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Chula Vista Ferry Service to Downtown San Diego Launches June 1

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Chula Vista Ferry Service to Downtown San Diego Launches June 1

Big news, Chula Vista! There will now be a Chula Vista ferry service running from our Chula Vista marina to downtown San Diego. This has been one of those that was rumored for a long time, and it has been officially announced today. If you recently saw my post on Instagram about this, you know from the comments that this is big news. I can’t wait to see it and learn more about it, but for now, here are some details and a breakdown of what it will entail.

Flagship Cruises & Events posted their official news announcement on their website on Friday. The route runs seven days a week, with the first departure leaving Chula Vista at 8 a.m. Departures run every two hours throughout the day, with the last ferry back from Fifth Avenue Landing at 7 p.m. The crossing takes about 45 minutes each way, and a one-way ticket is $15 per passenger. Keep in mind that tickets are sold as one-way rides, so you’ll need to purchase two for a full round trip. The price was the biggest concern in the comments.

Social media was on fire about the Chula Vista Ferry

I posted about this on Instagram yesterday, and the response was bigger than I expected. A lot of you are fired up about it, and honestly, I am too. I’ll be there on June 1st for the very first run. This is one of those moments I want to be present for, and I’ll be sharing it all with you here on Chula Vista Living and over on Instagram.

The most common reaction in the comments was people immediately thinking about Padres games. And yeah, that makes total sense. Instead of dealing with downtown parking or paying to sit in traffic on the 5, you ride the Chula Vista ferry over, walk to the game, and ride back. That’s a completely different experience from what most of us are used to. Many people also mentioned wanting to go out downtown for a night without the parking headache, which is very real. Downtown San Diego parking on a Friday or Saturday night is its own kind of adventure, and not always a fun one.

The $15 one-way price did come up quite a bit in the comments, too. Several people felt it was on the high side, especially for families or anyone considering making this a regular thing. A lot of people mentioned they’d love to see a resident discount for South Bay locals, and honestly, that’s a fair ask. It would go a long way toward making this something people use routinely rather than just as an occasional treat. If that’s something you’d like to see, it’s worth reaching out to Flagship Cruises & Events directly through their website at Flagship Cruises & Events.

One detail that hasn’t been officially confirmed yet is the exact boarding location on the Chula Vista side. I’m just guessing right now, but it will be at or near the same waterfront area where the historic Bill of Rights Tall Ship docked during its visit to Chula Vista. We’re still waiting for official confirmation. I’ve been following up on this and will update the post as soon as that’s locked in, so check back here for the latest.

Chula Vista Ferry
The Chula Vista Ferry Service will begin on Monday, June 1st, and run every two hours daily from the Chula Vista Marina. Photo property of Flagship Cruises & Events

The Best Way to Get to Comic-Con This Summer

Here’s something I haven’t seen anyone talking about yet, but it absolutely deserves attention. Comic-Con International runs July 23 through 26 this year. The Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center has been positioning itself as one of the top places to stay for the convention, and it’s a beautiful property on the Chula Vista waterfront. But one question I always had was how guests would actually get to the convention center. The walk to the nearest trolley station is doable, but it’s a haul, especially at night after a full day on the convention floor. I had always wondered whether the Gaylord would run some kind of shuttle to either the convention center or just to the trolley station.

Now, with this new Chula Vista ferry service launching almost a full two months before Comic-Con kicks off, the answer might actually be the water. Fifth Avenue Landing drops you off right behind the San Diego Convention Center. We’re talking a very short walk from the boat to the front door of the convention. For anyone staying at the Gaylord and attending Comic-Con this year, this ferry could honestly be the most enjoyable commute you’ve ever had to a convention. Hop on the boat, take in the skyline on the bay, and walk straight in. It’s a much better option than a shuttle to a trolley stop, and frankly, it’s a much better story to tell.

If you’re planning to stay at the Gaylord for Comic-Con this summer, I’d seriously factor this into your plans. It changes the whole equation.

The Chula Vista Marina at sunset
There are a lot of things happening along at Chula Vista Marina, and this is just one of them. Stay tuned for what’s coming next!

What’s Next for the Chula Vista Waterfront

All of us have seen how the Chula Vista Bayfront is now progressing, and more and more things are coming. We have been telling you about all of the updates and will continue to let you know as we get them. I’m still waiting on news about the brand new Harbor Fest coming. If you are a Chula Vista OG, then you remember this event and how great it was.

