Culture meets nature in San Diego's beautiful South Bay

Located south of downtown San Diego and just north of the Mexico border is San Diego's South Bay, the gateway to Baja California. South Bay is home to a number of exciting attractions and also offers great surfing, sportfishing, beach volleyball and horseback riding along the coast, as well as some of the best Mexican food this side of the border.

Biking, beaches and nature encounters

Connecting the South Bay to Coronado is the Bayshore Bikeway, one of the most beautiful bike paths in California. This 10-mile portion features a flat, palm-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. North of the Estuary, located on the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, is the Living Coast Discovery Center, a family-friendly aquarium and nature center with walking trails. The Living Coast is home to more than 350 animal and plant species native to the San Diego Bay habitat.

Sesame Place, sports and more

Chula Vista is home to the San Diego region's newest theme park, Sesame Place San Diego, a 17-acre attraction that boasts 18 rides, including 11 aquatic rides. Visitors can meet their favorite furry TV characters, watch a parade and sit on the famous 123 Stoop at Sesame Place, which is the only “Sesame Street”-themed park on the West Coast and is also a Certified Autism Center.

Other attractions in the area include the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center (formerly the US Olympic Training Center), with free tours of the center available on Saturdays at 11 a.m.; and the North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, where big-name bands perform under the stars. Nearby, there's golf as well as a scenic harbor and waterfront park.

Outlet shopping made easy

An easy drive from Downtown San Diego, and just off the 805 freeway at the last U.S. exit before the border, is the area's largest outlet center, Las Americas Premium Outlets, which features more than 125 stores including many top name brands. With daily savings up to 65% off, it's worth the visit, and shopping here is accented by beautiful courtyards, fountains, statues and elegant architecture.

Hassle-free airport access

South Bay is home to the CBX Cross Border Xpress, the bi-national connection between San Diego and Tijuana. The enclosed pedestrian bridge connects directly to Tijuana International Airport, allowing for easier, hassle-free international travel in and out of San Diego.

Vibrant urban neighborhoods

The neighborhood of Barrio Logan brings a unique culture and spirit to San Diego. The area is home to Chicano Park, the geographic and emotional heart of Barrio Logan. Now a national landmark, Chicano Park is home to the largest concentration of Chicano murals in the world, with more than 80 paintings on seven acres. It's also now home to the Chicano Park Museum.

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. Navy base on the West Coast.

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

South Bay on Instagram