Category: Southbay

New South Bay Park Grand Opening

Discover Your New Favorite Park: Features Galore!

This isn’t just a patch of grass; Sweetwater Park is thoughtfully designed to blend recreation with the unique natural beauty of our bayfront environment. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Play Naturally: Kids (and the young at heart) will love the nature-themed playgrounds. These aren’t your average swings and slides; they incorporate educational elements about local wildlife, making playtime both fun and informative.
  • Walk, Bike, Explore: Lace-up your sneakers or grab your bike! The park boasts 2.5 miles of new pathways, some paved and some with softer surfaces, perfect for a leisurely stroll, a morning jog, or a family bike ride. Plus, it connects seamlessly with the existing Sweetwater Bicycle and Pedestrian Path.
  • Connect with Nature: True to its location next to the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, the park features sand dunes, meadows, mounded grasslands, and specialty gardens filled with native plants. It’s a fantastic spot for bird watching, enjoying stunning bay views from scenic overlooks, or simply finding a quiet moment. Keep an eye out for the Kumeyaay signage integrated throughout the park, honoring the area’s original inhabitants.
  • Art on the Bayfront: Look for the striking “Rigors of Flight” public art sculpture by Roberto Salas. This impressive 25-foot-tall piece, resembling a wishbone, pays tribute to the abundant birdlife of the region.
  • Relax and Gather: Plenty of seating areas and picnic spots are strategically placed for you to relax, enjoy a snack, and soak in the beautiful surroundings.

More Than Just a Park

Part of a Grand Vision (The Chula Vista Bayfront Master Plan): Sweetwater Park wasn’t just a standalone idea. It’s a key piece of the massive 535-acre Chula Vista Bayfront redevelopment project. This ambitious plan, a joint effort between the Port of San Diego and the City of Chula Vista, has been in the works for decades. The goal has always been to transform our underutilized industrial waterfront into a vibrant destination with resorts (like the adjacent Gaylord Pacific), convention space, housing, retail, and crucially, significant new public parks and improved access to the bay.

Why You Need to Visit ASAP!

  • It’s BRAND NEW! Be among the first to explore this fantastic addition to Chula Vista.
  • Something for Everyone: Whether you want active play, peaceful nature walks, or a spot for a picnic with a view, this park has it.
  • Beautiful Setting: The focus on native plants and natural design makes it a truly lovely place to spend time, with great views of the bay.
  • It’s FREE! Access to this amazing community resource costs absolutely nothing.
  • It’s Ours! This is a wonderful new asset for all Chula Vista residents to enjoy.

Planning Your Visit

Ready to check it out? Here’s the essential info:

  • Location: You’ll find it on the Chula Vista Bayfront, just north of the Gaylord Pacific Resort. The Port lists the address as 845 E St, Chula Vista, CA 91910 (near the Gunpowder Point Drive area).
  • Hours: The park is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM.
  • Parking: Good news! There’s ample public parking available (around 219 spaces).
  • Cost: Free!

Go Explore Sweetwater Park!

Have you visited Sweetwater Park yet? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

Celebrating Día del Niño in Chula Vista

Get Ready for Joy! Celebrating Día del Niño in Chula Vista

Spring is in the air in Chula Vista, and that means one of the most vibrant and joyful community celebrations is just around the corner: Día del Niño (Day of the Child)! Traditionally celebrated near the end of April (often close to April 30th), this special day is all about recognizing, honoring, and celebrating children. And here in Chula Vista, the community typically comes together for a fantastic, family-friendly event filled with fun, laughter, and learning.

Date: Saturday April 19th, 2025 Memorial Park and 3rd Avenue from 10am to 3pm

What is Día del Niño?

Originating in Mexico and celebrated widely across Latin America and increasingly in the US, Día del Niño is a day dedicated to the little ones in our lives. It emphasizes the importance of children in society, promotes their well-being, and provides a wonderful occasion for families to spend quality time together. It often intertwines literacy and learning with pure fun!

What to Expect at Chula Vista’s Celebration (Based on Past Events)

Chula Vista’s Día del Niño events are typically a feast for the senses, designed to bring smiles to children’s faces. Based on past celebrations, families can often look forward to:

  • Loads of Activities: Think colorful craft stations where kids can get creative, exciting games to play, engaging story times, and maybe even face painting or balloon artists.
  • Live Entertainment: Often, there’s music or performances geared towards a young audience, adding to the festive atmosphere.
  • Community Connections: Various city departments (like the Library, Parks & Rec, Police, and Fire) and local organizations often participate, setting up informational booths, offering activities, and sometimes bringing cool vehicles like fire trucks or police cars for kids to see up close.
  • Focus on Literacy: In line with the spirit of Día del Niño/Día del Libro, many events include free book giveaways or reading-related activities, promoting a love for books and learning.
  • A Vibrant Atmosphere: Expect parks or community centers buzzing with energy, laughter, and families enjoying a day dedicated entirely to kids. Best of all, these events are usually free to attend!

Stay Tuned for 2025 Details!