If you have thoughts on the ferry service, drop a comment on Facebook and let me know. Are you planning to ride it? Do you think $15 is fair? Will you be using it for a Padres game or Comic-Con? I’d love to hear from you. Follow along here on Chula Vista Living and over on Facebook and Instagram for more information as we get it. I’ll also be posting videos about this very soon, so stay tuned.

Mini Play Town Is Now Open at Otay Ranch Town Center in Chula Vista

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Mini Play Town Is Now Open at Otay Ranch Town Center in Chula Vista

If you’ve got little ones who are always ready to run, climb, and explore, Chula Vista just got a great new addition. Mini Play Town officially opened its doors on Friday, April 24th, at Otay Ranch Town Center, and I was lucky enough to be there for the grand opening event. They had character meet-and-greets, the energy was great, and it was a really fun afternoon for families all around the community.

I’ll be honest, walking in, I was blown away by the colors and the layout. Everything is bright, cheerful, and clearly designed with kids in mind, without feeling overwhelming or chaotic. It’s one of those spaces where you can tell a lot of care went into how it all came together. And one thing that surprised me right away was how much bigger it is on the inside than it looks from the outside. The space opens up into so many different areas for kids to climb around, explore, and have fun. It’s way bigger than you’d expect.

Whether you’re looking for a way to burn off some energy on a hot afternoon, a place to host a birthday party, or just a reliable spot where the kids can play while you actually sit and breathe for a minute, this place checks all the boxes.

What Is Mini Play Town?

Mini Play Town is a premium indoor playground designed for children ages 0 through 10. The space is thoughtfully set up with different zones for different ages, so both toddlers and older kids can have a great time without anyone feeling out of place.

Here’s a quick look at what’s inside:

Multi-Level Play Structure — This is the main attraction. It’s a multi-level adventure zone packed with slides, tunnels, climbing areas, and interactive obstacles. Kids can explore and move freely in a safe, contained environment.

Toddler Area — Younger children have their own dedicated soft and enclosed space where they can play comfortably at their own pace. It’s age-appropriate and designed with the littlest ones in mind.

Event Spaces — Mini Play Town also has private areas built specifically for birthday parties and celebrations, which we’ll cover in more detail below.

Snack Bar with Pizzo’s Pizza — Hungry after all that playing? Mini Play Town has you covered with a fully stocked snack bar featuring food and beverages from Pizzo’s, a local Chula Vista pizza restaurant. It’s a great touch that keeps things local and gives parents something to enjoy too.

The vibe of the place is elevated and clean. This isn’t your average mall play pit. They clearly put a lot of thought into the design, and it shows.

Mini play town Chula Vista location
Mini Playtown in the Otay Ranch Town Center has a toddler area for younger kids, with a ball pit and other activities they can enjoy.

What Local Families Are Saying

The community response to Mini Play Town has already been fantastic. Here’s what one local resident had to say in a recent Google review:

“I have to start by saying WOW! This is really a parents dream! So cute and aesthetic, the kids love it and there’s SO much to do! My daughter had so much fun and loved it so much we plan on having her birthday party there this year! If you haven’t already been, GO check it out for yourself. They have everything you need! Multiple play areas and snacks for the kids! 10/10!!”

That pretty much sums it up. When a parent calls something a dream, you know it’s delivering.

Admission Pricing

Tickets are timed and priced by age and how long you want to stay. Here’s the breakdown:

60-Minute Pass

  • Ages 0–11 months: $17
  • Ages 1–10: $25

90-Minute Pass

  • Ages 0–11 months: $20
  • Ages 1–10: $28

All-Day Pass

  • Ages 0–11 months: $25
  • Ages 1–10: $35

Each child ticket includes one adult admission. If a second adult wants to come along, there’s an additional $5 parent spectator fee.

One thing to know ahead of time: all children are required to wear Mini Play Town grip socks on the play structures. You can grab a pair at the front desk for $3.99. Outside grip socks are not allowed due to hygiene and safety standards.

Mini Playtown Otay Ranch Town Center
Mini Play Town is now open at the Otay Ranch Town Center in Chula Vista, California. Be sure to visit them on Instagram and their website to learn more.

Royal Membership

If you see yourself coming back regularly, the Royal Membership might be worth a look.

