San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge image

San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Wildlife refuge

This salt marsh refuge is home to endangered birds & offers trails for visitors & seasonal tours. People often mention parking, area, Interior', walk, visit, Great, LCDC, World', small, Beautiful,


Address

1080 Gunpowder Point Dr, Chula Vista, CA 91910

Website

www.fws.gov

Contact

(619) 221-3473

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (943 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Sunday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: parking (13) area (13) Interior' (13) walk (12) visit (11) Great (11) LCDC (10) World' (10) small (9) Beautiful (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Craig B. 1 year ago on Google
    The San Diego Bay NWR requires you to park in the Living Coast Discovery Center (LCDC) parking lot and take LCDC shuttle to the compound shared by the NWR and the LCDC. Parking and shuttle are free. The LCDC is not part of the Refuge and charges admission ($20 for aged 13 and above). You are not obligated to visit the LCDC (and I didn’t). The NWR building is the San Diego area NWR Complex headquarters and not a visitors’ center. You can, however, get your Parks Passport stamped there. The LCDC parking lot is easy to find, being just off the I-5 E Street exit. The parking lot is also about a 10-minute walk from a trolley station. The Refuge is a former industrial area that nature is reclaiming. There are several building foundations visible on the property. Not many critters running/flying around during my visit – only a few birds and bees… and one rabbit. No other people were visiting the Refuge while I was there although the LCDC was packed with school kids. One last thing… the NWR ground is covered with the invasive but edible crown daisy. Maybe the NWR should allow people who eat this plant to come in and help themselves – after all, it is an invasive species… (It’s also growing in the LCDC parking lot).
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Julia B. 2 years ago on Google
    PSA: The parking lot is NOT where google maps routes you. The actual refuge is at the end of the road closed to the public. Park at that small sketchy tent at the corner of E street and Gunpowder. We thought it was originally a scam and drove past it, only to see that the dirt lot around the Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay lodging could be a place to park, but you'd have to walk back to the first lot to take a shuttle into the actual refuge. You cannot walk into the refuge as there is a gated path. Anyways, parking situation aside, took us about 2 hours to tour the place and listen to 2 of the animal feeding. Beautiful refuge, educational.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Natalie G. 2 years ago on Google
    So peaceful. A great outing with the family.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Julie B. 3 years ago on Google
    This is a BEAUTIFUL Wildlife Refuge. My husband and I walk a couple miles daily since COVID-19 hit. Unfortunately we have discovered that the homeless have begun making this their place to pitch tents, and the trash and human waste is noticeable. I'm not sure who to contact to amend this before the problem grows.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Mary B. 1 year ago on Google
    The fish and turtle tanks appeared to be less than clean. Also, it was pretty sad actually, to see the beautiful raptors in such small enclosures that aren't really well maintained at all. All the surroundings and walkways could use maintenance and cleaning up as well. Don't think we will be coming back.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Oswaldo R. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice views and good place for a walk but its all on paved paths and the actual preserve is fenced off, there are much better places to go see nature not too far from the area
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 arlena r. 4 years ago on Google
    It's a great place to come watch rescued sea life and birds of prey while learning about them and what is humans are doing to our ecosystem with all our trash. I loved it here and will buy a pass for only $40 a year to include a guest each time! A family of 6 is still less than $90 a year.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ashley G. 1 year ago on Google • 605 reviews
    Had fun visiting the trails and animal center. Center was sorta on the small side but had a lot to see. Trails were a little confusing as far as how long they are and where to go. Parking is easy and bus comes often to take to center.

  • 5/5 michael m. 2 years ago on Google
    It was a nice experience to walk around learning new things about different wildlife. We enjoyed our time there.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tahanny E. 1 year ago on Google • 55 reviews
    Excellent place to visit, learn about local ocean life creatures. Bird habitats are nice as well. Love the trails that take you coast side. Flowers are in full bloom. IMPRESSIVE, BEAUTIFUL!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Linda De C. 6 months ago on Google • 161 reviews
    Educators are knowledgeable, very friendly, and answered every question I and other visitors had. All areas are very clean, and hand washing stations are easily accessible. Will be returning most definitely.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Yaya I. 6 years ago on Google
    I love this place! It wasn't the easiest place to find but if you give him a call they will guide you to their parking lot. And in the parking lot they have a shuttle that will take you to the wild life Center. I was amazed by all that they do and information that they share and how they help educate the community. Besides being a lover of the sea, visiting from out of town this definitely was a place to go.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anurag G. 1 year ago on Google
    Good place to visit with kids. Definitely recommend going on a trail to bay.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Yamille Y. 4 years ago on Google
    A very nice place! We went there on Friday 6/28/2019 and we had a good time with the family. It was our last vacation day in CA, but we’re glad we went to this place. Staff was very friendly and welcoming. Our daughters were able to learn more about endangered animals, how they look and how to help preserve them. We were unable to do the walking outside since it’s Summer time and there may be snakes. You have to park in a parking lot and then, wait for the bus to come. The bus take you to the place. They don’t have parking space there. It’s nice since the bus rides every 15 minutes. This place is very big and spacious. You can eat outside with more space. A lot of things to see!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Alabhya D. 2 months ago on Google • 250 reviews New
    It was a nice place. A good break from the city

