Looking for the best and most fun things to do in Chula Vista?
Chula Vista is derived from a Spanish word that means “beautiful view” , it is perched between the San Diego and Coastal Mountain foothills.
It is known to be the fifteenth largest city in California and the second-largest in the San Diego metropolitan area
The city blooms with many fun family attractions, including the Mattress Firm Amphitheater, Chula Vista Marina, Chula Vista Marina, and the Chula Vista Lemon Festival.
Are you planning an exploration of Chula Vista? Let’s explore the top things to do in Chula Vista, CA.
Things to Do in Chula Vista
1. Chula Vista Bayside Park
Chula Vista Bayside Park
A fun place to check out during your trip is the Chula Vista Bayside Park. It is located in the eastern part of San Diego Bay and features lovely views of the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge, the San Diego Skyline, smooth walking trails, a fishing pier, and picnic tables.
Facilities to find in the park include fitness stations, running, play areas for kids, concessions, a small sandy beach area for biking and walking, and a parking area for bikes.
Visitors can have a good time at the park by swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. There are complete restrooms in every park area, and visitors can even organize and hold events and special functions at the Park.
Address: 999 Bayside Pkwy, Chula Vista, CA 91910
2. Visit the Tacos El Gordo De Tijuana
Tacos El Gordo De Tijuana
The restaurant has thrived for more than 40 years and exists in different locations. The restaurant focuses on providing its customers with delicious, tasty foods and excellent customer service.
The exciting thing about their foods is that it is cooked with fresh and unique ingredients, top-notch meats, and homemade guacamole and salsas,
Foods to look out for when you visit this outstanding restaurant include their suaderos, quesadillas, tostadas, and tacos. They are available all through the week for lunch and dinner.
Address: 689 H St, Chula Vista, CA 91910
3. Motorsport Adventures
One exciting thing you should not miss out on when you visit Chula Vista is the California Motorsport Adventures, this item should be on your checklist of Chula Vista activities
Motorsport Adventures offers a thrilling experience of dirt bike and ATV tours throughout the Baja Peninsula.
The company carries different kinds of tours, such as exploring the incredible landscape of the Baja Peninsula and many other side attractions, including having a tasty lobster in any of the Oceanside restaurants and going wine tasting at the world-renowned winery.
Safety is essential when it comes to riding activities, and as such, safety gear such as gloves and helmets are meant to be used. Be sure to have a wonderful experience when you visit.
Address: Chula Vista, CA,
4. Xtreme Adventures
If you want something even more thrilling, one of the best things to do in Chula Vista, CA, is visiting the Xtreme Adventures. It is a family-owned company that provides visitors with incredible and breathtaking experiences via its exotic and high-performance vehicles.
Their car park is a well planned a designed autocross track where guests can ride these exotic cars, including Ferrari California Twin Turbos, Porsche 991 GT3s, and Lamborghini Huracans
There are professionals on-site to ride along with, as they offer top-notch hints and safety measures to make your driving experience here an unforgettable one. All the essentials you need to ensure safety are available.
Address: 2050 Entertainment Cir, Chula Vista, CA 91911,
5. Len Moore Skatepark
If you are a skating lover or an avid skater, one of the best places to visit in Chula Vista, CA, is the Len Moore Skatepark, be sure to have this itinerary on your checklist of things to do in Chula Vista.
Len Moore Skatepark features four separate areas to enjoy skating, consisting of concrete or wooden structures. The skate park is near the Oleander Boys and Girls Club and costs about 1.3 million dollars to erect.
It also has ramps, pyramids, rails, and vertical extensions as part of its design. The skate park is available for visits seven days a week.
Address: 1301 Oleander Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91911
6. Zorbas Greek Restaurant & Buffet
Zorbas Greek Restaurant & Buffet
Zorbas restaurant has a long history spanning 25 years and was founded by Pashalis Koutzimbis. It is a family-owned and operated Buffet and restaurant that provides guests with traditional Greek cuisines coupled with live performances like the belly dancers.
The restaurant has been in the business of serving visitors unique Greek cuisine to her guests and locals as well; these dishes include dolmades, fresh seafood like calamari and octopus, lamb kleftiko, and meaty gyros and souvlaki.
Visitors can have perfect and beautiful views of the Greek Islands while still having a good time watching live performances such as belly dancing and traditional Greek dancing. The restaurant is available for visits the entire week for lunch and dinner.
Address: 100 Broadway, Chula Vista, CA 91910,
7. OnStage Playhouse Production
One of the best things to do in Chula Vista is to visit the Onstage Playhouse Production; it is a lovely theater with a capacity of sixty persons per show.
