Some places in Chula Vista feel like they’ve always been part of my life. The Living Coast Discovery Center is one of them. I visited as a kid, I brought my own kids here after school to learn about the bayfront, and on Saturday, October 24, my wife and I spent the afternoon there celebrating the 17th annual Farm to Bay.
Farm to Bay is the Living Coast’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and it ran from 3 to 6:30 pm. With the food, animals, music, and views across the bay, it was a great reminder of why this place matters so much to our city.
A Fundraiser With a Purpose
The Living Coast Discovery Center is a nonprofit zoo and aquarium sitting right on the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, and it’s the only zoo and aquarium in San Diego’s South Bay. The Living Coast is now entering its 40th year of serving our community, which made this year’s Farm to Bay feel even more special.
And the community showed up in a big way. Farm to Bay 2026 raised more than $140,000 for environmental education and conservation. That money helps the Living Coast bring hands-on STEAM education to students throughout San Diego County, especially kids attending Title I schools, while continuing its daily work caring for wildlife and protecting our coastline.
You could feel that mission everywhere you went. Live music played in the background while guests wandered between food tables, animal encounters, and auction displays. It had the relaxed energy of a backyard party, just with a much better view.
The Food and Drinks
Local food partners came ready to impress. Chick-fil-A, Urbane Cafe, and Lolita’s Mexican Food served, along with Seven Mile Casino, one of the event’s featured sponsors. Their chicken wings were my favorite bite of the day. I went back more than once.
Red Lotus Libations kept the specialty drinks flowing, and there was plenty of wine to go around. City Cruises was also on hand pouring champagne and sharing details about their brunch cruise on San Diego Bay. If you’ve been looking for a fun way to spend a weekend morning on the water, it’s worth checking out.
Getting Up Close With the Animals
One of the best parts of Farm to Bay is wandering through the Living Coast and visiting the animals. The staff was stationed throughout the center, and they were happy to answer every question we threw at them.
What always stands out to me is how much they know. They don’t just talk about the animals in front of you. They’ll walk you through how the Chula Vista Bayfront and San Diego Bay work together, and why protecting these wetlands matters. I want to thank the entire staff for being so welcoming and informative. You make every visit better.
Zero Waste, Even at a Party
Many guests probably didn’t notice that Farm to Bay is designed as a Zero Waste event. Food and drink partners serve everything on compostable or reusable materials, and after the event, a team led by graduates of the Living Coast’s Master Composter Training Course sorts through whatever waste is left. It’s a small detail that says a lot about how seriously this organization takes its mission, and the results speak for themselves. This year, Farm to Bay hit a 94% waste diversion rate, keeping nearly everything out of the landfill.
Mayor McCann Honors the Living Coast
At 5:30, the program moved into presentations and speeches from local leaders. Chula Vista Mayor John McCann presented the Living Coast with a proclamation and shared how much the center has meant to him over the years, including visiting as a kid growing up here. A lot of us in Chula Vista share that feeling.
Live and Silent Auctions
After the speeches, the live auction began, and the bidding got serious. One package offered a two-night stay at Harrah’s Resort Southern California. The big moment of the night was the chance to host your own event at the Living Coast Discovery Center, whether that’s a wedding, a corporate gathering, or another celebration. The winning bid was $8,000, quite a bid, but it’s all for a great cause.
A silent auction ran throughout the event too, filled with items donated by local businesses. It was great to see so many neighbors supporting a place that gives so much back to our community. I tried to win the 2-night stay at the Rambler Hotel, but I lost out. Maybe next time.
Why I Keep Coming Back
After 36 years in Chula Vista, I can tell you the Living Coast is one of our city’s real treasures. It’s an easy day trip for families, and there’s always something new to learn.
Here’s a tip a lot of people don’t know about. The Living Coast has its own parking lot and shuttle pickup at the end of E Street, next to Sweetwater Park. Take the free shuttle to the front of the center, then head to your left and you’ll find the Sweetwater Marsh Trail. Walking the trail is completely free, and it’s one of the most peaceful spots on the bayfront to enjoy the wetlands, spot birds, and take in the views of San Diego Bay.
Plan Your Visit
If you haven’t been to the Living Coast Discovery Center in a while, or ever, now’s a great time to go. The center is closed on Mondays, so check the Living Coast website for current hours and admission before you head out. Keep an eye out for next year’s Farm to Bay too. It’s a fun afternoon that makes a real difference.
For more local events, check out the Chula Vista event calendar and follow @livingchulavista on Instagram and Facebook for more coverage of what’s happening around town.
