The San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge protects a remarkable diversity of endangered, threatened, migratory, and native species, along with their habitats, all within a highly urbanized coastal setting. Spanning approximately 2,620 acres of land and water around San Diego Bay, the refuge is made up of two distinct units: Sweetwater Marsh and South San Diego Bay.

These units preserve some of the last remaining coastal salt marshes and intertidal mudflats in the region which are critical habitats that once dominated the bay’s shoreline. Today, they serve as vital sanctuaries for wildlife and as living reminders of San Diego Bay’s natural heritage.
Public Notices & Alerts
  • Visitor Access – Sweetwater Marsh Unit 

Access to the Sweetwater Marsh Unit of the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge is limited. Visitors can reach the refuge trails by taking a free shuttle from the Living Coast Discovery Center (LCDC). Please note that dogs are not permitted on the refuge.

Before planning your visit, check the Living Coast Discovery Center website for current shuttle availability, including operating days and times.

When the Discovery Center is closed, we recommend exploring nearby alternatives such as the north end of 13th or 10th Streets in Imperial Beach, or enjoying a walk at the Tijuana Estuary.

Visit Us

This refuge includes two distinct areas where you can experience some of the most beautiful and unique wildlife in San Diego Bay. The areas are connected by the Bayshore Bikeway. Whether you're biking, taking the bus, or driving, getting to the refuge is easy. You just need to know where to go.

Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      The San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge protects a rich diversity of endangered, threatened, migratory, and native species and their habitats within a highly urbanized coastal environment. The refuge is located at the south end of San Diego Bay and is surrounded by the cities of National City, Chula Vista, San Diego, Imperial Beach, and Coronado. Established to protect endangered and threatened species, the refuge encompasses approximately 2,620 acres of land and water in and around San Diego Bay.

      Tours

      Monthly tours of the South San Diego Bay refuge are available to the public as well as tours during the wintertime led by the San Diego Bird Alliance. Email info@sandiegobirdalliance.org for more information.

      What We Do

      To support healthy ecosystems, refuge staff use a variety of habitat management techniques to maintain, restore, or enhance conditions for plants and wildlife. Each method is carefully considered and applied based on the specific needs of the area and the situation at hand.

      Our Species

      The San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge was established to protect threatened and endangered wildlife species by providing dedicated habitat for their recovery. Sweetwater Marsh supports habitat for four endangered or threatened species, and more than 200 bird species have been observed in the area. The refuge is divided into two distinct areas: the Sweetwater Marsh Unit and the South San Diego Bay Unit.

      Projects and Research

      Wildlife and habitat management programs focus on the recovery of several listed species, including the endangered California least tern, endangered light-footed Ridgway’s rail, threatened western snowy plover, and the endangered salt marsh salt marsh
      Salt marshes are found in tidal areas near the coast, where freshwater mixes with saltwater.

      Learn more about salt marsh       bird’s beak plant.