The theater is open throughout the year and is the only theater that carries out live performances in the community. About six different kinds of shows are done every year.
Film productions are a success here because of their crew and volunteer cast, people who are involved in these theatrical performances do it for fun, and they love it, and their performances seem fantastic. So be sure to visit and have a good time.
Address: 291 3rd Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91910
8. Aunt Emma’s Pancakes
Aunt Emma Pancakes is a family-owned restaurant founded in 1959 that has been in the business of providing visitors with pancakes over the years.
The watery provides her guests with more than 24 varieties of pancakes ranging from sweet treats like waffles and crepes to savory and sweet.
These pancakes are prepared using unique and locally sourced ingredients and Aunt Emma’s fantastic recipe. Every bite of this eatery’s pancake promises to be a rumor and mouthwatering.
Their signature pancakes to look out for when you are here includes their Buckwheat Pancakes with mixed butter and gluten-free syrup, Pumpkin Pancakes with pumpkin puree, Banana Pancakes prepared with fresh bananas and with powdered sugar toppings and powdered sugar and whipped cream.
They are open all through the week for breakfast and lunch.
Address: 700 E Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910
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9. Aquatica San Diego
Want to engage in something even more thrilling check out the Aquatic San Diego when you visit the city.
This destination is a state-of-the-art beachfront resort that features top-notch facilities for visitors to enjoy. Visitors can have a good time on the white sandy beach area of the large massive wave pool in the waterpark.
You are in for some luck as there are not so many large pools in California. Visitors can see dolphins and penguins when they visit, and excursions to aquariums are also available.
Address: 2052 Entertainment Cir, Chula Vista, CA 91911
10. Family House of Pancakes
Family House of Pancakes
Family House of Pancakes is a family-owned and operated restaurant that provides visitors with unique foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a convenient and relaxed environment.
The restaurant was founded in 1964 and provided visitors with an array of unique dishes, including eggs and pancakes for breakfast, fresh salads for lunch, and for dinner, you can opt-in for burgers and prime steaks.
Here is a great place to be and enjoy varieties of great dishes suitable for whatever time you visit; the kids are not left out as there is a kiddies menu. The restaurant bus is available throughout the year and has two branches in Chula Vista and National City.
Address: 562 Broadway | Chula Vista, CA
11. South Bay Salt Works
South Bay Salt Works
The South Bay Salt Works was first established as the La Punta Salt Works operations. It was the leading salt distributor in southern California before it got a new owner in 1902 and was renamed the Western Salt Company. During this time, the company was the second-biggest salt producer in California.
This company has produced over a million tons of salt since it kicked off operations; it also uses water from the Pacific ocean to extract salt. Be sure to check out their salt ponds which are a home for endangered migratory birds. In 2011, two salt ponds were revamped into marshlands as a home for these birds.
Address: 1470 Bay Blvd, Chula Vista, CA 91911
12. The Italianissimo Trattoria
Italianissimo Trattoria
The Italianissimo Trattoria is a beautiful eatery located on Third Avenue. It provides its customers with a wide selection of traditional Italian dishes and an extensive wine menu of foreign and local wines.
They are available for lunch and dinner. The family-oriented eatery provides visitors with delicious Italian dishes, including wood-fired pizza blended with tasty sauces, homemade pasta with flavorful sauces, savory and delicious desserts, and fresh seafood meals.
Their favorite and signature dishes to look out for are their mushroom ravioli and shrimp farfalle with asparagus coupled with cherry tomato sauce and unique Margherita pizza.
Their dishes always come with something to make you smile at the end of your meal, and that is a hearty and outstanding local or imported wine from their wide selection of wine menu.
Address: 323 Third Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91910,
13. Rice Canyon Trail
If you love hiking, one of the exciting things to do is to exploring the Rica Canyon Trail. It is 3.5 less busy and back trails for walking, running, and hiking.
The trail is surrounded by Chula Vista’s Rice Canyon Open Space Preserve. The track is an integral part of the California Riding and Hiking Trail, perched in a picturesque environment that glows with flowers.
The beginning of the trail is perched close to the western side of the parking space, and the picnic tables close to the parking area are not so many, which creates an ideal spot to have lunch.
Address: Chula Vista, Ca, United States
14. Memorial Bowl & Park
The next item on our list of fun things to do in Chula Vista, CA, is to visit the Memorial Bowl and Park; and this is a lovely modern park in Chula Vista that is a place of abode to the Memorial Bowl constructed during the Great Depression era.
