Chula Vista spent decades as the South Bay suburb that San Diegans drove through on the way to the border. That’s changing fast. The Chula Vista Bayfront — a massive waterfront development on San Diego Bay — has already delivered beautiful parks and trails with views that rival anything on the coast. Third Avenue Village, the city’s downtown, is developing a food and brewery scene that draws people from across the county. And the Olympic Training Center, where real Olympic athletes practice archery, rowing, and field hockey, offers free tours that most locals don’t even know exist.
I started paying attention to Chula Vista around 2019 when the bayfront parks opened and friends started raving about the Third Avenue restaurants. What I found was a city in transformation — still rough around some edges, but with a waterfront, a dining scene, and an energy that reminded me of Oceanside’s revival a few years earlier.
Chula Vista is San Diego’s second-largest city (275,000 people) and the gateway to the South Bay. It sits between National City to the north and the Mexican border to the south, with the bay on its western edge. That border proximity means the Mexican food here is extraordinary — many of the taco shops and restaurants draw directly from Tijuana’s culinary tradition, and the authenticity shows.
What Makes Chula Vista Different?
The bayfront is the game-changer. For decades, Chula Vista’s waterfront was industrial and inaccessible. Now Sweetwater Park and the bayfront trails offer miles of walking and cycling along the bay with views of Coronado, the Silver Strand, and the downtown skyline. The planned Gaylord Pacific Resort (1,600 rooms, opening 2027) will add a convention center and resort complex, but the parks and trails are here now and they’re beautiful.
Third Avenue Village gives Chula Vista a walkable downtown that most suburbs lack. Independent restaurants, craft breweries (Novo Brazil, Chula Vista Brewery), and boutique shops line the avenue between E and H Streets. The Thursday night market brings food vendors and live music. It’s not North Park or Little Italy yet, but the trajectory is clear.
The border proximity creates a food scene that’s uniquely positioned. Tacos El Gordo (arguably the most authentic street tacos in San Diego County), Korean-Mexican fusion spots, and family-run Mexican restaurants with recipes from Sinaloa and Jalisco — all within a few blocks. The food is exceptional and dramatically cheaper than anything north of downtown.
Bay Views From the South
The Chula Vista Bayfront opens onto San Diego Bay as Coronado glimmers across the water — South Bay's waterfront moment has arrived.
Where to Eat in Chula Vista?
Tacos El Gordo — Tijuana-style street tacos that are among the most authentic in San Diego County. The adobada (marinated pork carved from a trompo, $3.50/taco) is the star. Also excellent: suadero, tripa, and cabeza. Broadway location. Lines on weekends — worth the wait. $8-14/person.
Novo Brazil Brewing — Chula Vista’s best craft brewery. Brazilian-influenced beers, good food ($14-22), and a large patio on Third Avenue. Their açaí beer and coffee stout are unique. The weekend vibe is lively.
Casa de Bandini — Large, festive Mexican restaurant in the Third Avenue Village area. Mariachi music, strong margaritas ($10-14), and reliable Mexican food ($14-25). Good for groups and families. The patio is the place to be.
Aqui Es Texcoco — Barbacoa from Texcoco, Mexico — slow-cooked lamb wrapped in maguey leaves, served with consommé, tortillas, and salsas. It’s an experience more than a meal. Weekend mornings only ($20-25/person, feeds 2). One of the most unique restaurants in the county.
Chula Vista Brewery — Small-batch craft beer and a neighborhood vibe on Third Avenue. Tasting flights ($12), food trucks on weekends, and a community atmosphere. Part of the Third Avenue revival.
What to Do in Chula Vista?
Is the Bayfront Worth a Special Trip?
If you enjoy waterfront walks, yes. Sweetwater Park and the bayfront trails offer miles of paved paths along San Diego Bay. The views of Coronado and the downtown skyline are stunning, and unlike the Embarcadero, the bayfront is uncrowded. Bring bikes — the flat terrain is perfect for cycling. Free parking, free access.
What About the Living Coast Discovery Center?
A small, focused aquarium and wildlife center on the bayfront ($16/adult). The emphasis is on San Diego Bay ecosystems — green sea turtles, leopard sharks, native birds, and interactive tide pool exhibits. The raptor flight demonstrations are impressive. It’s less overwhelming than the San Diego Zoo and better for young children. Budget 1-2 hours.
Olympic Training Center Tours?
The Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center offers free self-guided tours of the 155-acre facility where Olympic and Paralympic athletes train. You may see athletes practicing archery, BMX, rowing, or field hockey depending on the day. The visitor center has Olympic history exhibits. It’s free, fascinating, and completely uncrowded. Open daily 9am-4pm.
Third Avenue Village?
Walk Third Avenue between E and H Streets for restaurants, breweries, and shops. The Thursday night market (5-9pm, seasonal) adds food vendors and music. It’s compact — maybe 6 blocks — but the dining options are diverse and affordable. This is South Bay’s answer to North Park, still in its early stages but promising.
Where Athletes Train
On 155 acres of Chula Vista parkland, Olympic and Paralympic athletes prepare for the world's biggest stage — and you can watch for free.
Scott’s Pro Tips
- Getting There: I-5 south to E Street or H Street exits. Blue Line trolley from downtown to E Street or H Street stations (15-20 min, $2.50). Rideshare from downtown is $10-15.
- Parking: Free at the bayfront, Third Avenue, and Olympic Training Center. Parking is never an issue in Chula Vista — another perk of visiting South Bay.
- Bayfront Tip: The best bayfront access is from the J Street Marina area and Sweetwater Park. Bring bikes for the full trail experience. Sunset views facing west toward Coronado are spectacular.
- Food Strategy: Tacos El Gordo for street tacos, then Novo Brazil for craft beer on Third Avenue. For a unique experience, hit Aqui Es Texcoco on a weekend morning for barbacoa de borrego — arrive before 11am when the lamb is freshest.
- Best Time: Year-round — South Bay has slightly warmer temperatures than the coast. Spring and fall are ideal. The Thursday night market on Third Avenue runs seasonally (check dates).
- South Bay Day Trip: Start at [Barrio Logan](/destinations/barrio-logan/) for murals → [National City](/destinations/national-city/) for Filipino food → Chula Vista bayfront walk → dinner on Third Avenue. All connected by the Blue Line trolley. Under $30 for the whole day.
Chula Vista is San Diego’s next chapter. The bayfront development is transforming a city that was easy to overlook into a waterfront destination in its own right. The food — especially the border-influenced Mexican restaurants — is already world-class. The Olympic Training Center is one of the most unique free attractions in the county. And the trajectory is unmistakable: Chula Vista is building something special, and the best time to discover it is right now, before everyone else catches on.