View Attractions Related to: South Bay
by TourGuideTimExplore Nature Attractions & More in San Diego’s South Bay
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Only 20 miles lies between downtown San Diego and the border with Tijuana, Mexico. Despite being surrounded by two major international cities, South Bay San Diego is home to large swaths of protected habitat known as the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
The Chula Vista Nature Center and Tijuana River Estuary Visitor Center highlight the unique biodiversity of the San Diego area. (San Diego County is home to more endangered species of animals, plants, and fish than any other county in the United States.)
The open lands farther to the east house the only year-round U.S. Olympic Training Training Center, Knott’s Soak City, and other visitor attractions.
Often overlooked, the attractions in the South Bay area of San Diego are worthy of a visit. Learn more by selecting each of the picture tabs above. Enjoy your travels.
Chula Vista Nature Center & Aquarium
Location: Chula Vista (9 Miles / 12 Minutes South of Downtown San Diego)
Hours: Entrance allowed 10AM – 4PM Tuesdays through Sundays
Cost: $11 ($8 for Seniors 65+ and Students; $6 for Kids 4 – 11)
Features: Wetland of International Importance; Petting Pool with Stingrays and Sharks; Up-Close Views of Endangered Green Sea Turtles, a Bald Eagle, and Golden Eagles; Butterfly and Humming Bird Garden; Nature Trails
San Diego National Wildlife Refuge
Location: South San Diego Bay (9 Miles / 12 Minutes South of Downtown San Diego)
Hours: Varies by Location
Features: Four National Wildlife Refuges; Two Nature Centers; 370 Species of Birds; Guided Nature Walks
Tijuana River Estuary National Wildlife Refuge
Location: Imperial Beach (15 Miles / 20 Minutes South of Downtown San Diego)
Visitor Center Hours: 10AM – 5PM Wednesdays through Sundays
Cost: Free
Features: Wetland of International Importance, 370 Species of Birds, Exhibit Center, Hiking, Guided Nature Walks
Border Field State Park
Location: Imperial Beach (18 Miles / 25 Minutes South of Downtown San Diego)
Open Daily: 9:30AM – 5PM (Occasionally Closed Due to Conditions)
Cost: $5 for Parking on Weekends
Features: Most Southwest Corner of the United States; First Boundary Marker Established at the End of the U.S. – Mexican War; Border Fence; Hiking; Horseback Riding on the Beach; Picnics.
United States Olympic Training Center Tours
Location: Chula Vista (20 Miles / 25 Minutes Southeast of Downtown San Diego)
Open Daily: 9AM – 5PM; Guided Tours take place 11AM on Saturdays
Cost: Free
Features: Tour the Only Year-Round U.S. Olympic Training Center
Knott’s Soak City Water Park San Diego
Location: Chula Vista (17 Miles / 25 Minutes Southeast of Downtown San Diego)
Open Daily: Memorial Day (Late May) – Labor Day (Early September); Generally 10AM – 6PM (7PM during middle of summer); Open additional weekends during May and September.
Cost: Several options starting at $27 ($22 for Kids ages 3-11 and Seniors 62+); Parking is $10
Features: Two Dozen Water Slides; Family Rides, Thrill Seeking Rides, and Little Kids Slides.
San Diego Electric Railway Museum and Depot
Location: National City (7 Miles / 10 Minutes South of Downtown San Diego)
Hours: 9AM – 5PM Thursdays through Sundays
Cost: Free
Features: Restored 1882 Santa Fe Station is the Oldest Railroad Structure in San Diego; Vintage Trolleys and Electric Rail Cars
Las Americas Premium Outlets
Location: San Ysidro (17 Miles / 20 Minutes South of Downtown San Diego)
Open Daily: 10AM – 9PM (7PM on Sundays)
Features: 125 Outlet Stores including Nieman Marcus Last Call, Polo, Haggar, Lane Bryant, and Nike
South County San Diego Beaches
Location: San Diego County Coastline from South San Diego Bay to the Mexican Border (11 Miles – 18 Miles South of Downtown San Diego)
Features: Learn about the Beaches in the South Bay, Each With Its Own Character; Get Information on Attractions Near Each Beach, including Horseback Riding on the Beach.
Scuba Diving in San Diego
Location: La Jolla Shores, Mission Beach, and Other Coastal Locations.
Features: Wreck Alley, La Jolla Underwater Ecological Reserve, Kelp Beds, Very Large Diving Community
San Diego Weather Forecasts
Find the current weather conditions and forecast for the area of San Diego you will be visiting today. If you are making your first visit to San Diego, you should learn more about San Diego weather so you are prepared for your trip. For example, you will want to bring a light jacket or windbreaker if you plan to watch a baseball game downtown, especially if you are visiting from an area where you are used to a lot of heat and humidity.
Weather Forecasts for San Diego: (read insider details…)
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