  • 5/5 Catherine H. 9 months ago on Google
    We were visiting the Living Coast Discovery Center and walked the trails after. The refuge is peaceful and has great views.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 andy w. 2 years ago on Google
    We were unable to access this refuge, and no information available as to why we couldn't. Called and had to leave a message, but no return call. Would have loved to walk around and see the visitors' center...
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Griselda H. 4 years ago on Google
    I loved it because there are so many things to explore!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ashley M. 4 years ago on Google
    Neat place to go to see wildlife without big crowds. Got to see everything from Sea turtles to Bald Eagles. Got to watch the Hawks eat their prey which was equally gross as it was cool. Shark/stingray exhibit was cool. Missed the presentation by about 10 minutes so we were unsure if we could touch the rays (we can at our local zoo) and there were no signs one way or the other. Got to see bunnies along the nice walking trails. Staff was also very friendly 😊
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stacie K. 2 years ago on Google
    Great for families and school field trips!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael R. 2 years ago on Google
    A lot more fun than I would have imagined. It isn't small, but it isn't huge. The exhibits are very engaging though, especially the Hands-On ones.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jason N. 1 month ago on Google • 15 reviews New
    This wildlife refuge will always have a special place in my heart. It is one of the first places I took Bahbah when he was old enough to step outside. This park is the perfect place to take your adventurous dog. With many hiking trails and nature at every turn, I recommend you take the day and explore this hidden gem with mans best friend!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 S V. 7 months ago on Google
    Glad they are reclaiming this wetlands area.... but as of now its sort of a big backyard to the LCDC -- which seems to be a kids aquarium -- and their small parking lot is all you get... the 'roads visible on Google Maps are not accessible out to Gunpowder Point. See another review from a 'local guide' who gives the whole scoop on how to visit. LCDC is closed for Mon-Wed, so not sure if you can park there then... but then its a long walk before the 'good part'... so, a bust when I visited on a hot day 8/28/23... Crown Point, near Pacific Beach seems 100X better.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 catherine d. 3 years ago on Google
    I love that I can ride my bike here.i am sad to see humans leaving their trash.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jon M. 3 years ago on Google
    Plannings Of Jobs , Like , Protecting Wild Life , Enjoying Outdoors Identification Interior's Protections Computers Cellphone Theftproof Computers Defences Billings Identy Locational Securities Applications Interior's World's Treasuries TREASURY Placements Department's Of Motor Vehicles Non Voter Placements Application Interior's Defences Against All Agencies, Is Better Than Homeland security, Washington, D.C. Department's Affairs Department's Of Motor Vehicles Application Non Voter Placements Identification Card Identy Theftproof Computers Application Interior's Identy Defences AGAINST all Agancies, Governments World's Wide Treasuries Foreign Treasuries TREASURY Placements International Interior's Washington, D.C. no Information Allowed Divisions Interior's Non Voter's Application Department's Interior's MOTOR Vehicles international World's Wide Securities Unlimited Revenues, Protecting All Your Own Affairs, Nationals Areas , Washington DC, World's Wide Securities Washington, D.C. Unmapped World's Super Total World's Human Non.Han.Ran Defences AGAINST all Agancies, Protecting The Best in life, And The Interior's Of Foreign Affairs Department's Of Motor World's Wide Treasuries TREASURY Centers Foreign Affairs TRUST Securitys International Unlimited Governments self Ran World-wide Defences Securities Unlimited Revenues, For Life Best Choices, In Never Getting Shutdown, Values Of World's Wide Securities Communication To Advanced Reviewing Pre-planning Defences Comments on Safeties, For Global Presidentimg Presidentails Leaderships Formers Presidentimg Non Voter's Interior's Of World's Wide Securities Treasuries Foreign Non Voter Military Non Voter's Application Department's Interior's Department's Of Motor Vehicles Identification Card Interior's Identification, World Relations Defences Against All Agencies, No. Scams, Interior's Of One Interior's Job, DEfENCE United States of America and America's Best International Treasuries Foreign Affairs Department's Of Motor Vehicles International Securities Unlimited SOCIAL Defences, Revenues divisions Of Foreign And International Treasuries TREASURY Protections Defences Revenue Mailfruads Against All Agencies, Traveling's TRAINING'S Employments Careers Department's Development Affairs, Washington, D.C. One World's Treasuries Preparednees To Protect All, Relations, Life Securities For All Life Challanges Emergency Animals to Humanity, Beyoung Oceans Ilands vessels, Out Of Countries, The Perfect Treasuries TREASURY Washington DC, Washington, D.C. J.F.K.jrs
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kim M. 1 year ago on Google • 72 reviews
    For a small place they have incredibly awesome variety of fish. So impressive...especially after I got back to my hotel and Googled the ones I liked the most (super hard to care for). If you go when they are not doing "talks" you can walk thru and appreciate it in 30 min. If you have little ones...maybe an hr. Shuttle drivers were so pleasant and personable. They really set you up to enjoy however long you spend there and end your time with true appreciation.

