Welcome to the

South Bay

Gateway to Mexico and the Baja California Region

Surfing, biking and birding in the South Bay

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 attractions and also offers great surfing, sport fishing, beach volleyball and horseback riding along the coast and well as some of the best Mexican food this side of the border.

Connecting the South Bay to Coronado, you'll find a portion of the Bayshore Bikeway, one of the most beautiful bike paths in California. This 10-mile portion features a flat, palm tree lined path with stunning views of the San Diego Bay and Silver Strand State Beach, a great spot for families to camp, swim, surf, kayak and fish. It also borders the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge, a 3,940-acre wetland sanctuary for endangered and migrating birds, often seen from the bike path.

On the south end is Imperial Beach and the Tijuana Estuary, the largest salt water marsh in Southern California and another great spot to see migratory birds and local wildlife. Adjacent to the Estuary is the Living Coast Discovery Center, a family friendly aquarium and nature center. Other attractions in the area include Aquatica SeaWorld's Waterpark, the US Olympic Training Center, with free tours of the center available on Saturdays at 11:00 AM, the Sleep Train Amphitheater where big name bands perform under the stars, the Las Americas Premium Outlets, as well as golf and a scenic harbor and waterfront park.

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
> Click here to visit San Diego's South Bay

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South Bay sits in a unique location bordering Mexico and just minutes from downtown San Diego. By car, you'll be here in no time as both major interstate freeways (I-5 and I-805) end at the US Border. For those who are energy-conscious, take the Blue Trolley line into the main artery of South Bay. Catch the trolley from Old Town Station and enjoy the scenery as you end at the San Ysidro Transit Center near the border with Mexico. From Coronado, drive the picturesque Silver Strand south through Imperial Beach to arrive at South Bay.

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San Diego 24-mile Bike Route

The Bayshore Bikeway, one of the most beautiful bike paths in America, runs through San Diego's South Bay.

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Discover Art in the South Bay

Experience dramatic sculptures, beautiful art, murals and more that capture the passion of the local artistic residents and the spirit of neighborhoods like Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City, San Ysidro, and Port of San Diego Bayfront. San Diego's South Bay has some notable compelling art worth seeing.

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Living Coast Discovery Center

The Living Coast Discovery Center is a nonprofit zoo and aquarium uniquely set on San Diego Bay. Visitors enjoy up-close animal encounters with endangered green sea turtles, shorebirds, hawks, owls, sharks, stingrays, jellies and more. Uniquely located on the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, The Living Coast is home to more than 350 animal and plant species native to the San Diego Bay habitat.

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San Diego Restaurant Week

Sep 24 - Oct 1, 2017

The 13th Annual San Diego Restaurant Week returns Sunday, September 24th through Sunday, October 1st with a FEAST for the senses at over 180 participating restaurants. Dine deliciously at restaurants offering prix-fixe menu options throughout San Diego County. This foodie-favorited week is the perfect time to take a culinary tour throughout the diverse and thriving food culture of San Diego.

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Dusty Rabbit Signature Cocktail Contest

Jun 6 - ongoing

150 years ago, the area that is now the Gaslamp Quarter was jokingly nicknamed “Rabbitville” after its chief inhabitants. The "Dusty Rabbit" is a signature cocktail contest wherein merchants will honor the pioneering spirit of legendary founder, Alonzo Horton, who transformed Rabbitville into the thriving dining and entertainment district it is today!

We're challenging mixologists, bars, and restaurants from around the Gaslamp Quarter to create a cocktail named the Dusty Rabbit. Each location’s recipe is open to interpretation and may include any kind of spirit or alcohol uniquely reflective of the establishment.

For a list of locations serving the Dusty Rabbit, please visit: http://www.gaslamp.org/150/dustyrabbit/

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San Diego International Film Festival

Oct 4 - Oct 8, 2017

The San Diego International Film Festival (Oct 4-8) is the region’s premier film event and one of the leading stops on the independent festival circuit. SDIFF offers a totally unique film experience; including world premieres, never before seen studio releases, the best in independent filmmaking and a full schedule of glamorous parties and intimate events with filmmakers. Join us Downtown at the Balboa Theater for opening night, Regal Cinema and the ArcLight UTC for screenings and featuring the beautiful Pendry San Diego as our Festival Headquarters.

Just Announced

VARIETY Night of the Stars Honorees:

Sir Patrick Stewart - Gregory Peck Award of Excellence in Cinema'

Kumail Nanjiani - Auteur Award

More honorees will be announced soon!

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2017 BMX Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Sep 30, 2017

Five new legends will be inducted into the National BMX Hall of Fame as USA BMX Celebrates 40th Anniversary. This year pro bike riders Dave Voelker, Doug Davis, John Piant, Misty Dong and Steve Rink will join an elite group of inducted legends of the sport representing the categories of freestyle, racer, pioneer, women and industry, respectively.

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San Diego 24-mile Bike Route

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Discover Art in the South Bay

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Living Coast Discovery Center

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San Diego Restaurant Week

Sep 24 - Oct 1, 2017

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Dusty Rabbit Signature Cocktail Contest

Jun 6 - ongoing

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San Diego International Film Festival

Oct 4 - Oct 8, 2017

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2017 BMX Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Sep 30, 2017

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