South Bay Travel Guide

Plan your trip to South Bay, San Diego County with this comprehensive travel guide including places to visit, hiking/biking routes, best things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, and transportation options.


Introduction to South Bay

South Bay is a part of San Diego County, located in Southern California, USA. This region is known for its beautiful beaches, warm weather, outdoor adventures, and rich cultural heritage. South Bay is home to several towns, including Chula Vista, National City, Imperial Beach, and San Ysidro, and has a diverse population that includes Hispanic, Asian, and African American communities.

If you’re planning a trip to South Bay, this comprehensive travel guide will help you make the most of your visit.

List of Places to Visit in South Bay

South Bay offers a variety of cultural and natural attractions, including

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Chula Vista Heritage Museum: Learn about the history of Chula Vista, including the early Native American settlements and the development of the city, at this museum.
  • Barrio Logan: Explore the street art and murals, the Mercado del Barrio market, and the Chicano Park murals, which depict the struggles and culture of the Chicano movement.
  • Tijuana Cultural Center (CECUT): Take a short trip to neighboring Tijuana, Mexico, to visit this cultural center, which features art exhibits, a botanical garden, and a giant dome-shaped IMAX theater.

Natural Attractions of South Bay: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Silver Strand State Beach: Relax, swim, sunbathe, or surf on this beautiful beach, which offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Coronado Island.
  • Tijuana Estuary: Spot rare birds and wildlife while hiking along the easy trails of Tijuana Estuary, a protected wetland ecosystem.
  • South Bay Salt Works: This unique salt marsh habitat provides panoramic views of the bay and the mountains in the distance, and is a great spot for bird watching and photography.

Hiking/Biking Routes of South Bay

South Bay offers a variety of hiking and biking trails that provide scenic views and outdoor adventures. Here are some popular routes:

  • Otay Lakes County Park Loop Trail: This 5-mile loop trail offers stunning views of Otay Lakes and is suitable for both hikers and mountain bikers.
  • Sweetwater Summit Regional Park Trail: This 8-mile trail features a challenging climb to the summit and offers panoramic views of the mountains and valleys.
  • Bayshore Bikeway: This 24-mile bike path hugs the coast and offers views of the San Diego Bay and the city skyline.

Best Things to Do in South Bay: Activities and Tours

South Bay has no shortage of exciting activities and tours to offer visitors. Here are some of the best things to do:

  • Whale Watching: Take a boat tour during the winter months (December through April) to see gray whales migrating along the coast.
  • Aquatica San Diego: Enjoy a day of water rides and attractions at this water park in Chula Vista.
  • Brewery Tours: Take a guided tour of some of the local craft breweries, such as Bay Bridge Brewing, Novo Brazil Brewing, or Border X Brewing.

Week-Long Itinerary for South Bay

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to South Bay:

Day Activity
1 Visit Balboa Park, San Diego
2 Explore Barrio Logan and Chicano Park
3 Hike the Sweetwater Summit Trail
4 Visit the Tijuana Cultural Center
5 Relax at Silver Strand State Beach
6 Take a whale watching tour
7 Do a brewery tour in Chula Vista

Food and Drink Scene of South Bay

South Bay’s food and drink scene is influenced by the region’s diverse cultural heritage. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fish Tacos: This San Diego specialty can be found at many local taco shops, such as Lolita’s Mexican Food in Chula Vista.
  • California Burrito: A San Diego classic, this burrito is filled with carne asada, french fries, sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.
  • Clam Chowder: South Bay’s proximity to the coast makes it a great place to try this seafood dish, which can be found at many local restaurants.

Local Beverages

  • Cerveza (Beer): San Diego is famous for its craft beer scene, and South Bay has several breweries worth visiting. Try a local favorite, such as Coronado Brewing Company or Bay Bridge Brewing.
  • Margarita: This classic cocktail is a must-try in San Diego, especially at a beachfront bar like Brigantine Seafood & Oyster Bar in Imperial Beach.
  • Mexican Hot Chocolate: Warm up with this sweet and spicy drink, which can be found at many cafes and Mexican restaurants in South Bay.

Where to Stay in South Bay: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

South Bay offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget. Some popular choices include:

  • Loews Coronado Bay Resort: This luxury resort offers beautiful ocean views, a private beach, and several pools and restaurants.
  • Good Nite Inn Chula Vista: This budget hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms, free parking, and easy access to the freeway and many local attractions.
  • Hostel on 3rd: This cozy hostel in the heart of downtown San Diego offers affordable bunk beds, private rooms, and a communal kitchen and lounge.

