) 409-5900
(619) 409-5910 (fax)
NATURE CENTER HIGHLIGHTS
The Chula Vista Nature Center is a relatively unknown treasure in the Sweetwater Marsh NWR on the southwest banks of San Diego Bay. The nature center was recently renovated with a $3 million Discovery Center.
The nature center is about 7 miles from downtown San Diego and 7 miles from the border in Chula Vista, CA. To get there, you'll need to park your car a couple of hundred yards from the nature center and take the shuttle. The shuttle is free, but you'll have to pay an entry fee inside the nature center.
NATURE CENTER EXHIBITS
Living Nature Exhibits
Unlike other nature centers on the San Diego coastline, the Chula Vista Nature Center has live exhibits of many of the various animals that inhabit the estuary and bay. The living exhibits are a great opportunity for people to get an up close view of animals they might otherwise never see that close or at all. Among the exhibits are aviaries with eagles, burrowing owls, shorebirds, egrets and herons.
Bald Eagle Exhibit
The Bald Eagle exhibit is one of the highlights of the Chula Vista Nature Center. Most people never see a Bald Eagle up close like this. The lone bird stands perched in its cage, and then without warning spreads its giant wings, as if to impress the onlookers. Due to injury, the eagle cannot be released into the wild.
Golden Eagle Exhibit
Next to the Bald Eagle exhibit is the Golden Eagle exhibit. Here, a pair of Golden Eagles keep each other company while viewing the estuary and immediate surroundings.
Green Sea Turtle Lagoon Exhibit
Directly in front of the Chula Vista Nature Center is an impressive exhibit with underwater viewing windows.
Marsh Zone Exhibit
The Marsh Zone Exhibit simulates an actual marsh with living marsh zone species. Here, you don't need binoculars to get up close views.
Upland Zone Exhibit
Get close glimpse of local Rainbow Trout, reptiles, amphibians, insects and more.
David A. Wergeland Shark & Ray Experience
This impressive nature center exhibit is a large holding tank with underwater viewing windows to watch dozens of sharks and fish of all sizes and varieties swim in different patterns or sit on the bottom.
NATURE CENTER EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND TOURS
The nature center conducts field trips, classes, and guided tours through the exhibits, gardens and trails. People learn about captive breeding of endangered species, as well as the Sweetwater Marsh NWR with all of its life.
Since the nature center does not provide food, its best to bring a lunch or snack. Restaurants are located in Chula Vista.
Normal Hours:
Open 10am - 5pm, Tuesday through Sunday.
Last shuttle leaves for the Center at 4pm.
Closed
Nov. 22 - 23, Thanksgiving
Dec. 24 - Jan. 1, Winter Holidays
Nature Center Admission Prices
$6.00 Adults (18-54)
$5.00 Seniors (55+)
$5.00 Students (18+ with ID)
$4.00 Juniors (12-17)
$3.00 Children (4-11)
Free Children (under 4)
Please inquire about military discounts.
(Admission fees subject to change.)
Donations to the Chula Vista Nature Center are always welcome. You can become a member for unlimited admission, discounts, and special programs.
More info: Chula Vista Nature Center
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