Downtown Chula Vista Chula Vista, CA

A native-American settlement of the Kumeyaay Tribe and Yuman people around 3000 BC, Chula Vista stands as a historical landmark with a rich history that spans over a number of millennia. Spanish explorers claimed Chula Vista as a part of their territory in 1542, and in 1791, it became a property under Mexico through the Rancho del Rey land grant.

With an abundance of history, arts and culture, it’s no surprise that locals would want to celebrate their city. Harbor Fest in Bayside Park includes boat tours, kayaking, laser tag and live music. The Chula Vista Lemon Festival allows vendors and food trucks a chance to stretch their legs at a smaller, more relaxed street fair.

The Living Coast Discovery Center has walking trails leading toward a living microcosm at the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge, while the Bonita Museum presents visitors with a glimpse into local history and culture.

Tuktan Thai, Tacos El Gordo de Tijuana BC, Baba Foods (Mediterranean), and Italianissimo Trattoria are just a few of the dining options that contribute to a cultural smorgasbord of heavenly cuisine in Chula Vista. Though restaurants are dotted throughout the neighborhood, you'll find the widest selections along Third and Broadway.

Locals fawn over the Green Curry at Tuktan Thai, the Adobada and lengua at Tacos el Gordo, and the selection of assorted hummus at Baba Foods. The risotto special with frutti di mare will tickle your senses with texture and flavor at Italianissimo Trattoria.

With one of the largest populations in the city of San Diego, rural Chula Vista has developed a well-deserved reputation for a growing, thriving cultural arts collective.

AMC Chula Vista 10, Regal Rancho Del Rey Stadium 16 and Landmark Hillcrest Cinemas can be found within minutes from shopping center bus stops. For live theater, residents recommend The Old Globe, a classic, modestly-sized space with enough open seating for theater nuts that want to enjoy a quiet night out. The Coronado and the Onstage playhouses also accommodate anyone who loves a well-written play.

Newcomers searching for friendly people, cheap beer and shuffleboard will be hard-pressed to find a better hangout than The Canyon Sports Pub and Grill, which serves mixed drinks and hard liquor to patrons who want to have a good time.

The Sleep Train amphitheater on Entertainment Circle is a great outdoor venue for live concerts and features acts such as the Kings of Leon, and Mumford and Sons. On the flip side, Mi Barra and the Bancroft Bar both contribute to local, up-and-coming bands wanting a chance to promote their own style of music.

Lyft and Uber are common alternatives to taxis in the county of Chula Vista, which are relatively more expensive when found near popular destinations. The Chula Vista Transit provides 10 routes that conveniently connect to the San Diego Trolley, helping locals find quality shops and boutiques in popular shopping centers within walking distance of bus stops and train stations. Prices range from $2.50 for a one-way fare to $5 for a day pass and $72 for a monthly pass.

Public parking may be available at park-and-ride lots or at decently priced private lots offering flat rates. Convenient bicycle lanes allow residents the ability to pursue a healthier lifestyle in a large county spread across multiple districts. The 5 and 805 Freeways and the 125 Expressway run through the town in nearly even increments, making a trek to a nearby major road fairly easy.

Locals find that walkMontevalle ing bike trails, allowing their children playtime in jungle gyms and enjoying a parallel sky and coastline on J Street Marina or Bayside Park can make for a fun, casual evening. Dog friendly Montevalle Park has a recreational center with basketball courts for the kids, and locals reminisce over family barbecues and soccer games on the grass at Greg Rogers Park.

Sky Zone San Diego supplies trampolines for wanderers who want to experience the majesty of wind and air via jumping. For $15, visitors can expect 2 hours of jump time.

Parents wanting to spend quality time with their children may find solace in knowing that both the San Diego Zoo and Sea World are within driving distance from downtown San Diego.

Local events include Holiday in the Village at the Third Street marina, the Annual Winter Choral Concert, the Dia De Los Muertos celebration at the Onstage Playhouse and the Band Pageant on Otay Lakes Rd.

Cost of living in California has rarely been convenient for frugal residents, and Chula Vista isn’t any different. The price tag on a one-bedroom apartment averages around $1,300, and the cost of a single beer can go for anywhere between $4-7 after happy hour. Gas prices fall around.01 percent over the national average.

Commerce can be collectively found at the Otay Ranch Town Center, which delivers on doggy bowls on storefronts and unique boutique shops. The Chula Vista Center and Westfield Plaza Bonita both bring large retail chains and a place for people to buy their favorite name brands. Northgate Gonzalez Markets allow passersby a place to shop for groceries and warm Mexican, while Sprouts stores give its consumers farm-fresh ingredients at affordable prices. Anyone wanting organic produce directly from its source can be satisfied in finding local farmer's markets, such as the Farmers Market on Third Ave or the one at the Otay Ranch Town Center.

For fun, neat and truly unique gifts and accessories, Eastside Sequel, Mimi & Red, Anthropologie and Instyle Boutique deliver some of the cutest handbags and accessories that money can buy. Men looking to bulk up or women wanting to get fit will find knowledgeable retailers with no shortage of supplements at bargain prices from shops like Ultimate Sport Nutrition or Nutrimart Chula Vista.