Bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the west and the mountains to the east, Chula Vista—which means "beautiful view"—lies seven miles equidistant between downtown San Diego and the Mexican border. The second-largest city in San Diego County has grown quite a bit since its early years as a major cultivator of lemons in the late 19th century, with significant real estate developments and the subsequent addition of local businesses, cultural attractions and recreational activities to support its own and nearby communities. Chula Vista venues such as golf courses, the scenic harbor, the Chula Vista Nature Center and Knott's Soak City USA are among the points of interests that will appeal to meeting planners organizing events in this part of Southern California.
Approximately nine miles from Chula Vista, San Diego International is the closest airport. Travelers can also fly into McClellan-Palomar International in Carlsbad (36 miles), or General Abelardo L. Rodriguez International in Tijuana, Mexico (nine miles). Those who need to stay in the area can check into the Comfort Inn & Suites, which is only a few blocks from the Bayfront Trolley Station and the Chula Vista Marina, and a short drive to PETCO Park and Qualcomm Stadium. Another option is the Ramada Inn San Diego South. Both offer guests complimentary continental breakfast.
Among the largest venues in Chula Vista's proximity is the San Diego Convention Center. The area's main meeting destination with 2.6 million gross square feet, it has 615,701 square feet of exhibit space and 204,114 square feet of meeting space. Chula Vista also features several facilities that can accommodate groups. Surrounded by a 316-acre wildlife refuge, the Chula Vista Nature Center features outdoor and indoor areas for private events. At Otay Valley Regional Park, the Finney Interpretive Overlook offers two small amphitheaters, while EastLake Tavern and Bowl provides a festive alternative for team building with 10 bowling lanes, a 1,000-square-foot patio and 15,000-square-foot sports lounge.
Dining venues in Chula Vista are diverse. Villa Capri, known for its contemporary Italian cuisine, has a private dining room for up to 20 and a patio that can seat parties up to 80. Cravings for home-cooked family-style meals can be satisfied at D'Lish, where savory ribs, burgers and woodburning oven pizzas are on the menu.
Free time in Chula Vista presents visitors with the unique opportunity to explore the U.S. Olympic Training Center, featuring fascinating tours of the facility dedicated to America's promising athletes in archery, soccer, tennis and track, among other sports. Golfers may squeeze in some practice at the Salt Creek Golf Course or the Chula Vista Municipal Golf Course, while those who prefer to be surrounded by water head to the Chula Vista Marina or Knott's Soak City USA, home to 22 thrilling rides.
Want to learn more about San Diego? Check out more about event planning in San Diego and San Diego venues.
