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Get Moving, Chula Vista! Spring Into Fitness Is Back at Otay Ranch Town Center

Amanda Contreras
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Get Moving, Chula Vista! Spring Into Fitness Is Back at Otay Ranch Town Center

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to finally try that fitness class you keep scrolling past on Instagram, this is it. Otay Ranch Town Center is bringing back one of our favorite community events of the year, and it is absolutely worth clearing your calendar for.

Spring Into Fitness runs March 7–14 at Otay Ranch Town Center (2015 Birch Road), and the best part? So much of it is completely FREE.

Spring Into Fitness. What’s Going On?

For a full week, the Town Center transforms from your go-to shopping spot into a full-on community wellness festival. More than 11 fitness and wellness businesses throughout the center are throwing open their doors and inviting you to come try what they do, no credit card required, no pressure to sign up, no strings attached.

This year is actually the biggest the event has ever been in terms of participating businesses, which is exciting news for those of us who love having options. Whether you’re into high-energy workouts or something a little more zen, there is genuinely something on the lineup for you.

“As Otay Ranch Town Center celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2026, we are proud to continually provide valuable community offers such as the annual ‘Spring Into Fitness’ promotion and opportunities for our neighbors to try out all the great amenities at our center,” said General Manager Tim Kilcourse.

To learn more about this program, visit the Otay Ranch Town Center website.

The Lineup Is Seriously Impressive

Here’s a taste of what you can expect:

  • ESL Padel is offering free padel play all week long. If you haven’t tried padel yet, this is your moment. It’s one of the fastest-growing racket sports around, and getting to try it for free at a brand-new facility is a great deal.
  • Namaste Fitness is handing out free three-day studio passes. Three whole days to explore the space and see if it clicks for you.
  • Deseo Dance Studios offers complimentary classes. Yes, dancing counts as working out, and it’s a lot more fun than a treadmill.
  • San Diego Gymnastics is offering a free open gym visit.
  • Big-name studios like Title Boxing, Planet Fitness, Club Pilates, and OrangeTheory Fitness are also part of the mix, each offering its own special offers.

I Was There Last Year and Here’s My Honest Take

I actually made it out to Spring Into Fitness last year and had such a good time. What I didn’t expect was how much fun it would be to just wander from business to business and try things I would never have paid to try on my own.

I ended up in a fitness class that pushed me way harder than I anticipated (in the best way), and working out alongside other community members who were also first-timers made the whole thing feel way less intimidating. There is something genuinely motivating about sweating it out with your neighbors. You’re all in the same boat, figuring it out together, laughing through the hard parts. I left feeling way more energized than a solo gym session ever leaves me, and I’ve thought about going back to that studio ever since.

That’s kind of the magic of this event.

Spring Into Fitness at the Otay Ranch Town Center
Deso Studios at the Otay Ranch Town Center offers a free dance class during the Spring Into Fitness event. Salsa dancing is always a fun way to get active.

Why This Matters

We all know fitness memberships can be expensive, and committing to something new without knowing if you’ll like it feels like a gamble. Spring Into Fitness takes that risk completely off the table. You get to walk in, experience the vibe, try the workout, meet the instructors, and decide for yourself, all without spending a dime.

It’s also a pretty cool milestone for the Town Center itself. Otay Ranch Town Center is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026, and this event reflects exactly what makes it more than just a place to shop. It’s a genuine part of the community.

How to Join In

Head to the Otay Ranch Town Center website for the full list of participating businesses, registration details, and details on each location’s offer. Offers vary by tenant, so it’s worth checking ahead to plan your week.

Then lace up, grab a friend, and see what Chula Vista’s fitness community is all about. We’ll see you out there!

Otay Ranch Town Center is located at 2015 Birch Road, Chula Vista. Spring Into Fitness runs March 7–14, 2026.