  • 1 Kid: $119/month
  • 2 Kids: $179/month

Membership includes unlimited all-day play, early access starting at 9:00 AM (an hour before general opening), access to exclusive member-only events, two buddy passes per month, and 10% off party packages. For families who plan to make Mini Play Town a regular outing, that’s a solid deal.

Birthday Parties and Private Events

This is where Mini Play Town really shines for families planning celebrations. They have three different party packages:

Petite Party — $500 + $28/kid
Hosts up to 40 guests. Includes a 2.5-hour reservation, seating for 24 guests, and accommodates 5 to 20 kids. Extra time is available at $250/hour.

Luxe Party — $750 + $28/kid
Hosts up to 70 guests. Includes a 2.5-hour reservation, seating for 40 adults, and accommodates 10 to 30 kids. Extra time runs $350/hour.

Royal Party — $1,500/hour
This one gives you the entire venue exclusively. It’s available Monday through Thursday, has a two-hour minimum, and can accommodate up to 80 kids. Great for larger events or corporate family gatherings.

A note on birthday parties: if you’re planning to celebrate, you’ll need to book in advance. Mini Play Town doesn’t allow impromptu party setups — no bringing in your own cake, balloons, or decorations without a proper reservation. All decorations must be arranged through their approved vendors.

Be sure to visit their website for updated pricing and more.

Mini Playtown Otay Ranch
Mini Play Town also offers a cafe with food and drinks for families. There’s also a space for adults to sit and work while their kids have fun.

Good to Know Before You Go

A few practical things to keep in mind:

  • Mini Play Town is a cashless business, so plan to pay by card.
  • Outside food and drinks are not allowed, except for water, infant formula, and snacks from home. Food and drinks are available at the on-site snack bar through Pizzo’s.
  • Children who are unwell or wearing a cast or brace are not permitted to play.
  • Adults are not allowed on the play structures — the equipment is for kids only.
  • Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.
  • Free parking is available at the mall.
  • Wi-Fi is available inside.
  • They offer a 10% military and law enforcement discount with a valid ID.

Hours and Location

Mini Play Town is located at 2015 Birch Rd, Space #1211, Chula Vista, CA 91915 — on the west end of Otay Ranch Town Center.

Hours:

  • Sunday – Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Friday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  • Royal Members get early access starting at 9:00 AM

I always love seeing new businesses open in Otay Ranch Town Center, and Mini Play Town is exactly the kind of addition our community needs. Chula Vista families deserve great local options, and this one is genuinely worth checking out. Here’s hoping this is just the beginning and we continue to see more exciting new businesses come to the area soon. If you’ve already been, drop a comment and let us know what you thought!

Gaylord Pacific Resort Celebrates One Year

Kurt Bunch
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Gaylord Pacific Resort Celebrates One Year

One year ago, Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center opened its doors on the Chula Vista Bayfront, and what a year it has been. The Port of San Diego reports 400,000 room nights booked for 2025 alone, with the resort projected to bring in $350 million in revenue, placing it as Marriott International’s third-highest-grossing property in the world.

Beyond the impressive numbers, the resort has been a win for the wider community. The Living Coast Discovery Center, the nonprofit zoo and aquarium next door, has seen tourism grow thanks to its early partnership with the resort. Harbor Park, right next to the property, is also being expanded from 12 to 25 acres, giving residents even more public space along the water.

Nearby businesses are still warming up to the influx of visitors, and more development, including the proposed Pangaea sports and entertainment complex, is on the horizon.

If you have not made it out to Gaylord Pacific yet, now is a great time to go. You do not need to be a guest to walk through the lobby or explore the property. It is our city, and it is worth seeing.

Read the full story on Chula Vista Living.

The Tender Hooligan is back open

Kurt Bunch
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The Tender Hooligan is back open

Great news, Chula Vista!! The Tender Hooligan is officially back open, and the vibes everyone loves are still fully intact. I stopped by last night for a late-night coffee and found the place full of energy, with an artists’ night in progress, people sketching, and a DJ spinning music. It was such a good reminder of why this spot means so much to Downtown Chula Vista. They’ve also launched a brand-new Instagram account and have a lot planned, so make sure you follow them. It’s really good to see The Tender Hooligan back, and if you’ve missed it too, now’s the perfect time to head over and show some support.

Be sure to follow us on YouTube for more videos.