Here is a photos of some of the cars that joined the 2025 car show

Bayside Park: Chula Vista’s Waterfront Escape

Note: Due to construction activities in the area, street parking is limited and park permits for Bayside Park are unavailable at this time. The new Gaylord Resort across the street is scheduled to open on May 15th, 2025. Once the property is open the renewed Bayside Park with be expanded and have a few new features. I will return and report on all the improvements sometime in May 2025.

THE FISHERMAN description
Stephen Fairfield
metal sculpture
Chula Vista Bayside Park
2007

If you’re looking for a relaxing, scenic spot in the South Bay, look no further than Bayside Park in Chula Vista. Tucked away at the foot of J Street, this park is a true local gem offering a perfect blend of recreation and tranquility.

Sweeping Views and Salty Breezes

The first thing that strikes you at Bayside Park is the view. You get expansive, beautiful vistas across San Diego Bay. On a clear day, you can easily spot the iconic Coronado Bridge arching across the water, the shimmering downtown San Diego skyline, and the naval ships navigating the bay. It’s a fantastic spot to simply sit on a bench, feel the gentle bay breeze, and watch the world go by. Sunsets here? Absolutely spectacular.

Something for Everyone

Bayside Park isn’t just about passive enjoyment; there’s plenty to do:

  1. The Fishing Pier: A major draw is the popular fishing pier extending out into the entrance of the marina. You’ll often find locals casting a line, hoping for a bite. Even if you’re not fishing, a stroll out to the end of the pier offers even better panoramic views and a feeling of being right out on the water. (Remember to check California fishing license requirements if you plan to fish!).
  2. Walking & Biking Path: A paved path winds through the park and connects to the wider Bayshore Bikeway, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll, a brisk jog, or a scenic bike ride along the water’s edge.
  3. Playground Fun: Got kids? They’ll love the playground area, offering a safe and fun space for them to burn off some energy while you soak in the views nearby.
  4. Picnic Perfect: With plenty of grassy areas and picnic tables scattered throughout, Bayside Park is an excellent choice for an outdoor meal. Pack a lunch, spread out a blanket, and enjoy dining al fresco with an unbeatable backdrop.
  5. Relax and Unwind: Sometimes, the best activity is no activity at all. Find a comfortable bench or a spot on the grass, read a book, listen to music, or simply watch the sailboats and kayaks glide by.

Practical Matters

  • Location: Find it at 999 Bayside Parkway, Chula Vista, CA 91910 (at the western end of J Street).
  • Parking: There’s usually ample free parking available in the adjacent lot, though it can get busier on weekends and holidays.
  • Amenities: You’ll find public restrooms available for convenience.
  • Accessibility: The paved paths make large portions of the park accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.

Make a Day of It

Bayside Park is located near the Chula Vista Marina, so you can easily extend your visit by exploring the boats or grabbing a bite at one of the nearby waterfront restaurants. It’s also relatively close to the Living Coast Discovery Center, offering another great family-friendly activity focused on local wildlife.

Your Chula Vista Oasis Awaits

Whether you’re a long-time South Bay resident who hasn’t stopped by in a while or a visitor exploring the area, Bayside Park offers a refreshing escape. It’s a place to connect with the beauty of San Diego Bay, enjoy simple outdoor pleasures, and recharge your batteries.

So next time you’re looking for that perfect waterfront spot, head down J Street and discover the charm of Bayside Park. You won’t be disappointed!

Have you visited Bayside Park? Share your favorite memory or tip in the comments below!

Art Around the Bay #1 Grand Caribe

598 Grand Caribe Causeway, Coronado, CA 92118 Hours: 6:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Grand Caribe Shoreline Park is located south of the roundabout on Grand Caribe Causeway in the Coronado Cays neighborhood. Dogs are allowed on leash at all Port of San Diego parks, however I have encountered many people allowing their dogs off-leash here to swim in south bay. On leash or off leash please continue to clean up after your pet. Far too many dog shit piles left right ON THE TRAIL.  There is limited access to the shoreline. A dirt path winds it way south and around the marina channel for Coronado Cays. Be mindful that a high tide will affect the width of the beach. 

I have observed everything from house finches, Anna’s Hummingbird, Great Egrets to Willets while walking the path. 

Sheltering Wings (1996)
Artist: Christopher Slatoff 
Medium: Bronze Sculpture on pedestal base 
Location: Grand Caribe Shoreline Park 
Port of San Diego Bronze Public Art Collection

Public Art around the Port of San Diego Waterfront

Immerse Yourself in Arts with Self-Guided Tours

The art around the Port of San Diego’s waterfront offers a singular experience, unique to each person who happens by. From monumental to intimate pieces…traditional bronze sculptures, vibrant murals, fountains, kinetic artworks, light projections, sound art, and conceptual artworks – we invite you to immerse yourself in the arts at the Port of San Diego.

 Coronado Bayside; Imperial Beach; Chula Vista Bayfront; National City Marina District; and San Diego’s Embarcadero and Shelter Island.

Click on the links to learn more about its location 

Art Around the Bay #1 Grand Caribe

Bayside Park: #2 Chula Vista’s Waterfront Escape