Taste of Third Avenue 2026 is Coming and You Do Not Want to Miss It

Chula Vista Blog
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Taste of Third Avenue 2026 is Coming and You Do Not Want to Miss It

If you have been around Downtown Chula Vista for a while, you already know what time it is. Taste of Third Avenue 2026 is back, and honestly, this is one of those events I look forward to every single year. I have been going since the very first one, and I can tell you that the vibes never disappoint. Good food, good music, good people, all on one stretch of Third Avenue. It is the kind of night that reminds you why this neighborhood is so special.

For those who have not been before, here is the deal. Taste of Third Avenue is a self-guided tasting tour through Downtown Chula Vista, where you stroll along Third Avenue sampling bites and sips from more than 20 participating restaurants, all with live music playing in the background. The event runs on March 19th from 4 pm to 8 pm along Third Avenue from G Street to E Street. It is the perfect excuse to try out spots you have been meaning to check out while also swinging back by your old favorites. That combination is exactly what keeps me coming back year after year.

And yes, I will be out there on the day of the event with my camera, capturing photos and videos of everything, so keep an eye out!

Get Your Taste of Third Avenue Tickets Now, Seriously

Before we even get into the food, let’s talk tickets. Early bird tickets have already sold out, so if you have not grabbed yours yet, do not wait any longer. Current Taste of Third Avenue tickets are $54 per person and include all your food and drink samples for the evening, which is a solid deal given how many restaurants are participating. You can purchase your tickets online at the Downtown Chula Vista website.

There are no day-of tickets for this event, so if you show up without one, you won’t get in. Do not let that happen to you. Grab your tickets now so you are not left standing on the sidelines while everyone else is eating their way down Third Avenue.

Taste of Third Avenue 2026
Taste of Third Avenue 2026

Start at Memorial Park and Grab Your Food Passport

When you arrive at Taste of Third Avenue, your first stop should be Memorial Park, where you will pick up your food passport for the evening. This is your ticket to getting samples at every participating restaurant, so do not skip this step. While you are there, make sure you give yourself some extra time to check out the vendor booths from the event sponsors. They will be set up at the park, giving away freebies, so getting there early is definitely worth it before the crowds roll in. It is a great way to kick off the night before you start heading down Third Avenue.

Live Music to Keep the Vibes Going All Night

One of the things that makes Taste of Third Avenue feel like more than just a food event is the atmosphere, and the live music playing throughout Downtown Chula Vista all evening long is a big part of that. There is something about walking down Third Avenue with great food in hand and live music in the air that hits different. It adds that extra layer of energy that keeps the night feeling festive from start to finish. If you have never experienced it before, trust me, it sets the tone in the best way possible.

Taste of Third Avenue in Chula Vista
Taste of Third Avenue 2026

Two Brand New Spots Joining Taste of Third Avenue 2026

This year has me even more excited than usual because two brand new restaurants are making their Taste of Third Avenue debut, and both are already turning heads on Third Avenue.

Smoke and Glory just had their ribbon-cutting ceremony last week, so they are about as new as it gets. This BBQ spot is already getting a lot of attention in the community, and for good reason. A brand new BBQ restaurant on Third Avenue is exactly the kind of addition the neighborhood has been needing. I cannot wait to get my first taste and I have a feeling this one is going to be a highlight of the night for a lot of people.

Suzette is also joining the event this year, and I am really looking forward to this one. This French-inspired bistro is brand-new to Third Avenue and offers wonderful brunch-forward options. There is something about French cuisine that just feels like a treat, and getting to try it in the middle of a tasting event makes it even better.

Seeing new spots like Smoke and Glory and Suzette jump into Taste of Third Avenue right out of the gate says a lot about the kind of community Downtown Chula Vista is building. I would love to see even more new restaurants get involved next year. If you are a new spot on Third Avenue, the door is open and we would love to have you.

The Taste of Third Avenue Spots You Already Know and Love

Now let me tell you about some of the returning favorites at this year’s Taste of Third Avenue, because this lineup is stacked.