Chula Vista Acquires the Historic Vogue Theater on Third Avenue

Chula Vista Blog
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Chula Vista Acquires the Historic Vogue Theater on Third Avenue

The City of Chula Vista has officially acquired the Historic Vogue Theater and its adjacent parking lot in downtown Chula Vista, marking a major milestone in the revitalization of Third Avenue. Mayor John McCann announced the acquisition during a press conference, calling it a historic day for the community and a clear commitment to preserving one of the city’s most beloved landmarks.

This one hits close to home for me. I remember going to the Vogue as a kid, watching movies on that big screen, and sitting in the loge seats in the back, the ones you had to pay extra for. Years later, I took my daughters there to do the same thing. When the theater closed in 2006, it was genuinely sad. I had always hoped it would become something more, whether that was a live music venue, a performing arts space, or even another movie theater.

But as the project stalled year after year, I knew that the longer we waited, the more money and work it would take to bring it back to life. I have covered this topic many times on my social media channels. So many residents have commented saying they would love to see something happen to this historic building right here in downtown Chula Vista. This announcement is exactly the kind of news this community has been waiting for. You can see that video here

A Chula Vista Landmark Since 1945

The Vogue Theater first opened its doors in 1945 and quickly became a gathering place for Chula Vista and the broader South County community. Located at 226 Third Avenue in the heart of the Third Avenue Village, it was the place where families made memories, couples went on dates, and kids experienced the magic of the movies for the first time. The city designated the Vogue as a historical resource in 2011, recognizing its significance to the community.

Mayor McCann shared his own memories of the theater during the press conference, recalling Dollar Tuesday nights where he watched classics like The Terminator, Poltergeist, and Star Wars. Those kinds of personal connections are exactly why this building means so much to those of us who grew up here.

After closing in 2006, the Vogue sat dormant while the city and various stakeholders worked to find a viable path to reopen it. Previous owners made promises to local businesses and the community, but those efforts never materialized into results. I had heard so many rumors about the Vogue Theater and how the main developer wanted to make it housing. I was hoping those rumors weren’t true.

Historic Vogue Theater in Downtown Chula Vista
The Historic Vogue Theater has been part of downtown Chula Vista since 1945 and holds many memories for Chula Vista residents.

The Vision Moving Forward

Mayor McCann made it clear that the city’s vision for the Vogue is not housing or apartments. Instead, the plan is to transform the theater into a performance and entertainment venue dedicated to the arts. The space would host theatrical productions, live music, movies, and community events.

The city does not plan to operate the venue directly. Instead, it will seek a world-class operator to manage programming and scheduling while the city retains ownership of the property. McCann acknowledged that a full analysis of the building is needed and that investment partners will be essential to realizing the vision.

Financial details of the acquisition have not yet been released due to a settlement agreement with the previous owners, but the mayor indicated that those numbers would become public within days.

Downtown Business Owners See Opportunity

Dominic LiMandri, district manager of the Downtown Chula Vista Association, spoke at the press conference and called the acquisition a watershed moment for Third Avenue. He described the Historic Vogue Theater as an institution over 80 years old and expressed excitement about the potential for live music and arts programming to generate new foot traffic and economic activity along the corridor.

Local business owners echoed that optimism. Kevin from Lime and a Coconut noted that having the city in control of the property gives business owners real confidence. After years of waiting for previous owners to deliver, the city now holding the keys changes the outlook entirely. Joe from La Bella Pizza, which has been on Third Avenue for 70 years, said it simply: the Vogue will help put more feet on the street and bring energy back to downtown.

Both business owners see live entertainment and arts programming as an economic multiplier for the restaurants, bars, and shops along Third Avenue. With the Vogue back in play, they expect new opportunities that were not possible before.

If you want to see the full press confrence, you can view it on the mayor’s YouTube channel here.

What Comes Next for the Historic Vogue Theater

There is no official timeline for reopening the Vogue. The city is in the early stages of planning. It will need to assess the building’s condition, identify partners, and develop a strategy to transform the space into a functional venue. Mayor McCann also mentioned the city’s earlier acquisition of the Women’s Club, another historic property that is now in line for revitalization funding in the upcoming budget.

The acquisition of the Vogue sends a strong signal that Chula Vista is committed to investing in its downtown core and preserving the landmarks that define the community’s identity.

Tell Us What You Think

We want to hear from you. Let us know on our Facebook page what you think about the Historic Vogue Theater and what you would love to see it become. Whether it is live music, theater productions, classic movie nights, or something entirely new, this is a chance for the community to help shape the future of one of Chula Vista’s most iconic spaces. Follow us on Facebook for more updates on the Vogue Theater.

