South Bay San Diego

Located south of downtown San Diego and just north of the Mexico border lies the area known as San Diego's South Bay, the gateway to Baja California. This area is home to a number of exciting visitor experiences including the US Olympic Training Center, Living Coast Discovery Center, Sleep Train Amphitheater, Las Americas Premium Outlets, dining, golf and a scenic harbor and waterfront park.

Additionally, South Bay provides easy access to Coronado and the Silver Strand State Beach, for a great spot for families looking to camp, swim, surf, bike ride and fish. Also in the South Bay is Imperial Beach, home to the Tijuana Estuary, the largest salt water marsh in Southern California where many endangered birds and wildlife species live.

The National City neighborhood of the South Bay has a strong military presence; its three-mile port area along the San Diego Bay is part of Naval Base San Diego, the largest U.S. Naval base on the west coast.

> Check out The Big Bay for information on South Bay's waterfronts

> Click here for a brochure on 10 Points of Interest in South Bay

Hotels and Where to Stay in South Bay

With plenty of affordable and convenient hotels located in the South Bay area, you’re minutes away the greater San Diego region, with quick access to downtown, beaches, Balboa Park and many attractions.

Drive across the Coronado Bridge over the San Diego Bay, and you’ll find world-class resorts and quaint bed and breakfasts on the island of Coronado, or family-friendly resorts on Silver Strand beach.

Whatever the occasion or budget, a stay in South Bay will provide you with the comfort and convenience of your home-away-from-home in San Diego.

Browse the articles and listings below to plan your next trip to San Diego's South Bay.

Guide to Restaurants, Bars and Places to Eat in South Bay

San Diego’s South Bay offers wide selection of cuisine, and is best known for its authentic south-of-the-border fare. The tastes of Mexico are alive thanks to this wonderful collection of Mexican restaurants.

The borough of Barrio Logan is deeply rooted in a rich and proud Latino history.  Chicano Park, located right beneath the entrance to Coronado Bridge, celebrates Latin culture through a wonderful and colorful display of murals painting by local graffiti artists. Barrio Logan also boasts some of the oldest taco shops and Mexican restaurants, offering succulent street tacos, steaming tamales, and fresh hand-made tortillas.

The areas of Chula Vista and National City boasts a variety of fine dining options, from Asian, Italian and Mexican, to fresh seafood and sizzling steaks. For an authentic Mexican style breakfast, try the Chilaquiles at Talavera Azul, which was recently featured on the Food Network's "Best Thing I Ever Ate".

What to Do in South Bay San Diego

South Bay San Diego offers a wide range of activities to fulfill your Southern California vacation experience. From the artistic and cultural to the adventurous and education, you will surely find something to satisfy your craving for exhilaration, inspiration or anything in between.

Some unique and unexpected activities can be found in San Diego’s South Bay. Take a tour of the official U.S. Olympic Training Center. Or explore the expansive nature preserves and estuaries, perfect for hiking and bird-watching. South Bay communities also offer plenty of options for shopping, from South Bay’s designer outlets to Coronado’s one-of-a-kind resort boutiques.

5 to Try in San Diego’s South Bay:

1. Explore Nature
   Interact with nature at the Living Coast Discovery Center. You can hike, bike, and bird-watch in this expansive nature preserve which sits on top of the 316-acre Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge. The center offers a look at California's endangered wetlands and a low cost aquarium experience for families.  The South Bay is also home to many of the regions migratory birds - there are over 300 species of birds that nest throughout Imperial Beach.
2. Bayshore Bikeway
   Up for a whole-day bike ride? Try Bayshore Bikeway that begins in downtown San Diego, heads down into South Bay and then north along Silver Strand ending in Coronado.
3. Tours
   Take a tour of an official U.S. Olympic Training Center. If you are up for a walk, try a walking tour of San Ysidro, the “Gateway to the Americas”
4. On the Water
   Walk out over the water on the Imperial Beach pier and if you want, try and catch tonight’s dinner. Hop on a charter boat from Chula Vista’s harbor for some whale watching or sport-fishing
5. Experience the Flavors of Mexico
   Indulge in authentic Mexican fare throughout the South Bay - click here for some local favorites.

Upcoming Events in San Diego's South Bay Region

Some of San Diego's most popular events are held in the South Bay region. From the largest sandcastle competition in the U.S., and surf dog competitions at the Loews Coronado Bay, to outdoor concerts, seasonal parades, beachfront farmers markets and theatrical performances, you can fill your calendar with memorable events all year long.

Browse through the articles and listings below to plan your next trip to explore the expansive landscape of San Diego's South Bay.

Getting to South Bay San Diego

From the North:
Take the I-5 and I-805 freeways south. Once you pass through downtown, you are in the South Bay Area.

Public Transportation:
The Blue Trolley line is the main artery into South Bay. It runs from the Old Town Trolley Station to the San Ysidro Transit Center near the border with Mexico.