Welcome to Chula Vista
Chula Vista might not be quite as well-known as its neighbor San Diego, but that doesn't mean it's any less of a fantastic place to live. Chula Vista, a name that means "beautiful view," is the second-largest city in San Diego County and the seventh-largest in Southern California. People who live in Chula Vista enjoy the sophisticated big-city vibes coupled with charming small-town communities.
It's a very family-oriented place to live with many diverse neighborhoods. Chula Vista also lives up to its reputation for beauty with its prime location next to the San Diego Bay and the scenic mountain foothills. Plus, it offers dozens of genuinely unique restaurants and captivating attractions that make it stand out.
What to Love
- Family-friendly
- Amazing community
- Walking trails
- Local festivals
- Diverse community
People & Lifestyle
Along with being one of the most diverse areas in the country, Chula Vista also sits in one of the United States' most economically-rich regions. Chula Vista has continued to grow and evolve since 1960 and is now a booming city that can hold its own against some of the other popular places in SoCal.
The schools are excellent, and the city has been ranked as one of California's best places to raise a family. Another asset to life in Chula Vista is the variety of housing options. From single-family homes to apartments, living accommodations are accessible for people of all incomes and in multiple planned communities.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Shake and Muddle is a trendy fusion cocktail mixology bar and kitchen offering sweet, tart, and fruity cocktails alongside delectable appetizers and shareable plates. All items use the freshest ingredients, many of which come from local farmer's markets. The bar often hosts weekly music acts and has patio seating and fire pits.
For something a little more unique, visit Novo Brazil Brewing, an international awarding-winning SoCal brewery with a distinct Brazilian vibe. Along with incredible craft beers, Novo Brazil is a vibrant eatery with rich aromas, colors, and Brazilian flair. They also produce NOVA Easy Kombucha, which is gluten-free, vegan, and fermented to 6% alcohol.
Located in the middle of San Diego and Chula Vista is Romesco Mediterranean Bistro. They're famous for authentic Mexican cuisine paired with Mediterranean accents. In a separate room, you'll find a Spanish Tapas Bar.
Karina's Mexican Seafood Cuisine is an eclectic restaurant that caters to seafood-focused menu items infused with Mexican flavors. Housed inside a loungelike atmosphere, Karina's is a one-of-a-kind experience and very popular with the locals.
Things to Do
Chula Vista is home to the Living Coast Discovery Center, an environmental education center with marine life, animal, and bird exhibits. Generally, exhibitions alternate to showcase new and exciting animals and educational opportunities, but permanent displays focus on animals and plants native to SoCal.
The Loews Surf Dog Competition is what it sounds like. It's a dog-surfing competition meant to bring the community, surfers, dog lovers, and families together for a day of fun and fundraising for local animal charities!
Kick-off the holidays with the Chula Vista Starlight Parade! The free event is full of holiday-themed festivities and attractions for children of all ages to enjoy. It's an incredible family-oriented event that features visits with Santa, festive ornament making, an "Elf Yourself" station, Snow Hill train rides, bounce houses, and much more!
Every year, Chula Vista celebrates the city's heritage as the "Lemon Capital of the World" with the Lemon Festival. The special event features live entertainment, international foods, contests, and tons of lemon-centric foods and drinks!
Schools
The primary school district in Chula Vista is the Sweetwater Union High School District alongside the Chula Vista Elementary School District. Calvary Christian Academy is a private Christian school in Chula Vista known for its superior academics.
Chula Vista is also home to one of the four private colleges in San Diego County, hosting Southwestern College.