4-Day Thrills in Chula Vista

Discover the southern charm and scenic beauty of Chula Vista.

22 April 2023

Visiting Chula Vista is an excellent idea for travelers seeking a peaceful yet thrilling break. You can explore the city's various attractions, including J Street Harbor Park and Aquatica San Diego, a thrilling water park. Chula Vista is also home to stunning beaches where you can soak up the sun and take in the beautiful coastal scenery.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Beach Bumming and Tasty Eating

  • -Check into the hotel: The Good Nite Inn Chula Vista, a cozy and affordable hotel perfect for beach lovers.
  • -Visit the Chula Vista Bayside Park, a serene park where the calm waters of the Bay of San Diego meet peaceful grounds.
  • -Enjoy some fresh seafood at Mariscos El Golfo, a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, where you get to pick your favorite catch of the day.
  • -Head to the Imperial Beach, soak up the sun or surf the waves, the perfect place to unwind after a day of travels.
  • -End the day on a sweet note by visiting the Niederfrank's Ice Cream, where you can relish the delicious taste of vintage ice cream flavors.
Day 2

Hiking and History

  • -Start the day with breakfast at Donny's Café, a local diner of Chula Vista, serving delicious pancakes and sunny side up eggs.
  • -Hike through the Sweetwater Summit Regional Park, a vast park with scenic views and hiking trails, perfect for nature lovers.
  • -Visit the Chula Vista Heritage Museum, a small but informative museum, featuring exhibitions on the history of Chula Vista.
  • -Relax and rejuvenate at the Starlight Resort Spa, known for its popular “Couples Massage,” a perfect way to bond with your loved one.
  • -Dine at the Turquoise Restaurant, serving award-winning Mediterranean cuisine, try their famous falafel and baklava.
Day 3

Wildlife and Mexican Delight

  • Start the day with breakfast at the Grand Ole BBQ Y Asado, the perfect place to try some smoked barbecue meats.
  • -Visit the Living Coast Discovery Center, a nonprofit center, where you can explore the fascinating marine wildlife of San Diego Bay.
  • -If you have time, cross the border and visit Tijuana, Mexico, for a fun day trip, experience the cultural fiesta and colorful streets of Mexico.
  • -For dinner, try the authentic Mexican cuisine of Los Chilaquiles, serving delicious tacos and burritos in a casual and fun atmosphere.
  • -End the night on a high note, with some margaritas and live music at the infamous La Bella Pizza Garden, known for its laid-back vibes and hearty pizzas.
Day 4

Thrilling Adventures

  • Enjoy breakfast at the Pancake House, serving fluffy pancakes and syrup dripping waffles, perfect for a comfort food day.
  • -Visit the Aquatica San Diego, a water theme park with thrilling water slides, rides and natural habitats.
  • -For adrenaline junkies, head to the Skydiving San Diego, where you need to sign up for an exhilarating skydiving experience.
  • -For dinner, visit the Rockin' Baja Lobster, serving delicious Tex-Mex seafood, complemented by a rustic ambiance and trendy décor.
  • -End the day by catching the sunset at the Chula Vista Marina, a scenic spot to relax and unwind, overlooking the beautiful views of the bay.

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.

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