Acqua e Farina is bringing Rome straight to Chula Vista. Chef Alberto Morreale crafts everything with fresh, high-quality ingredients and all the pasta is made in-house. We are talking classic carbonara and those incredible cheese wheel pastas that have people lining up for good reason. If you have not tried this place yet, Taste of Third Avenue is a perfect introduction.

Brewjeria is one of those spots that makes sense in Southern California. The name blends the English word “brew” with the Spanish “brujería,” and that mix of cultures and creativity carries through everything they do. They started with a single beer kit and now run a one-barrel system producing 31 gallons per brew session. Science, culture, and community all in a glass.

3 Punk Ales has been a South Bay staple since 2017, and if you have never been, you are missing out. Founded by three friends with a love for punk music and craft brewing, they are known for band collaborations and a rotating lineup that keeps things fresh every time you visit. Classic styles, experimental brews, zero predictability. I love it.

Taste of Third Avenue
Taste of Third Avenue 2026

If you want to talk about history, La Bella Pizza has been a Chula Vista cornerstone since 1955. Tony and Kitty Raso built something special here, and the family has kept it going ever since. Their sons Joseph and Tony now run the place, and it still has that same warm, generous spirit. They were actually the first restaurant to deliver pizza in Chula Vista back in 1957. That kind of legacy speaks for itself.

And of course, no trip through Downtown Chula Vista is complete without a stop at Don Pedro Taco Shop. This place is exactly what a neighborhood taco shop should be. Burritos, fish tacos, adobado, menudo, pozole, you name it. Whether you are a regular or visiting for the first time, Don Pedro always delivers.

Stay in the Loop With Chula Vista Living

I will be out there all night, capturing photos and videos of Taste of Third Avenue as the evening unfolds. Make sure you are following @livingchulavista on Instagram for live updates throughout the event and a full recap afterwards. It is the best way to stay connected and relive all the highlights, whether you made it out or not.

More than 20 restaurants are participating in Taste of Third Avenue this year, so there is truly something for everyone. Whether you are coming out to revisit your favorites, try something brand new, or just soak in the atmosphere on a great night in Downtown Chula Vista, Taste of Third Avenue always delivers.

Taste of Third Avenue 2026 is on March 19th, from 4 pm to 8 pm, along Third Avenue from G Street to E Street. Tickets are $54 and can be purchased at the Downtown Chula Vista website. No tickets are sold on the day of, so get yours now, and we will see you out there.

Updated March 5th: Suztte is no longer participating in the event.

Fire Breaks Out at Chula Tacos on Valentine’s Day Weekend

Chula Vista Blog
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Fire Breaks Out at Chula Tacos on Valentine’s Day Weekend

A fire broke out Saturday night at Chula Tacos, a beloved taqueria on H Street in Chula Vista, leaving the community shaken and the restaurant temporarily closed. The Chula Vista Fire Department responded quickly to the scene, where they found flames burning in the building’s attic.

Fire crews arrived to find smoke billowing from the popular taco shop and immediately began working to put out the blaze. After several minutes of intense firefighting efforts, they brought the fire under control at approximately 8:39 p.m. Thankfully, the flames didn’t spread to other parts of the building or nearby businesses.

The timing couldn’t have been worse for owner Rigo Munoz and his team. Munoz had stepped away briefly to celebrate Valentine’s Day with his wife when he returned to find his restaurant filled with smoke. “I started seeing smoke was coming out,” Munoz said. He immediately called 911 and rushed inside to evacuate customers and employees.

What makes this especially heartbreaking is that the restaurant had just opened at this location in late November 2025, only about two months before the fire. Munoz shared that Valentine’s Day was shaping up to be their best night yet since moving to H Street. The restaurant had recently started serving its popular carne asada, and customers were loving it. Business was finally starting to pick up.

Chula Tacos in Chula Vista
Valentine’s Day balloons were still inside Chula Tacos the next day after the fire. The ceiling will need extensive work before Chula Tacos can reopen.