  • 4/5 Lisa P. 1 year ago on Google • 51 reviews
    There is no access to the building by car. There is a designated lot for free parking where a shuttle will pick you up. This place is pretty small, but my kids love animals of all kinds so we spent three hours here and used our GoCity pass to pay for admission. You start by going into a small building that has various water creatures and a lizard. This building has bathrooms and a gift shop. They had a little area to touch some live creatures in the water as well, in this building. If you walk out the back doors and go off to the left, there's another touch pool where they have rays and small sharks to touch. The water is deep enough that you can reach anything if the creatures stay on the bottom, which they did. We did return after we explored more and everyone was able to touch something. Also in this area is a larger pool where you can see an injured sea turtle and a huge ray. Outside this area is a covered shelter with picnic tables. Past that is a trail with different enclosures containing falcons, turkey vulture, eagles and some other birds. They had an eagle feeding while we were there. They just put some dead mice in and did a little talk. The bald eagle just threw the food off the area it was on. My kids saw a wild lizard on the ground in this area, which was a highlight of our visit since they haven't seen a wild lizard before. Another area had areas where they do composting and signs up about different composting methods. Out in front of the sanctuary there are walking paths where we saw more lizards and walked out toward the bay. The path ends before you get to the water. There were benches to rest on, out there. After walking the paths, we headed back to the building and just out front they have a baby sea turtle and they did a feeding along with a talk. We visited the gift shop last and were able to ride the shuttle back pretty quickly. Overall, we enjoyed our visit.

  • 5/5 Rebecca D. 6 months ago on Google • 44 reviews
    A pleasant escape into sea and wild life. My son went from only wanting to look and not touch, to not wanting to leave the touching pools. Pleasant staff who were patient with questions from an Inquisitive boy.

  • 5/5 David C. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice open trails but little shade

  • 5/5 Michael O. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful

  • 4/5 jeffrey t. 2 years ago on Google
    The refuge was a great educational spot. The volunteers were very knowledgeable about the animals in the sanctuary. It would be nice to get up close with the animals and feed them by hand as in some cases that is the only way that they will take food. I do understand the legality of that statement. All in all it is a great place to visit and learn about wildlife.

  • 5/5 Maureen S. 2 years ago on Google
    Love the Sea Turtles the parrots the fish. Love the Bat Ray with its smiling face. Always follows me and splashes. So much fun to touch the sting rays and sharks. Great walking path. Free Shuttle. Open Thursday to Sunday 10am to 5. Have household membership

  • 4/5 shirley r. 2 years ago on Google
    The boys enjoyed petting the sharks and sting rays they had fun

  • 5/5 Nicholas G. 4 years ago on Google
    I Cycle thru here and take smoke breaks, cool adventure areas #GTD

  • 5/5 Mark T. 4 years ago on Google
    Great hike about 1.5 miles one way. Not for the faint of heart. It's a bit strenuous and the wind blows with gusts of around 40 to 50 mph. Great views once you get there.

  • 5/5 Gloria Z. 2 years ago on Google
    We loved seeing all of the wild life. One of our favorites was a stingray that loved people. Overall this was a very fun place to visit.

  • 5/5 Fabian G. 1 year ago on Google
    Great for the family. They have lots of interactive stations and diverse wildlife. I love that they have a private entrance for their shuttle only. It shows their commitment to keeping the reserve pristine

  • 5/5 Autoglass I. 1 year ago on Google
    quality work fast clean and guaranteed

  • 5/5 linda t. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice exhibits and some paths for walking. Employees were very helpful and knowledgeable. Great views.

