Welcome to Chula Vista, where the sun always shines a little brighter, the palm trees sway with more enthusiasm, and the views are so beautiful they had to name the city after them. Yes, in Spanish, Chula Vista literally means “beautiful view”.
We’re diving deep into the heart of Chula Vista, uncovering the spots that locals whisper about and the activities that don’t always make the front page of travel brochures.
Take a look at our list of the top things to do in Chula Vista to get an idea of how to get started.
Table of Contents
Go Hiking or Biking
Chula Vista has an incredible 120+ miles of hiking and biking trails, giving you a lot of incredible views to take in. If you think the most exercise you’ll get in Chula Vista involves lifting a taco to your mouth, think again. Chula Vista is home to some hidden gems where you can hike or bike, enjoying nature and possibly a few unexpected wildlife encounters
Otay Valley Regional Park
First up on our list is Otay Valley Regional Park, a sprawling natural oasis that offers a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. With trails along the Otay River, it’s a haven for both casual strollers and serious mountain bikers.
The park features a variety of trails, so whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely walk or an adrenaline-pumping bike ride, – Otay Valley has you covered. There’s even a horse trail if you want to break out your inner-cowboy.
Rice Canyon: Sunset Hikes and Selfie Spots
For those who prefer their outdoor adventures with a side of stunning views, Rice Canyon is the place to be. Offering a peaceful trail that’s perfect for an end-of-day hike, it’s the ideal spot to catch a breathtaking Chula Vista sunset.
The trail is friendly for both hikers and bikers, offering a gentle terrain that’s as inviting as a warm hug from your grandmother. Well, if your grandmother was a canyon. And could hug.
The Bayshore Bikeway: For the Scenic Route Enthusiast
And let’s not forget the Bayshore Bikeway. Technically, it stretches way beyond Chula Vista, but we claim the most picturesque part of the ride. This path offers cyclists a scenic tour along the waterfront, with views so stunning you might just forget you’re exercising.
Explore Third Avenue
Forget about time travel; if you want to experience the charming blend of past and present, Third Avenue in Chula Vista is your go-to destination. This bustling street is more than just a thoroughfare; it’s a vibrant canvas showcasing the city’s rich history, eclectic shops, and culinary delights. It’s where hipsters and historians walk side by side, each finding something to marvel at.
There are all kinds of fun and interesting shops. And then there are the activities. From block parties to car shows to live music to children’s fun zones, there’s always something going on. Oh yeah, and if you’re looking for a truly unusual Third Avenue activity, wait for the Lemon Festival!
Shop at the Farmers Market
There is one regular Third Avenue activity that you should especially try if you like locally sourced ingredients: the Farmers Market. It’s held every Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. It sells locally grown fruits and vegetables, so you can get the very freshest ingredients.
It’s more than just shopping; it’s an opportunity to connect with the growers and makers, learning the stories behind your food. Whether you’re hunting for the juiciest tomatoes or the most fragrant herbs, the farmers market is a testament to Chula Vista’s rich agricultural bounty and its commitment to sustainability and community health. Embrace the joy of shopping local and discover the flavors that make our city unique.
Spend an Afternoon at Chula Vista Bayside Park
If you want to relax outside surrounded by some great views, spend some time at the Chula Vista Bayside Park. Eat at the picnic tables, work out at the fitness stations, sun yourself on the beach, hike along the walking trails, or fish off of the pier.
Whatever you like to do, you will be surrounded by an awesome view of the San Diego skyline and the Bay Bridge. If you prefer to get out in the water, you can go swimming, paddleboarding, or kayaking.
Go Whale Watching
Speaking of getting out on the water, you shouldn’t miss the chance to take a whale watching tour. There’s a bunch of them to choose from. At the very least, you’ll get a tour around the bay, and you might even get to see some whales, possibly in an up-close and personal manner that you’ll remember as the experience of a lifetime.
Take a Wine Tour
If you’re something of a wine connoisseur, you should take the opportunity to go on a Chula Vista wine tour. There are a lot of wineries and vineyards in the area. It is, after all, wine country.
You’ll have a lot of tours to choose from, covering different wineries and focusing on different types of wines. Some of these tours include various types of food to go along with the wine. Some of them are really fun and quirky too.
Go Skateboarding
If you like skateboarding, then Chula Vista has a $1.3 million surprise for you: a surprisingly awesome skate park. The high budget used to construct the park has blessed it with a wide variety of features. It’s got ramps, rails, tracks, pyramids, and vertical extensions.
There are four different skating areas, some with wood structures and some with concrete. Competitions are regularly held there. It’s a great place to go if you want to hang out with other skating enthusiasts.
See the South Bay Salt Works
If you want to visit an alien world, you don’t have to go any farther than the South Bay Salt Works. Known to the best 2nd business ever in the history of San Diego, the South Bay Salt Works The fields of white crystal, the salt ridges, and everything else will show you a vista unlike anything else on Earth.
You should also check out the salt ponds, part of an artificial brackish marshland. They are home to a number of endangered species of migratory birds, and the marshlands were actually engineered to give these birds a home. There is a short drive and a short trail you can take to get some views of the salt mines.
Walk the Village Walk
Head on over to the East Lakeside area and take a stroll through Village Walk at Eastlake, a delightful little shopping village with gorgeous landscaping and an iconic clock tower. You can find unique little independent shops and big brand stores alongside cute little coffee shops and some interesting restaurants. As you shop, enjoy the koi pond and the turtles that live there, along with the little walking trails. There’s even a play area for the kids while the grownups do the shopping.
Don’t Miss the Living Coast Discovery Center
The San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge is well worth seeing and, if you’re going there, you really should head over to the Sweet Water Marsh area to see the Living Coast Discovery Center. Once there, you can have an up-close encounter with more than 350 different indigenous species of animals and plants.
There are eagles, burrowing owls, stingrays, jellyfish, turtles, and so much more. These are each located in their own exhibitions, such as the Sting Ray Touch Pool and the Burrowing Owl Courtyard. There are also 1 1/2 miles of biking and hiking trails running all the way down to the shore.