One employee, a cashier, was taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation but has since returned home. Despite the scare, Munoz remained grateful. “I was sad, but in good spirits,” he said when discussing the fire. “I was thankful that no one was seriously hurt.”

The family-owned business has been around for eight years, making this location their newest venture. Now, Munoz is focused on caring for his employees during this difficult time. “We all have plans, and we all have budgets,” he explained, acknowledging the impact the closure will have on his team.

Even in the face of this setback, Munoz is choosing to stay positive. “There’s a great God in heaven that has everything under his control,” he said. The outpouring of support from customers, family, and friends has helped lift his spirits. “We certainly appreciate all the messages of support we’ve been receiving from our customers, our family, our friends. It’s really uplifted our morale in this moment. It’s a rough moment, so that really helps,” Munoz shared.

Be sure to follow Chula Tacos on Instagram for updates.

What is next for Chula Tacos in Chula Vista

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Chula Vista Fire Department. Munoz is currently waiting for an insurance adjuster to assess the full extent of the damage. He estimates the H Street location will remain closed for about three months while repairs are made.

If you’ve ever enjoyed a meal at Chula Tacos or simply want to support a local family-owned business during a tough time, please send your love and prayers to Rigo Munoz and his family. They need our community’s support now more than ever. Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date on news about Chula Vista and get updates on when Chula Tacos will reopen their doors.

Chula Vista Bayfront Project: New Parks, Resort & Waterfront Guide 2026

Chula Vista Blog
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Chula Vista Bayfront Project: New Parks, Resort & Waterfront Guide 2026

If you’ve driven near the water lately and thought, “Was all this here before?” you’re not alone. I’ve lived in Chula Vista for years, and even I sometimes do a double-take. The Chula Vista Bayfront Project is transforming the waterfront from a long, underused stretch of San Diego Bay shoreline into one of the most talked-about areas in the city.

For decades, this part of town felt more industrial than inviting. Fenced-off areas, empty lots, and missed opportunities. The Chula Vista Bayfront Project flips that story. Instead of forgotten land, we’re getting a lively waterfront with parks, resorts, homes, and space where the public can actually enjoy the bay.

This isn’t a small facelift. The Chula Vista Bayfront Project covers hundreds of acres and is rolling out in phases that will shape our city for decades.

The Resort That Put Us on the Map

One of the biggest milestones came on May 15th, 2025, when the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center opened its doors. This isn’t just another hotel along the freeway.

We’re talking 1,608 rooms and suites, over 400,000 square feet of meeting space, multiple restaurants (including SoundWaves with bay views), pools, a spa, and full resort-style amenities. The development needed an anchor, and this is it. The resort is designed to bring large conventions and events to the South Bay, something that rarely happened before.

That means more visitors, more jobs, and more people discovering Chula Vista instead of just driving through it. Some come for work and come back later with their families. That’s the kind of long-term impact this project is built around. I have talked with people from out of town who are staying at the resort. Many of them didn’t even know where Chula Vista was before coming here. I hope the other projects encourage more people to get out and explore the area. Downtown Chula Vista has seen some visitor traffic, but not at the numbers everyone had hoped for.

Parks Are a Huge Part of The Chula Vista Bayfront Project

Whenever a major waterfront development is announced, people ask the same question: Do we still have access to the water?

The answer here is a solid yes. Over 70 acres of new parkland are included in the plan, built on top of existing open areas. That’s a lot of room for walking, biking, picnics, and those weekend “let’s get outside” moments.

Sweetwater Park is already open near the resort, and it shows what this waterfront transformation is all about. Wide paths, open lawns, nature play areas, and views of the bay that remind you why living near the coast is such a big deal. I love walking in this park, especially early in the morning when everything feels calm, or later in the evening to catch the sunset over the water. I’ve seen so many families out there already and kids running around, people on bikes, couples just taking it all in. You can tell this space is already becoming part of people’s routines. I also can’t wait to see the trees fully mature over the next few years. Once they are filled in, this park will have even more shade and natural beauty.

