Chula Vista

1. Take the kids to the Living Coast Discovery Center

Located in the Sweetwater Marsh Unit of the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge, the Living Coast Discovery Center is an environmental education center that features a variety of exhibits showcasing animals, birds, and marine animals.

The Center’s permanent displays focus on native animals and plants that are found in San Diego Bay and Southern California, including several large exhibit spaces such as Turtle Lagoon, which focuses on Eastern Pacific green sea turtles; and the Shark & Ray Experience & Sting Ray Touch pool where visitors can see several species of sharks, guitarfish, and rays. Other exhibits include the Discovery Center Galleria, the Burrowing Owl Courtyard, the Shorebird Aviary, Raptor Row, Eagle Mesa, and a native plant garden and composting demonstration garden. The Center also features 1.5 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails from the center to the shore of San Diego Bay.

1000 Gunpowder Point Drive, Chula Vista,CA 91910, Phone: 619-409-5900

2. Take a guided tour of the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center

The Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center is a 155-acre high-performance training facility for Olympic & Paralympic athletes.

The Center opened in 1995 and was the first of its kind with a variety of sports venues and support facilities for more than a dozen summer Olympic and Paralympic sports, along with cross-training abilities for summer sports such as rowing, hockey, tennis, soccer, cycling, canoeing and kayaking, and various winter sports.

The Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center (CVTC) is open to the public for interactive experiences, guided tours, private events and functions throughout the year and has an Elite Team Shop located inside of the Visitor Center, which has a wide selection of unique gear and souvenirs from Team USA and the various sports represented in Chula Vista.

2800 Olympic Pkwy, Chula Vista, CA 91915, Phone: 619-656-1500

3. Have fun at Aquatica San Diego

Part of SeaWorld's Waterpark™, Aquatica San Diego is a beautifully landscaped waterpark with high-speed rides and thrills, interactive and up-close animal experiences, and the deluxe amenities of a stylish beachside resort.

The South Seas-themed waterpark features one of the largest wave pools in Southern California with a vast sandy beach for sunbathing, dozens of water-based slides and rides, including the HooRoo Run® with two enclosed and two open-air slides that have an 80-foot descent. Visitors can enjoy up-close encounters with dolphins and penguins, marine life shows, and aquarium tours, and a souvenir shop offers a variety of marine-inspired books, gifts, and mementos.

2052 Entertainment Cir, Chula Vista, CA 91911, Phone: 619-222-4732

4. Enjoy a picnic at Chula Vista Bayside Park

Chula Vista Bayside Park is a small waterfront public park on the east side of San Diego Bay with paved walking trails, picnic tables, a fishing pier and beautiful views of the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge and the San Diego skyline.

Amenities at the park include several paths for biking, walking, running, and skating, parking for bikes, exercise stations and play equipment for children of all ages, concessions, and a small, sandy beach. Visitors can enjoy swimming and stand-up paddle-boarding off the beach, along with kayaking and guided kayak tours of the nearby Sweetwater Marsh. Modern restrooms are dotted about the park, and special events and functions can be hosted in the park against a backdrop of stunning city and bay views.

999 Bayside Pkwy, Chula Vista, CA 91910

5. Get concert tickets for the North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre

Set on 72 acres of once farmland and open fields, the North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre is a 20,500-seat amphitheater and one of the larger concert venues in the San Diego area.

Currently owned and operated by Live Nation, the North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre was opened in 1998 and has had several names, including the Coors Amphitheatre, the Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre, and the Sleep Train Amphitheatre. The North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre features 9,468 chair back seats and 10,024 lawn seats and has hosted an array of concerts and performances over the years, including the Spice Girls, Deep Purple, and the Counting Crows.

2050 Entertainment Cir, Chula Vista, CA 91911

6. Go for a romantic stroll in Marina View Park

Chula Vista Marina View Park is a public park with grassy lawns and towering trees, many picnic tables, unique public artworks, colorful play equipment, and pretty arbors for romantic moments.

Modern restrooms are dotted about the park, and there is a little wade pool with fountains that keep the water fresh. The Chula Vista Marina View Park is a collaborative effort between the Port of San Diego and City of Chula Vista and special events and functions can be hosted in the park against a backdrop of lovely city and bay views.

900 Marina Pkwy, Chula Vista, CA 91910, Phone: 619-725-6001

7. Walk on the Rice Canyon Trail

Rice Canyon Trail is a 3.5 mile lightly trafficked out-and-back trail for hiking, walking, and trail running of all skill levels.

Located within Chula Vista’s Rice Canyon Open Space Preserve, the Rice Canyon Trail forms part of the California Riding and Hiking Trail (CR&HT) and is surrounded by spectacular natural scenery and blooming flora. The trailhead is located near the western end of the parking area, and there are a few picnic tables near the parking area which provide an excellent spot for lunch. The trail is well signposted with yellow signs and easy to follow and is suitable for all levels of hiker.

8. See the Memorial Bowl & Park

Memorial Bowl & Park is a beautiful urban park in Chula Vista that is home to the Memorial Bowl which built during the Great Depression.

The Bowl originally had a significant water feature but has been since replaced by a stage where outdoor concerts and performances are held. Memorial Park provides a stunning setting for special celebrations and occasions such as local school graduations and private weddings with seating for up to 700 guests.

373 Park Way, Chula Vista, CA 91910, Phone: 619-409-1980