Chula Vista, California Travel Guide:

The Top 5 Can't-Miss Things To Do and See in Chula Vista, California

A visit to the San Diego area isn’t complete until you get a chance to take in the city whose name means “beautiful view.” What are some of the Can't-Miss things to do and see in Chula Vista?

Located just south of the San Diego metro area and just north of the Mexican border, this city is known for its warm climate, eclectic theater and arts community, beautiful parks, and some of the best dining experiences in Southern California. At the same time, the city is known as the lemon capital (it has an ideal microclimate for growing citrus). If you want suggestions for what to do and see, read on.

Chula Vista is a suburb of San Diego, located just to the south of the metro and north of Tijuana, Mexico. A thriving community of 275,000, the city is located on the South Bay and is the second-largest city in the San Diego area. Home to many diverse cultures, the city is worth including in a trip because there are so many family-oriented things to do.

So let’s get right to it, what are the best things to see and do in Chula Vista?

What Are the Top 5 Things to Do and See in Chula Vista?

Here are our recommendations for family-friendly activities.

Explore the Marine World at The Living Coast Discovery Center

If you want something educational to do with the family but want an experience that can fill the day with some fresh salt air, the Living Coast Discovery Center fits the bill. Located in the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge, the Center has various exhibits for all kinds of marine life, waterfowl, and animal habitats that make up the region's ecosystem. Spend time in the aquarium, learn about the scavenger nature of Raptors or snakes, or stroll the easy bike/hiking paths to the beach. Your kids will find lots of immersive activities. You might encounter a live hawk, owl, or falcon walking around that you can examine up close or come face to face with an iguana. The Center offers dedicated 2-hour tours with an educated guide, which are worth booking and filled with several animal encounters (either reptile or fowl). The Discovery Center is open Weds through Sunday, from 10 - 5 pm, so plan your trip accordingly. You don’t need reservations, just your willingness to explore.

Can You Tell Me How To Get to Sesame Street?

Yes, we can. Remember sitting in front of the television and soaking up the letters and numbers, learning how to read, and laughing at Oscar the Grouch? For families with smaller children or adults who were raised on the joy of this great children’s program, the 17-acre Sesame Place San Diego Theme Park is a blast. Ride children-friendly coasters, spend some time in the interactive Sesame neighborhood, take in several musical shows, or give a big hug to Big Bird, Elmo, or Snufalupagus. The park also includes a giant wave pool, so dress in shorts and spend some time relaxing, lapping up the waves. The experience includes a beautiful parade, live character encounters, and several photo ops for both young and old. While the adult tickets are a bit pricey, it is an experience that your children will be talking about for the rest of the year and will be begging you to go back again and again.

Don't Leave Without Sampling Some Superb Tacos.

For some of the most authentic tacos your mouth has ever sampled, try Tacos El Gordo de Tijuana. For over 40 years, this family-owned business has used the best meats, freshest ingredients, and handmade tortillas. Not store-bought stuff here. Guacs and salsas are made daily, without compromising. The Chula Vista location is on H street, and though the restaurant doesn’t look like much, don’t let the plain exterior fool you. The food is worth it. From beef tongue to brisket, to chorizo, with your choices of toppings, each taco is hand-made to order and more than filling.

If you want to explore some fiery Cuban flavors on the cheap, try The House of Cuban Flavor. They specialize in rotisserie chicken, empanadas, and melt-in-your-mouth perfect pastries. This restaurant receives 5-star ratings on several websites, and your nostrils are filled with the aroma of smoke and spices. This simple eatery is located on 3rd Ave and isn’t hard to find. Look for the lines of people out the door.

Think Italian cooking like your grandmother might have made. Italianissimo Trattoria has been creating signature dishes for over a decade. The restaurant is also on 3rd Ave and is open for lunch and dinner. You will need reservations because the restaurant is a favorite of locals, not just tourists. There is a beautiful wine list, and suggestions from the staff can help you find the perfect pairing. This restaurant has received a certificate of excellence from Trip Advisor.

Shop at Otay Ranch Town Center

Otay Ranch Town Center is the place to shop til you drop, if there ever was such. This outdoor shopping center has over 100 shops and boutiques to peruse at your leisure. There are a couple of anchor stores, but many of the shops are locally owned and run, so this is a chance to support many owners who help make the thriving community of Chula Vista thrives. There is a farmer's market to wander through that is open for most of the year during summer and fall. The outdoor atmosphere is a great place to bring your puppy for a gentle walk and lots of attention. Be sure to stop into Blaze pizza for lunch. The website and main office at the Center often have special deals or coupons for serious shoppers.

Take In a Concert or Play

The North Island Credit Union Amphitheater performs various concerts and plays from May through October. The 20,500-seat venue can be a fantastic place to spend a gentle summer evening, depending on the performance of the band that is playing. Check out the schedule on their website to see if your favorite Rock and Roll band or Superstar might not be playing during your visit to the city.

The best way to get your group in and out of the amphitheater is to rent a sedan, limo, or party bus. The traffic can tie up quickly following a concert, so driving in might be challenging. Many people have found that a party bus is an economical and efficient way to leave the driving to someone else. This form of transportation can ensure that everyone makes it to the concert and home without having difficulty. It also allows your group members to enjoy themselves as they wish, without worrying if they are too impaired to drive.

How Can I Make Arrangements for a Limo or Party Bus?

Simply contact the San Diego Sedan or Limo folks to inquire about rates and available options. The consultants can help suggest tours, venues, or day trips make your visit to Chula Vista the best. They will be happy to discuss the rates and exceptional services they offer.

BOOK NOW