Harbor Park is also being expanded with more playgrounds, splash features, and improved shoreline areas. Families, runners, dog walkers, and people who just want to sit and stare at the water all win here. We have covered this in another article and video. If you’re not already subscribed to our YouTube channel, be sure to give us a follow for more updates on the Chula Vista Bayfront Project and other updates.

Chula Vista Bayfront Project
So many families love the new Sweetwater Park at the end of E Street. I love going there for early morning walks. If you haven’t had a chance to visit the park, make sure you do.

Homes, Shops, and Everyday Life

This development isn’t just for tourists. Thousands of new housing units are planned, including condos and apartments near the water. Picture mixed-use buildings where ground floors have coffee shops, restaurants, and boutiques, while people live in the units above. It’s the kind of setup where you can walk downstairs for breakfast, head to work nearby, and meet friends for dinner without getting in your car.

One major residential plan includes around 1,500 homes over time. In a region where housing is tight, that kind of addition matters. It won’t solve everything, but it adds options close to jobs, parks, and transit.

Some of the development is planned near Blue Line trolley stops, which could help reduce car trips. In a place known for traffic, that’s a welcome idea. I’m hoping the trolley connection makes it easier to get to the waterfront without dealing with parking headaches.

The Reality of Construction

Let’s be honest, if you’ve been driving through this area, you’ve dealt with the detours, the cones, and the “Why is this lane closed again?” moments. I get it. It’s frustrating when your usual route becomes a maze, and it feels like the work will never end.

But here’s what’s happening behind those orange cones: roads, utilities, and flood control systems are all being upgraded to support new hotels, parks, and housing. This behind-the-scenes work isn’t glamorous, but it’s what keeps everything running safely long term. In the short term, it means some patience. Long term, it means a waterfront district that actually works. Most of the major infrastructure work should wrap up as the different phases are completed over the next several years.

Chula Vista Bayfront Project for 2026
The new Amara Bay Project is already ramping up. With so many projects here, I almost forgot about this one.

Why This Matters for Chula Vista

This project changes how people see our city. Instead of heading north for big events, resort experiences, or waterfront parks, more of that activity is coming here.

For locals, it means more places to enjoy the bay, more job opportunities (the Gaylord alone created over 1,000 permanent positions), and a waterfront that feels active rather than forgotten. It’s giving Chula Vista a new front door by the water—one that makes people want to stop and stay rather than just pass through.

I’ve watched this transformation unfold, and while the construction can be a pain, I’m excited about where we’re headed. The bay has always been there, but now we’re finally building a waterfront that lives up to it.

Have you checked out Sweetwater Park yet or driven past the resort? What do you think about the changes? I’d love to hear what other locals are noticing as this area continues to evolve.

Would a Dave & Busters Work Here?

Chula Vista Blog
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Would a Dave & Busters Work Here?

Ever since Macy’s closed up shop at Otay Ranch Town Center, the rumor mill has been working overtime. The latest buzz? Dave & Buster’s might be moving in. And honestly, I’m here for it.

Word on the street is that D&B is scouting locations in Chula Vista, so this isn’t completely out of left field. Nothing’s official yet, but a girl can dream, right?
Then there’s the Costco crowd (and let’s be real, that’s most of us). Sure, the space is there, but Costco without a gas station? That’s like chips without salsa—technically possible, but why would we do that to ourselves?

But here’s where my Instagram followers really came through with the good ideas: Why don’t we have a proper Hispanic or Asian market in Eastlake? Seriously, how is there no Northgate, Carnival, H-Mart, or Zion here? It’s 2025, people. This is a missed opportunity of epic proportions.

The Dave & Buster’s idea is getting plenty of love, though. Arcade games, wings, and questionable life choices on a Tuesday night? Sign me up.

What do YOU think should fill that space? Drop your ideas in the comments or hit me up on Instagram. Let’s manifest the Eastlake we deserve.

