Visit Chula Vista for Recreation, Entertainment, and the Great Outdoors

The City of Chula Vista is located at the center of one of the richest cultural, economic and environmentally diverse zones in the United States. It is the second-largest City in San Diego County with a population of 276,000. Chula Vista boasts more than 52 square miles of coastal landscape, canyons, rolling hills, mountains, quality parks, and miles of trails. Chula Vista is a leader in conservation and renewable energy, has outstanding public schools, and has been named one of the top safest cities in the country.

Chula Vista means “beautiful view” and there is more to see and do here than you can imagine! Great year-round weather entices runners, hikers, cyclists, birders, and outdoors enthusiasts from the bay to the lakes. Visit the bayfront with the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge and the Living Coast Discovery Center. The Chula Vista Marina & Yacht Club awaits kayakers and boaters. Cycle the Bayshore Bikeway and see more wonders on San Diego Bay. Eastlake offers residents an area for walking or biking around the lake and Otay Lakes provides quiet picnics and boating.

Shopping, dining, and entertainment abound with two major malls and a historic downtown district. With more than 100 of the country’s top specialty stores, Otay Ranch Town Center is an exciting outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment destination. This bustling, urban open-air center features a variety of amenities including a library, outdoor cafes, a pet-friendly setting and adjacent dog park, food pavilion, fireplace, and “popper” play fountain for children.

Chula Vista Center in the downtown area boasts major retailers, dining, movie theaters, and more than 100 fine specialty shops. Third Avenue Village, billed as the cultural center of the city, features historic buildings, unique shops, a vibrant area of restaurants, breweries and coffee shops, and seasonal events.

More than 64 well-maintained parks and 60 sports ­fields are available for outdoor sports, recreation activities, and picnics. Four challenging golf courses line the community. Tour the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center and see America’s best amateur athletes.

From rock and roll to rap to reggae − world-class entertainers perform at the North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, San Diego County’s premier outdoor music venue. And Sesame Place San Diego features family-friendly rides, including water rides and slides, dining and attractions.

Construction on the 535-acre Chula Vista Bayfront project is underway. It will feature a world-class waterfront resort, a convention center, parks, and residential housing. A new luxury RV Resort opened in 2021 on the bayfront with RV sites and vacation rentals. Plans are moving forward on the 375-acre University Park and Innovation District in the eastern section which will bring more education, jobs and businesses to the City.

Established neighborhoods, contemporary communities, start-up firms, corporations, nationally recognized entertainment venues, the nation’s only warm weather athlete training center, an award winning nature center, and a historic downtown all contribute to Chula Vista’s attraction for both families and businesses.