A Local's Weekend in Chula Vista and National City

Most people drive right through the South Bay on their way somewhere else. Downtown. The border. The airport. They never take the exit.

We're kind of glad, honestly. It keeps the good spots ours. But if you're thinking about living here, or you just want a weekend that doesn't involve fighting for parking in Pacific Beach, here's how we'd spend two days without ever getting on the freeway north.

Saturday morning: the bayfront, before it gets busy

Start early at Bayside Park on the Chula Vista Bayfront. Walk or bike along the water with Coronado and the downtown skyline across the bay. The whole waterfront has changed since the Gaylord Pacific Resort opened in 2025. Even if you're not staying, wander into the atrium and grab coffee or brunch at one of the restaurants.

With kids? The Living Coast Discovery Center is right there, a small nature center with animals and exhibits about the bay's wetlands. It's the right size for little legs.

Saturday afternoon: Third Avenue Village

Head inland to Third Avenue Village, Chula Vista's historic downtown and one of the few truly walkable stretches in the South Bay. Pick a local spot for lunch, then walk it end to end. Pop into the shops. Say yes to dessert.

If craft beer is your thing, Third Avenue has a few local breweries, including Three Punk Ales. Come back in season for the Lemon Festival, a tribute to Chula Vista's lemon-growing past.

Saturday evening: dinner by the water

For sunset with your dinner, go to the Pier 32 Marina in National City. Waterfront Grill sits right on the marina, and it's the kind of easy, unfussy place where you end up staying for one more round.

Sunday morning: Brick Row and the best breakfast that isn't breakfast

Start Sunday in historic National City. Brick Row on Heritage Square is a row of Victorian-era homes built by the city's founder, Frank Kimball, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Across the way, Kimball Park usually has something happening, from skaters at the skate park to a community event.

Then walk over to Niederfrank's Ice Cream on A Avenue. It's been open since 1948, making it San Diego's longest-running creamery. Yes, ice cream counts as breakfast on a Sunday. We checked.

Sunday afternoon: the Art Walk to Pepper Park

Take National City's self-guided Art Walk, just under a mile, and let it drop you at Pepper Park on the bay. There's a playground, picnic tables, barbecues and a fishing pier. Bring a blanket and stay a while.

Want something greener? Sweetwater Summit Regional Park and the loop trail around the golf course in Bonita are only a few minutes east.

Before you go

Restaurants and events change, so check hours before you head out. And if you find a new favorite, tell us. We're always adding to our list.