Yes, Otay Ranch Town Center Is Charging for Parking (But Only 2% of Spaces)

Chula Vista Blog
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Yes, Otay Ranch Town Center Is Charging for Parking (But Only 2% of Spaces)

If your social media feed has been flooded with questions about paid parking at Otay Ranch Town Center, you’re not alone. After multiple readers reached out asking if the rumors were true, I visited the mall on Tuesday, January 27, and spoke directly with management. The answer: yes, paid parking is real—but it’s not quite what many people think.

There hadn’t been any official announcement, nothing in the news, and nothing prominent on the mall’s social media, which explains why so many shoppers were caught off guard.

How The Parking Fee Works

The spots in the center of the mall, closest to many storefronts, now cost $2 per hour. Customers pay by scanning a QR code posted near the spaces or through an app using their license plate number.

Here’s what many people are missing: this applies to approximately 2 percent of parking at the center. The remaining 3,665 spaces remain free. Handicap-accessible spaces and designated 5-minute pickup zones near certain stores are also unaffected by the new policy.

Right now, the mall is not issuing tickets if you don’t pay. Management confirmed they plan to enforce the policy with citations and fees in the future, but they have not yet announced a timeline or specific details about the penalties.

Paid Parking at the Otay Ranch Town Center
Now, if you park in the center of the mall, you will need to scan the QR code and enter your details to pay for parking. The fee is $2 an hour.

Why the Otay Ranch Town Center Did This

Management told me this has been an ongoing issue, especially in front of busy stores like the Apple Store. Employees were taking up many of those prime spots, and shoppers would sit and wait for a space to open, creating traffic backups in the center aisles. Security has had to increase patrols because people were parking in red zones or leaving their cars in no-parking areas while they ran inside “real quick.”

With more restaurants opening and bringing in heavier traffic, including the recently opened Yard House, the demand for those close spots has increased significantly. According to management, their goal is to increase turnover and keep traffic moving, rather than having people circle endlessly and block lanes.

This type of premium parking isn’t entirely new to Southern California malls, though it’s still relatively uncommon. A handful of shopping centers in Los Angeles and Orange County have experimented with similar programs, typically targeting their most convenient spots during peak shopping seasons.

Community Response (It has been negative)

The community reaction has been strong. Many residents are upset, and the confusion has only amplified the frustration. Some people initially thought the City of Chula Vista was charging the fee, but this has nothing to do with the city. Otay Ranch Town Center is a private property, and the ownership has the authority to make its own decisions about parking policies.

Others have said they’ll stop visiting the mall entirely, arguing that the center is already struggling and that adding fees will only drive more shoppers away. The frustration is understandable; no one likes unexpected fees, especially when they feel like they came out of nowhere.

At the same time, for shoppers willing to park in the outer lots, there are still plenty of free options just a short walk away. It’s worth noting that 10 percent of parking fees will be donated to the Emilio Nares Foundation, a local nonprofit that supports children battling cancer and their families.

What Happens Next, we will see

This policy just started this week, so we’re all watching how it plays out. It will be interesting to see whether it actually improves traffic flow in those busy center rows, how shoppers adjust their habits, and whether the mall follows through with enforcement measures.

Have you tried the premium spots yet, or are you sticking to the free lots? What do you think about this change? Head over to our Facebook page and share your thoughts. I’ll continue monitoring the situation and updating you as we learn more about how this change affects everyone who visits the mall.

Key Takeaways

  • Otay Ranch Town Center has started charging for a small group of premium front-row parking spaces
  • The change began Monday, January 26, 2026
  • Cost is $2 per hour, paid by QR code or app
  • Only about 2 percent of total parking spaces are affected—the rest remain free
  • Handicap spaces and 5-minute pickup spots remain free
  • 10 percent of the fees will be donated to the Emilio Nares Foundation
  • Community reaction has been strong, with many expressing frustration and confusion
  • Mall management says the goal is to reduce traffic issues and improve turnover in high-demand areas
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