Budget-Friendly Fun in Chula Vista: A 3-Day Guide

Experience the beauty of Chula Vista without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Chula Vista is a city in Southern California that offers a range of budget-friendly activities. Visitors can enjoy miles of beaches, hiking trails, and free concerts at the outdoor amphitheater. With affordable accommodations and dining options, Chula Vista is a great destination for those looking for a fun-filled trip without breaking the bank.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Beach Day

  • Stay at the Days Inn by Wyndham Chula Vista South Bay: a simple and affordable hotel with easy access to the beach.
  • Head to Silver Strand State Beach for a day of sun, sand, and waves.
  • Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard from H2O Adventures to explore the bay and get a workout in.
  • Have lunch at South Beach Bar and Grille, where the fish tacos are a must-try.
  • Enjoy a scenic drive along the coast to Coronado Island, and take a stroll along the famous Hotel del Coronado.
Day 2

Get Active

  • Start the day off with a hike at the Living Coast Discovery Center, where you can spot native wildlife and learn about the local ecosystem.
  • Grab breakfast at the family-owned El Gallito restaurant for a taste of authentic Mexican food.
  • Spend the afternoon at Aquatica San Diego, a water park with thrilling slides, lazy rivers, and a wave pool.
  • Have dinner at Phil's BBQ, a local favorite known for their fall-off-the-bone ribs and tangy sauce.
  • Head to Third Avenue Village for a nightcap at Chula Vista Brewery, where you can sample locally brewed craft beers.
Day 3

Cultural Immersion

  • Visit the Chula Vista Heritage Museum to learn about the city's rich history and see artifacts from the early 1900s.
  • Have lunch at TJ Oyster Bar, a no-frills seafood joint known for their ceviche and fish tacos.
  • Explore Chicano Park in nearby San Diego, home to colorful murals and sculptures that celebrate Mexican-American culture.
  • Visit the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge to observe migratory birds and enjoy views of the city skyline.
  • End the day with a sunset cruise on the bay, where you can relax and soak in the beauty of the city from the water.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Chula Vista by plane is to fly into San Diego International Airport and then take a taxi or drive about 15 miles south on I-5 to reach Chula Vista.

Car

Driving to Chula Vista is a convenient option, as it is located near two major highways: I-5 and I-805. From north of Chula Vista, take I-5 south until you reach the desired exit. From the east, take I-8 west to I-5 south. From the south, take I-5 north to the desired exit.

Train

Unfortunately, there is no train station in Chula Vista. The closest Amtrak station is in San Diego, about 15 miles north, and from there you would need to take a taxi or drive to Chula Vista.

Boat

Unfortunately, there are no boat options to get to Chula Vista. The closest marina is in San Diego, about 15 miles north of Chula Vista. You would need to arrange for ground transportation to reach Chula Vista from there.

Bus

Taking a Greyhound bus is a budget-friendly way to get to Chula Vista. The closest bus station is in downtown San Diego, about 15 miles north of Chula Vista. From there you would need to take a taxi or bus to reach Chula Vista.

Destination

Chula Vista

Welcome to a city where Spanish meets suburbia, where the weather is as sunny as the locals' dispositions (and their sports teams are as disappointing as their love lives).

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Number of days

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Type of trip

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Budget-Friendly Fun in Chula Vista: A 3-Day Guide

Chula Vista is a city in Southern California that offers a range of budget-friendly activities. Visitors can enjoy miles of beaches, hiking trails, and free concerts at the outdoor amphitheater. With affordable accommodations and dining options, Chula Vista is a great destination for those looking for a fun-filled trip without breaking the bank.