A vital water element perched in the Memorial Bowl, but it got upgraded to a stage where live performances and outdoor concerts are done.
The Memorial Park offers an incredible setting for visitors to host special events and occasions, including private weddings and school graduation, and has a seating capacity of 700 persons.
Address: 373 Park Way, Chula Vista, CA 91910,
15. Living Coast Discovery Center
Living Coast Discovery Center
One of the best things to do in Chula Vista is to visit the Living Coast Discovery Center perched in the Sweeter water Marsh section of the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
The Discovery Center is more like an environmental education center with various exhibits that display marine animals, birds, and animals.
The permanent exhibits to find in the park center on the history of various indigenous plants and animals that can be seen in Southern California and San Diego Bay, coupled with extensive exhibit areas like the Turtle Lagoon, which is centered on Eastern Pacific Green Sea Turtles and Shark and Ray Experience and StingRay Touch pool where sharks, rags and guitarfish of different species can be seen here.
You can check out other exhibits like the Snowbird Aviary, Discovery Center Galleria, a native garden, Eagle Mesa, a composting demonstration garden, and Burrowing Owl Courtyard.
The Discovery Center also has 1.5 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails from the Living Coast Discovery Center to the shorelines of San Diego Bay.
Address: 1000 Gunpowder Point Drive, Chula Vista, CA 91910,
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16. Gunpowder Point
Gunpowder Point
If you are a history lover, one of the best things to do in Chula Vista, when you visit is to check out the Gunpowder Point, It is an iconic site that was a place of abode for the Hercules Powder Company, which during the 1900s managed a factory that harvested acetone and Potash from kelp.
The Gunpowder Point was established by the family of DuPont, who brought the gunpowder technology to the area after they migrated to France during the 1800s because of the French Revolution. This factory-produced cordite and gunpowder, a Ballistite used in World war by the British.
This attraction also has remnants of scattered buildings and concrete pads that show that this factory once existed on this ground.
Address: 1000 Gunpowder Point Drive, Chula Vista, CA 91910-8222
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17. Village Walk at Eastlake
Want to do something unique during your visit to this beautiful city? One place to look out for is the Village Walk at Eastlake. It is a gorgeous shopping village perched on the East lakeside of Chula Vista.
The Village Walk at Eastlake features a remarkable selection of brand stores, exclusive shops, restaurants, coffee shops, etc.
It also features lovely outdoor areas with looping trails, a pond filled with turtles and koi, an iconic clock tower, ample space for special meetings and events organized through the year, and a kiddies sandbox.
The exclusive stores to meet here are Trader Joe’s, Sprouts Farmers Market, The Broken Yolk Café, Petco, Pier 1 Imports, Hooked on Crab T.J Maxx, and many more.
Address: 884 Eastlake Pkwy #1627, Chula Vista, CA 91914,
18. Friendship Park
Check out the Friendship park during your trip. The Park is surrounded by the Border Field State Park in San Diego County.
The Park features the borderline fence restricting the United States and Mexico in San Diego, Tijuana. Although being friendly, as the name implies, the US Patrol service entirely handles the whole place throughout the day.
The order Patrol strictly monitors admission into the park, and it is available for visits on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm. Alcohol intake is not permitted in the garden; if you are to take alcohol, you will need an alcohol permit.
Address: 1500 Monument Rd, San Diego, CA 92154,
19. Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center
Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center
Since its operation in 1995, it has been a destination for numerous summer Olympic and Paralympics sporting activities, including soccer, canoeing, different winter sports, cycling, tennis, hockey, and x-training for rowing.
You can make purchases of your favorite sportswear at their store to bring back home souvenirs to loved ones and family. If you are a fan of sports, this item should make up for your list of places to visit in Chila Vistas.
Address: 2800 Olympic Pkwy, Chula Vista, CA 91915
20. Community Congregational Church
Community Congregational Church
The Community Congregational Church was established in 1953 by a group of friends. It is a private religious organization and member of the United Church of Christ.
The Church focuses on creating an ideal Christian environment that accommodates different individuals, all in God’s name. It also features a Sunday morning worship in its Chapel.
The church is spearheaded by Rev. Dr. Johann J. Bosman, the Lead Pastor, and Pastor, The Rev. Jennifer Testa Hrynyk. First-timers are solely welcomed by these ministers and other worshippers in Grand style. Be sure to visit.
Address: 276 F St, Chula Vista, CA 91910,
21. Mattress Firm Amphitheater
For theater lovers, one of the fun things to do in Chula Visita is to visit the Mattress Firm Amphitheatre. The Amphitheater occupies a land area of 72 acres that was once farmland. The seating capacity of the building is 20,500, and this makes it the most significant concert center in San Diego.