It’s Official: SDSU Is Coming to Chula Vista, and It’s Just the Beginning

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It’s Official: SDSU Is Coming to Chula Vista, and It’s Just the Beginning

If you’ve been following the decades-long push to bring a four-year university to Chula Vista, this week brought some of the most exciting news yet. San Diego State University and the City of Chula Vista signed a 10-year lease that officially brings university-level classes to the South Bay starting this fall.

Here’s what happened, what it means, and why this is a really big deal for our community.

The Lease Is Signed

On May 1, 2026, SDSU President Adela de la Torre and Chula Vista Mayor John McCann signed the lease agreement at a ceremony in Chula Vista. The deal gives SDSU more than 7,000 square feet of space on the lower level of the brand-new Millenia Library at 1775 Millenia Avenue in eastern Chula Vista. The lease was approved by the Chula Vista City Council back on April 14 at a rate of just $1 per year.

The first program moving in is SDSU’s accelerated second bachelor’s degree in nursing, a hybrid program that combines online coursework with in-person labs and clinical placements across the region. The first cohort of 50 students is expected to begin classes in the fall 2026 semester.

SDSU Coming to Chula Vista very soon
A lot is coming to this building in the Millenia Community. The new library, the Chula Vista Entertainment Complex, and a whole lot more.

Why Nursing? Why Now?

The nursing shortage across San Diego County and the country is well-documented. By placing this program in Chula Vista, SDSU is addressing a real workforce need while making higher education more accessible for South Bay families. Many students in the area have historically faced long commutes to attend a four-year university, and this partnership starts to change that equation.

As President de la Torre said during the ceremony, for many South Bay students, going to a university is about more than getting admitted. It’s about whether they can manage the commute, balance work and family, and find a program close enough to make it all possible.

The Bigger Picture: A University District

The lease signing is exciting on its own, but it’s actually just one piece of a much larger vision. Chula Vista has set aside over 383 acres of city-owned land in eastern Chula Vista for what they’re calling the University District at Chula Vista, or UDCV. At full build-out, the plan calls for 4 million square feet of academic space, room for 20,000 students and 6,000 faculty and staff, plus an innovation district, housing, and 160 acres of preserved open space.

This is not going to be a traditional single-institution campus like a “UC Chula Vista” or “Cal State South Bay.” Instead, the vision is a collaborative, multi-institution model. Think of it as a university district where multiple schools, including California public universities, out-of-state institutions, and potentially universities from Mexico, share space and resources. Different colleges would offer different programs based on workforce needs in the region and the broader binational economy.

The Task Force Is Getting to Work

To figure out how to make this all happen, a South County Higher Education Planning Task Force has been formed through Assembly Bill 662, authored by Assemblymember David Alvarez. The task force includes 14 members drawn from business, education, and community leadership, including Chula Vista City Manager Tiffany Allen and representatives from SDSU, UCSD, Southwestern College, and the Sweetwater Union High School District.

The task force held its first meeting on May 1, the same day as the lease signing, at the Chula Vista City Council Chambers. Their job is to evaluate governance models, funding mechanisms, and the statutory changes needed to bring a four-year university presence to the South Bay.

Incubation Is Already Happening

Even before the university district is built, higher education is starting to take root in Chula Vista through what leaders are calling “incubation.” Beyond the SDSU nursing program at the Millenia Library, UCSD is already offering public health classes at nearby Southwestern College. SDSU also recently launched a psychology program at Southwestern and continues expanding transfer pathways through long-standing partnerships with local school districts. More than 1,500 South Bay students were admitted to SDSU for the 2026-27 academic year.

What This Means for Chula Vista

For a city of more than 280,000 people, having access to four-year degree programs without leaving the community is transformative. State Senator Steve Padilla said it well: for too long, South County students have had to leave their community to pursue a four-year degree. That is changing.

The Millenia Library itself is a four-story, 168,000-square-foot building that goes well beyond a traditional library. Along with the SDSU programs on the lower level, the building will house the public library on the first and second floors, community meeting spaces, a small business incubator, a gallery, a passport office, and the Chula Vista Entertainment Complex occupying the top two floors.

This is one of those stories that has been building for nearly 30 years, and the momentum right now feels different. With the signed lease, the task force, state funding, and community support, Chula Vista is closer than ever to becoming home to something truly special.

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