What to Buy in South Bay: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

South Bay offers several unique and locally made souvenirs and products. Here are some ideas:

  • Mexican pottery and crafts: Visit the Mercado del Barrio in Barrio Logan or the Mexican Import Store in San Ysidro to find colorful and handmade crafts.
  • Surf gear: South Bay’s beaches are great for surfing, so pick up a surfboard or a wetsuit at a local surf shop, such as South Coast Surf Shop in Imperial Beach.
  • Craft beer: Bring home a few bottles of locally made craft beer from a brewery like Novo Brazil Brewing in Chula Vista.

Local Culture and Customs of South Bay

South Bay’s culture and customs are influenced by its diverse population and proximity to Mexico. Visitors should be respectful of the local customs, such as:

  • Celebrations: South Bay has several cultural and religious celebrations, such as the Day of the Dead and Cinco de Mayo, which are important to members of the Hispanic communities.
  • Biculturalism: Many residents of South Bay identify with both the American and Mexican cultures, and visitors should be respectful of both.

Best Time to Visit South Bay

South Bay can be visited year-round due to its warm weather, but the best time to visit is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. Summer months (June through August) can be crowded and hot, while winter months (December through February) can be rainy.

Do’s and Don’ts of South Bay

Here are some do’s and don’ts for visitors to South Bay:

Do:

  • Try the local food and drink: South Bay has a unique food and drink scene influenced by its diverse cultural heritage.
  • Respect the local culture: South Bay has several communities with distinct cultural customs, and visitors should be respectful of them.
  • Visit the beaches and parks: South Bay has several beautiful beaches and parks that are great for outdoor activities and picnics.

Don’t:

  • Litter: Keep South Bay clean by disposing of trash properly.
  • Ignore safety precautions: Always be aware of your surroundings and follow safety precautions, especially when hiking or at the beach.
  • Assume everything is Americanized: Remember that South Bay is a diverse region with a bicultural identity, and some things may be influenced by the nearby Mexican culture.

Safety and Health

Safety in South Bay

South Bay is a relatively safe area, but visitors should still take precautions and be aware of their surroundings. Some safety tips include:

  • Avoid traveling alone at night: Stick to well-lit and populated areas.
  • Watch out for traffic: South Bay’s roads can be busy, so be careful when walking or cycling near them.
  • Be aware of your surroundings: Keep valuables out of sight and be aware of any potential dangers.

Health in South Bay

South Bay has several hospitals and medical facilities for visitors who need medical attention, such as Scripps Mercy Hospital and UC San Diego Medical Center. Visitors should also be aware of the region’s hot weather and take necessary precautions, such as staying hydrated and wearing sunscreen.

Getting to South Bay: Transportation Options and Logistics

South Bay is easily accessible from San Diego International Airport, which is about 25 minutes away by car. Visitors can also drive to South Bay on the I-5 or I-805 freeways, or take public transportation, such as:

Airports Near South Bay

  • San Diego International Airport: This airport is the closest major airport to South Bay, about 14 miles away.

Bus Stations Near South Bay

  • Greyhound Bus Station, San Diego: This bus station is located in downtown San Diego, about 15 miles from South Bay.
  • San Ysidro Transit Center: This transit center offers connections to several regional and local bus routes.

Other Options

  • Trolley: The San Diego Trolley Blue Line connects South Bay to downtown San Diego and other parts of the city.
  • Rideshare services: Uber and Lyft are both available in South Bay.

How to Get Around in South Bay

Getting around South Bay is fairly easy, with several transportation options such as:

  • Car rental: Rental car companies such as Avis and Hertz have locations in South Bay.
  • Bike rental: Several bike rental shops, such as Chula Vista Bike Shop, offer rentals.
  • Public transportation: The San Diego Trolley Blue Line and several bus routes connect different parts of South Bay.

Where to Go Next from South Bay: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

South Bay’s location in Southern California makes it a great starting point for exploring other nearby destinations, such as:

  • San Diego: South Bay is only about 15 miles from downtown San Diego, which offers several attractions such as Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, and the Gaslamp Quarter.
  • Tijuana, Mexico: South Bay is located right on the border with Mexico, and visitors can easily cross the border to explore Tijuana’s cultural attractions and cuisine.
  • La Jolla: This upscale coastal community is about 30 minutes away by car and is known for its beautiful beaches and coves.

Conclusion

South Bay is a vibrant and diverse region with plenty of cultural and natural attractions to offer visitors. From museums and outdoor adventures to food and drink scenes, South Bay is a must-visit destination in Southern California. By following this comprehensive travel guide, visitors can make the most of their trip to South Bay and experience all that this beautiful region has to offer.

The San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge The San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge


    Chula Vista
    Coronado
    Imperial Beach
    National City