  • 5/5 Roberta V. 4 years ago on Google
    Love living coast ! So much to see ! Love the animals ,sea and land and air !

  • 5/5 Stephen M. 1 year ago on Google
    Small but well rounded set of exhibits. Check out the touch tanks and raptor area. They have a bald 🦅!

  • 5/5 Lisa W. 9 months ago on Google
    Wildlife to see. Free parking. Gift shop. Able to touch stingrays.

  • 4/5 Luis Diaz S. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place at sundown.

  • 5/5 Daniel_Daily 4 years ago on Google
    Best place ever plz rate 5 stars

  • 2/5 Alyssa H. 4 years ago on Google
    It’s nice could improve though

  • 3/5 Eli G. 3 years ago on Google
    Overall just ok very expensive for what it is and place is kind of run down.

  • 5/5 Victor S. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Excellent trails (Original) Excelentes trails

  • 1/5 Laura T. 3 years ago on Google
    Ok

  • 5/5 Julio Y. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Excellent place to walk run bike 🏃‍♂️🚶‍♂️🚴‍♂️ (Original) Excelente lugar para caminar correr bike 🏃‍♂️🚶‍♂️🚴‍♂️

  • 5/5 Dwayne C. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful space filled with some good roses, here and there, but more manure than what is needed. I left part of my heart here and it was picked apart by a nickel plated blind eyed gurlizza. Glareance sale!

  • 5/5 maria c. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Extremely relaxing (Original) Sumamente relajante

  • 2/5 Nandish M. 4 years ago on Google
    Still under construction

  • 5/5 sharon r. 3 years ago on Google
    So much fun and learning had a blast and got some amazing pictures.

  • 5/5 Isaac U. 7 years ago on Google
    Cool little nature center right off the highway. Great views of the South bay.

  • 5/5 Lyn W. 5 years ago on Google
    High tide today. It's early morning beautiful, somewhat serene except for the occasional traffic on strand highway.

  • 5/5 Jonathan A. 6 years ago on Google
    If you're into photography and/or nature and conservation, this is the place for you. Also, a good place to get away from the urban environment and connect to what San Diego was like before the massive land development had begun.

  • 5/5 Steven W. 4 years ago on Google
    Awesome experience! I went alone, but it is definitely a great opportunity for a educational and fun family outing. Bring a lunch or snacks and enjoy a uniquely San diego experience. Jill was fabulously knowledgeable and personable. Wish I had visited sooner. Won't be long before my next visit.

  • 5/5 Saba H. 4 years ago on Google
    This place was very welcoming and educational. Great spot for spending the day and learning about animals.

  • 5/5 Jesse W. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful! Spice of life!

  • 5/5 Rita Y. 5 years ago on Google
    Is such a great thing they do here. Was educational and fun to see all the animals. Can't wait to come back again.

  • 5/5 KrigHunden 4 years ago on Google
    Nice walk in an estuary, plenty of local wildlife.

  • 4/5 Lana M. 4 years ago on Google
    Go at low tide

  • 5/5 Karen V. 4 years ago on Google
    Esp enjoyed the sea turtles and rays

  • 5/5 Natasha F. 3 years ago on Google
    Very beautiful place with lots of natural scenery and wildlife

  • 5/5 Barefoot E. 4 years ago on Google
    Saving Wildlife, what could be wrong with that?

  • 5/5 Rosa L. 4 years ago on Google
    My grandaughters love it....great place for children...they're like little sponges N absorve everything...

  • 5/5 Ray D. 4 years ago on Google
    Love it! Need to go more often.

  • 5/5 Robin G. 4 years ago on Google
    Very peaceful place to hike and view nature and wildlife

  • 5/5 Stacey 4 years ago on Google
    Not too huge. Just the right size. A lot of information about this area. Love the exhibits

  • 5/5 Mister. H. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place to view wild life and nature up close. Beautiful back drop of the city on the north side .

  • 5/5 Maria Guadalupe Aceves S. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beautiful place, they do very good work (Original) Hermoso lugar,hacen muy buen trabajo

  • 5/5 Esperanza M. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place for meditation

  • 5/5 Study B. 4 years ago on Google
    Great learning experience

  • 5/5 Bill B. 4 years ago on Google
    Beautiful area to visit!

  • 5/5 Ryan W. 4 years ago on Google
    Great for nature lovers. Come prepared with water, snacks, sunglasses, hat, sun screen, etc. Admission for adults is $16. They offer 20% admission military discount, $12.8.

  • 4/5 Oscar J. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice quaint good for an afternoon trip

  • 5/5 Gloria A. 4 years ago on Google
    It's paradise!


Call (619) 221-3473 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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