Chula Vista Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Located in the southern region of California, Chula Vista is a vibrant city that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and exciting attractions. Nestled between the coastal mountains and the San Diego Bay, this thriving community is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

One of the main highlights of Chula Vista is its stunning coastline. Stretching for miles, the sandy beaches provide the perfect setting for sunbathing, picnicking, and water activities. Whether you're looking to catch some waves while surfing or simply relax under the warm California sun, the beaches of Chula Vista offer something for everyone.

For those seeking a more adrenaline-pumping experience, Chula Vista is home to the famous Aquatica San Diego. This water park offers thrilling water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools, making it a favorite destination for families and thrill-seekers alike. Dive into the refreshing water and embark on an aquatic adventure that will leave you exhilarated and wanting more.

In addition to its natural wonders, Chula Vista boasts a rich cultural scene. The city is home to the historic Third Avenue Village, a charming downtown area lined with unique shops, delectable restaurants, and vibrant art galleries. Stroll through the streets and immerse yourself in the local culture, savoring the flavors of international cuisine and discovering hidden artistic gems.

For history buffs, Chula Vista offers a glimpse into the region's past at the Chula Vista Heritage Museum. Learn about the city's origins, explore exhibits showcasing local artifacts, and gain insight into the diverse heritage that shaped this thriving community.

Nature lovers will also find solace in Chula Vista's many parks and wildlife reserves. Take a leisurely hike through the Otay Valley Regional Park, where you can spot a variety of bird species and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Alternatively, visit the Living Coast Discovery Center, an educational facility dedicated to showcasing the local marine life and promoting environmental conservation.

Alternative names: Population: 265.8 thous.Area: 52.09 mi²Elevation: 82 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 32°38'29"N, 117°4'44"W

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CaliforniaUnited States

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Chula Vista Top Attractions

Chula Vista Attractions - What to See and Explore

Chula Vista offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Living Coast Discovery Center, Discovery Park, Mattress Firm Amphitheatre, Sweetwater Dam. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Aquarium • Zoo • Outdoor activities
Living Coast Discovery Center
The Living Coast Discovery Center is an environmental education center with marine animal, animal and bird exhibits located in the Sweetwater Marsh Unit of the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge in Chula Vista, California.
Baseball field • Park
Discovery Park
Discovery Park is a 20.4-acre park in Chula Vista, California used for youth sports, community events, parties, and other functions.
Music and shows • Nightlife • Theater
Mattress Firm Amphitheatre
The North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre is a 20,500-seat amphitheatre located in Chula Vista, California adjacent to Aquatica San Diego. It is one of the larger concert venues in the San Diego area. The venue is currently owned and operated by Live Nation.