Live Nation sees to the smooth running of the Amphitheater after it took ownership. The establishment started operations in 1998 has then had other names such as the Cricket Wireless Amphitheater, Sleep Train Amphitheater, and the Coors Amphitheater.
The Mattress Firm Amphitheater has organized numerous concerts over time, such as the Deep Purple, the counting crows, and the Spice Girls. It also features 10,024 lawn seats and 9,468 chair back seats.
Address: 2050 Entertainment Cir, Chula Vista, CA 91911
.22. The Otay River Valley
Another item on our list of fun things to do in Chula Vista, CA, is the Otay River Valley. This destination has a long line of history that can be traced 9000 years ago when the local Indians resided here and made great use of the resources in the land.
The Spanish moved into the land in the 1800s and carried out so many constructions to improve life here.
The Otay River Valley offers numerous outdoor recreational activities, including picnic areas, horse trails, biking, and hiking. It also organizes musical concerts and yearly events suitable for the entire family to enjoy.
Address: Chula Vista, CA, United States
23. Bay Bridge Brewing
One of the first local beer companies in Chula Vista is the Bay Bridge Brewing. This brewery features a premier style tasting room coupled with a giant screen, seven beers on tap, and a copper mash tun.
The brewery was established in 1996 by Doug and Jim. It brews the finest beers such as Star of India IPA, Bonita Blonde, Bill of Rights Red IPA, Wolf Canyon Wheat, America’s Finest Amber, and Rolling Hills Irish Red.
The brewery is open to visitors to have a good tour of the facility, and their taproom is available for visits from Thursdays to Sundays. Visitors can hold special events and meetings here and the atmosphere to meet here is convenient and relaxing.
Address: 688 MMarsCt B, Chula Vista, CA 91911,
24. Chula Vista Lemon Festival
Chula Vista Lemon Festival
Another interesting item on our list of things to do in Chula Vista is to be a part of the Lemon Festival, and it should be a primary item on your to-do list.
The festival is organized to honor and cherish everything unique about lemon in Chula, Vista. Coupled with live music performances and other crafts, a Lemon Pie Eating Contest is also held here.
Many people also bring their lemons to participate in the contest, and the festival pulls a crowd of 25,000 people.
Address: Chula Vista, CA, United States
25. Chula Vista Marina View Park
Chula Vista Marina View Park
Another exciting thing to do when you visit Chula Vista is to visit Marina View Park. The park features well-manicured green fields, picnic tables, playground equipment, lovely arbors, beautiful outdoor artworks, etc.
The Park also features a small wading pool coupled with fountains to maintain clean water, and new bathrooms have been installed.
The Chula Vista Marina View Park’s existence results from combined efforts by the Port of San Diego and the City of Chula Vista to create an ideal environment where visitors can enjoy scenic views of the city.
Address: 900 Marina Pkwy, Chula Vista, CA 91910
26. Speed Circuit
Speed Circuit features a laser tag, go-karate track, shuffleboard, golf stimulator, more than 30 arcade games, and a challenge course. Older kids and teenagers will feel at home here.
The race track permits drivers to get up to 40 miles per hour with four tight runs and two straightaways.
The rope course will test your balance and adventure skills, while the vintage arcade games will take the older guest back to their youthful days.
The go-kart track is a famous spot for birthday parties and other group events, so call ahead if you plan to visit with a group.
Speed Circuit is open every day.
Address:881 Showroom Pl, Chula Vista, CA 91914, United States
27. Otay Lakes County Park
Otay Lakes County Park
Take in the stunning views of Otay Lakes Park and its surrounding hills. The 78-acre Park has been a favorite in the South Bay for a long time.
The Park has an expansive playground, hiking trails, lawns, and horseshoe pits.
Also, the demonstrative gardens and the native plants are reasons you should visit Otay Lake Park.
Additionally, birdwatchers will find a lot to love about this park and its surrounding areas.
The park has five reservable areas that can carry many people for weddings or special occasions.
Address: 2270 Wueste Rd, Chula Vista, CA 91915, United States
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Plan Your Trip to Chula Vista
Chula Vista has the best weather conditions making it an ideal place to spend that family vacation you have in mind.
You can visit from July to October if you wish to enjoy the hot weather. If you prefer cold weather conditions, be sure to be here in January, February, and December. You can have a fun time swimming from May to November.
Start planning your trip to Chula Vista, pin this guide to have a reminder of the best places to visit in Cula Vista, during your trip.