Introduction
The first time I visited Chula Vista, I had no idea quite what to expect. I was drawn in by its warm weather, bay views, and proximity to San Diego, but what I found was a surprising mix of nature, waterfront charm, local culture, and activities for all ages. From marsh-walks to theme parks, from downtown streets to suburban trails, Chula Vista offers more than meets the eye. Over a long weekend I discovered spots that became favourites, and I’m excited to share 12 of the best & fun things to do in Chula Vista, CA—each one tried, enjoyed, and recommended. Whether you’re visiting with family, friends or solo, there’s something here for you.
12 Things To Do In Chula Vista, CA (2026)
1. Explore the Waterfront at Marina & Bayside Park
A perfect way to ease into Chula Vista is by its waterfront. The marina and Bayside Park area offer scenic walks, picnic spots, benches overlooking the bay and a tucked-away feeling that still connects you to the water. According to local guides, the marina-harbor area ranks among the top outdoor stops in town.
I arrived in the late afternoon, strolled the boardwalk, watched sailboats and city lights faintly reflect in the bay. It set the tone: relaxed, scenic and inviting.
See Also: 12 Best & Fun Things To Do In Solvang, CA (Things You Will Love!)
2. Visit the Living Coast Discovery Center
For an educational yet fun stop, I headed to the Living Coast Discovery Center—a nature centre and aquarium located in the Sweetwater Marsh area. It’s focused on the native wildlife of the San Diego Bay area and gives you a chance to see sea turtles, stingrays, and native birds.
I really enjoyed the touch-tank section and the marsh boardwalk nearby, where quiet nature meets urban edge. Great for families or anyone wanting a nature break.
3. Family Fun at Sesame Place San Diego
If you’re travelling with kids (or just young at heart), Sesame Place San Diego is a standout. It’s a theme & water park with a beloved Sesame Street theme located in Chula Vista.
I spent half a day there, rode a fun coaster, soaked in the wave-pool and loved the atmosphere. The park offers a full day of playful energy and is especially memorable for families.
4. Get Inspired at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center
One of the unexpected gems I found: the Elite Athlete Training Center. This 155-acre Olympic training facility gives visitors an inside look at where top athletes train, and you can walk around some of the spaces and see the rowing tracks, beach volleyball courts and more.
It’s an inspiring stop if you enjoy sport, motivation, or just seeing something a bit different.
5. Stroll Historic Third Avenue Village
To dig into Chula Vista’s local culture, I wandered Third Avenue Village — downtown, walkable, with boutique shops, cafés and historic architecture. According to neighbourhood guides, this avenue is “lively at night” and full of food, drink and atmosphere.
My highlight: sitting at a small café, people-watching and watching dusk settle over the street. A nice contrast to the outdoor nature stops.
6. Walk or Bike the Otay Valley Regional Park Trails
If you’re craving fresh air and movement, the Otay Valley Regional Park offers miles of trails for walking, running, biking and exploring nature. The city lists it as a key outdoor attraction.
I picked one late-morning for a bike ride, found shady canopy in places, and felt away-from-the-city while still being in Chula Vista.
7. Shop & Dine at Otay Ranch Town Center
For retail and dining, I spent an afternoon at Otay Ranch Town Center. The open-air mall features restaurants, stores and special events (like farmers’ markets) according to real-estate and travel write-ups.
Even if you’re not big on shopping, it’s a comfortable stop for lunch, coffee and a little retail browse.
8. Experience Local Wildlife & Marsh-Walk at Sweetwater Marsh
Close to the Living Coast Center is Sweetwater Marsh—a beautiful, quieter natural habitat with boardwalks over marshland and views of the bay. One local guide recommended Gunpowder Point/marsh walks in Chula Vista.
I loved the calm here: just me, a few birds, water lapping and the marsh stretching out. Great spot for a reflective pause.
9. Attend a Local Festival: Lemon Festival & More
Chula Vista hosts fun annual events — for example, the Lemon Festival held downtown, filled with lemon-themed treats, parades and family-friendly activities.
If your visit aligns, join in the festivities. I caught a local arts-walk and found the energy added richness to the town experience.
10. Enjoy a Round of Golf or Golf-Style Relaxation
For something relaxed and active, I visited the Chula Vista Golf Course — scenic, accessible and pleasant for non-serious golfers too. One travel post suggests the course among things to do in Chula Vista.
Even if you don’t golf, having a drink at the clubhouse or strolling the fairways can be a pleasant interlude.
11. Catch a Show at the OnStage Playhouse
I decided one evening to attend a live show at OnStage Playhouse — the community theatre in downtown Chula Vista. It offers plays, musicals and performances in an intimate setting. It was a cool way to spend an evening and step into local culture beyond the outdoor stops.
12. Sunset View & Photo Stop from the Hilltops
To close out the visit, I found a hilltop vantage point for sunset—watching the sky glow, bay lights begin and feeling the full circle of the trip. Many visitors say simple vantage points in Chula Vista are underrated.
It reminded me how Chula Vista is sometimes overlooked, but worth lingering over.
Final Thoughts
Spending time in Chula Vista gave me something I didn’t expect: a city that comes with bay cliffs, marshlands, suburban comfort, a lively downtown, and enough surprises tucked in between. Whether you hike, relax, eat or explore culture, Chula Vista offers a little of everything without feeling overloaded.
Here are a few travel-tips to keep in mind based on my experience:
- Mix outdoor + indoor: Balance a trail or waterfront walk with a museum or downtown café.
- Timing matters: For nature stops aim for morning or golden hour; for downtown explore late afternoon into evening.
- Comfortable walking gear: Especially for waterfront boardwalks, marsh trails and downtown sidewalks.
- Check for events: If you can, align with a festival or special local happening — they add flavour.
- Stay flexible: Some stops like the marsh or hillside views invite you to pause and reflect — these are as valuable as big attractions.
- Local eats matter: Don’t skip third-avenue cafés, local breweries or sunset-view dining by the bay.
If I were to pick one highlight moment from my trip, it was standing at the marina at dusk, stroll done, pastel sky overhead, bay gently rippling, and the city lights just beginning. It wasn’t a dazzling spectacle—but it was perfect. That’s what Chula Vista gave me: comfortable, beautiful, memorable.
Here’s to your escape to Chula Vista—may you find your favourite shoreline bench, your marsh bird-moment, your sunset frame and your hidden café. Happy exploring!