Animals on the Bay Day 2025 Returns with Timed Tickets and Family Fun
Get ready, Chula Vista, for Animals on the Bay Day 2025! If you haven’t visited the Living Coast Nature Center yet, consider this your friendly reminder to check out one of Chula Vista’s most beloved nature-themed events. I attended last year and had an amazing time exploring the exhibits, walking along the coastal trails, and getting up close with some of the center’s incredible Animal Ambassadors. It’s not every day that you get to meet a sea turtle, spot a hawk just a few feet away, and chat with local wildlife experts, all for just $5.
This year’s event takes place on Sunday, May 4, 2025, from 10 AM to 4 PM, and the Living Coast is packing the day with animal encounters, educational booths, crafts, and food from some of San Diego’s favorite vendors. Tickets are on sale now. If you’re a fan of family-friendly activities, conservation education, and supporting local artisans, this event checks all the boxes.
What to Expect at the 2025 Event
For Animals on the Bay Day 2025, the Living Coast offers reduced admission of just $5, making it one of the most accessible family outings around. Visitors can enjoy hands-on activities, meet the folks from partner organizations, and experience what makes this bayside nature center such a gem.
Local groups like the Bonita Museum and Cultural Center, California Native Plant Society, and Chula Vista Police Department will be on-site alongside others such as Circulate San Diego, Chula Vista Park Rangers, County of San Diego, Fleet Science Center, Free Flight Bird Sanctuary, and many more. Visit their website for a complete list. There’ll also be stations for arts and crafts and live animal presentations.
To fuel the fun, food trucks like Kayak Cafe, Mahalo Shaved Ice, and My Pozole will serve local bites and sweet treats throughout the day.
A new ticketing system this year
While the event is always worth it, last year’s shuttle bus wait times were challenging—some guests waited more than 45 minutes just to board. In response, the Living Coast Nature Center is implementing a timed ticketing system for this year’s event. Guests must purchase tickets for a specific time slot: 10:00 to 11:00 AM, 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 1:00 to 2:00 PM, or 2:30 to 3:30 PM. This change is designed to help manage crowd flow and reduce daily wait times. All attendees will need to park at the Living Coast Center parking lot and board the shuttle from there, so plan accordingly and arrive on time for your selected window.
Once inside, you are welcome to enjoy the event for as long as you’d like—these time slots only apply to shuttle boarding and arrival. I was there last year and this was a mess. I’m curious to see how this new system will work.
The last shuttle boards at 3:30 PM, so make sure to arrive early enough to take full advantage of the activities. A limited number of walk-up tickets will be available at the event, but guests are strongly encouraged to purchase tickets in advance for a designated time slot to ensure entry and avoid long wait times.
Ready to enjoy Animals on the Bay Day 2025
Animals on the Bay Day is more than just a fun family outing; it’s a celebration of the wildlife, ecosystems, and community partnerships that help keep our bay healthy and beautiful. Whether you’re visiting for the animals, the education, or the handmade goods from local vendors, it’s a day well spent in nature.
For more information, visit the Living Coast Nature Center’s website and look for future events celebrating Chula Vista’s vibrant natural environment. See you out there Chula Vista!