Dam • La Presa
Sweetwater Dam
The Sweetwater Dam is a dam across the Sweetwater River in San Diego County, California. It is located approximately 12 miles east of San Diego, 9 miles and borders Bonita to the southwest and La Presa to the northeast.
Church • National City
St. Matthew's Episcopal Church
St. Matthew's Episcopal Church is a historic church at 521 E. 8th Street in National City, California. It was built in 1887. It is an active congregation within the Episcopal Church and is part of the Diocese of San Diego.
32°38'29"N • 117°4'44"W
Community Congregational Church of Chula Vista
Architecture • Historical place • Church
32°39'40"N • 117°2'2"W
Bonita Museum and Cultural Center
Museum • La Presa
City hall • Central Chula Vista
Chula Vista City Hall
The Chula Vista City Hall is the seat of the government of the city of Chula Vista, California. The city hall was built in 1923 on Third Avenue in the recently incorporated city, and it served the city until it was replaced by a new structure in 1951.
City • Area
National City
National City is a city located in the South Bay region of the San Diego metropolitan area, in southwestern San Diego County, California. The population was 58,582 at the 2010 census, up from 54,260 at the 2000 census. National City is the second-oldest city in San Diego County, having been incorporated in 1887.
Church • National City
Cornerstone Church of San Diego
Heart Revolution Church is a non-denominational, charismatic megachurch located in National City, California.
Universities and schools • Church
Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego
The Diocese of San Diego is a Latin Church ecclesiastical territory or diocese of the Catholic Church in Southern California, United States. Its ecclesiastical territory includes all of San Diego and Imperial Counties in Southern California, with a Catholic population of approximately 1.4 million.
Museum • Bayfront
Living Coast Discovery Center
The Living Coast Discovery Center is an environmental education center with marine animal, animal and bird exhibits located in the Sweetwater Marsh Unit of the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge in Chula Vista, California.
32°38'35"N • 116°59'2"W
Cockatoo Grove
Cockatoo Grove was a populated place in San Diego County, California, United States. As of 2015, the former location of Cockatoo Grove is within the Otay Lakes neighborhood of Chula Vista, California.
Concerts and shows • Theater
The Vogue Theater
The Vogue Theater is a historic movie theater in downtown Chula Vista, California. It was designed by the Architect Frank Hope Jr. in 1943, and opened on January 19, 1945. The theater is a poured in place concrete building and seats 825.
32°37'27"N • 117°4'23"W
The Alliance
The Alliance MMA Gym is an American mixed martial arts training facility located in Chula Vista, California and is home to a number of professional mixed martial artists who have found success in organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship, World Extreme Cagefighting, Strikeforce and Bellator.
32°41'4"N • 117°5'28"W
Granger Hall
Granger Hall, a historic building currently located at 1700 E. 4th St. in National City, California, was built in 1898 as an "acoustically perfect" music auditorium addition to a smaller music room in the Paradise Valley estate of Ralph Granger.
Universities and schools
Southwestern College
Southwestern College is a public community college in Chula Vista, California. Founded in 1961, Southwestern College serves approximately 19,000 students annually.
32°40'9"N • 117°4'59"W
Las Palmas Park
Park • National City
National park
San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge
San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge is an urban refuge located on San Diego Bay in San Diego County, California. It is part of the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge Complex. It was dedicated in June 1999.

Things to See and Do in Chula Vista by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Chula Vista.

Shopping

Westfield Plaza Bonita
Chula Vista
ShoppingShopping centreNational City
Chula Vista Center
West Chula Vista
ShoppingShopping centreCentral Chula Vista
Otay Ranch Town Center
Chula Vista
ShoppingShopping centreOtay Ranch

Other categories

Church

Day trips

Chula Vista – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Chula Vista, it's worth seeing attractions such as: San Diego Zoo (San Diego), USS Midway (San Diego), Museum of Us (San Diego).

7.8 miNW
Zoo
San Diego Zoo, San Diego
San Diego Zoo, nestled in the heart of San Diego, United States, stands as a beacon of wildlife conservation and family recreation. This sprawling 100-acre establishment is more than just a zoo; it's an immersive experience into the world of animals and their habitats.
7.5 miNW
Museum, Military museum
USS Midway, San Diego
Moored in the sparkling waters of San Diego Bay, the USS Midway stands as a majestic testament to American naval history. A Midway-class aircraft carrier, this colossal vessel, now a museum, invites visitors to explore a floating city at sea and the legacy of those who...
7.5 miNW
Anthropology displays in historic digs
Museum of Us, San Diego
Nestled in the heart of San Diego's historic Balboa Park, the Museum of Us is a cultural institution dedicated to exploring the human experience from multifaceted perspectives. Beyond a traditional museum, it delves into anthropology and invites visitors to reflect on...
7.8 miNW
Museum, Maritime museum
Maritime Museum of San Diego, San Diego
The Maritime Museum of San Diego stands as a tribute to the city's rich maritime heritage, offering visitors an immersive journey through nautical history. Located along the scenic waterfront, this museum is renowned for its world-class collection of historic vessels...
9.6 miW
Historic lighthouse with expansive views
Cabrillo National Monument, San Diego
Perched on the southern tip of the Point Loma Peninsula in San Diego, Cabrillo National Monument stands as a testament to the age of discovery and exploration. This historic site commemorates the landing of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, who stepped onto the shores of the...

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Best Time To Visit Chula Vista

Learn when is the best time to travel to Chula Vista weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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July is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in August.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in July, August and September. While the coldest is in January and December.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in June, July and August. Most of it rains in January, February and March.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Chula Vista?

The top attractions to visit in Chula Vista are:

What is the best time to visit Chula Vista?

July is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in August. The highest air temperature is in July, August and September. While the coldest is in January and December.