Taste of Third Avenue Chula Vista is back, and it is shaping up to be the best one yet! On March 19th from 4 pm to 8 pm, Downtown Chula Vista transforms into the ultimate food lovers’ paradise as more than 20 restaurants open their doors for a self-guided tasting tour along Third Avenue from G Street to E Street.
This year is extra special because two brand new spots are joining the lineup. Smoke and Glory, Downtown Chula Vista’s newest BBQ spot, is making its Taste of Third Avenue debut fresh off its ribbon-cutting ceremony. Suzette, a brand new French-inspired bistro on Third Avenue, is also joining the fun with some amazing brunch-forward bites you are going to want to try.
Start your night at Memorial Park to pick up your food passport and check out the sponsor vendor booths, where you can score some great freebies. Then make your way down Third Avenue with live music setting the vibe all evening long.
Tickets are $54 per person and include all food and drink samples. Early-bird tickets are already sold out, and there are NO day-of sales, so grab yours now on the Downtown Chula Vista website before they are gone!
Harbor Park in Chula Vista is the newest waterfront destination and is set to break ground in March 2026. As someone who has called this city home for over 20 years, I can honestly say it’s one of the most exciting things to happen to our bayfront in a long time.
I grew up coming down to the Chula Vista Bayfront as a kid. For me, this stretch of waterfront isn’t just a nice view; it’s tied to some of my favorite memories growing up here. I remember when this area felt alive with community events, when families would pack the waterfront and stay all day. Harbor Days was always the highlight. Back in 2005, it was a massive deal: vendor booths lined the waterfront, live entertainment filled the air, and the whole city seemed to show up. That energy was something special, and honestly, it’s something I’ve missed.
Watching that same waterfront lot between H Street and Sandpiper Way sit empty for years has been a little heartbreaking. But that’s all about to change. The $10.2-million south phase of Harbor Park is coming, and this community absolutely deserves it.
Harbor Park Construction Timeline: Breaking Ground March 2026
The Board of Port Commissioners unanimously approved construction plans and awarded a $10.5-million contract to BNBuilders to bring Harbor Park to life. Work kicks off in March 2026, starting with the playground. Splash pad construction will follow once final approval comes through in April 2026.
The completed Harbor Park will sit right alongside Sweetwater Park, which opened just north of this site in April 2025. I’ve already been to Sweetwater Park a handful of times since it opened, and I love it. It’s beautiful, well-designed, and always full of families. Together, these two parks are going to make this stretch of the bayfront my new go-to spot for morning walks and family outings. I genuinely can’t wait.
On Tuesday, March 2nd, the Port of San Diego hosted the groundbreaking ceremony for Harbor Park in Chula Vista.
What’s Coming: Nautical Playground, Splash Pad, and Family-Friendly Spaces
The centerpiece of Harbor Park will be an impressive 25,000-square-foot playground with a nautical theme, designed to capture children’s imaginations while honoring the area’s rich maritime heritage. The playground will feature a climbable crow’s nest and fully accessible equipment for children of all abilities.
Just steps away, a 1,100-square-foot splash pad with user-activated water jets will offer the perfect way to cool off during San Diego’s sunny summers.
Rounding out the development: picnic areas, benches, shade structures, new trees, and improved walking and biking paths. As a parent, I’m already looking forward to bringing my kids here. The crow’s nest alone is going to be a hit. There’s something really fitting about a nautical-themed park on the Chula Vista waterfront; it ties the space to the history and character of this place in a way that feels intentional and genuine.
Renderings of the new Harbor Park in Chula Vista show a nautical-themed playground with multi-age climbing structures and a splash pad with outdoor rinse showers, coming to the Chula Vista bayfront in 2026.
This Park Is Long Overdue, and the Timing Couldn’t Be Better
Let’s be honest: this park is way overdue. The Chula Vista Bayfront has incredible bones, but the infrastructure hasn’t kept up with the potential of this area or with the growth happening all around it.
With the Gaylord Pacific Resort now bringing major attention and investment to our waterfront, along with other development projects taking shape nearby, it’s time we have a park that truly reflects what Chula Vista is becoming. A world-class resort deserves a world-class neighborhood, and Harbor Park is going to be a big part of making that happen. This is our moment to show visitors and remind ourselves just how great this city really is.
Harbor Park in Chula Vista is a key piece of the Bayfront Master Plan, an ambitious effort to revitalize the city’s entire 556-acre waterfront. The project will expand the existing Bayside Park from 12 to 25 acres, creating a large, connected green space directly across from the Gaylord Pacific Resort. New pedestrian and cyclist pathways will link it all together, making the bayfront more accessible than it’s ever been.
Where the $10.2 Million Comes From
Funding for Harbor Park’s south phase comes from three sources. The Port Commissioners secured $2 million from the lease proceeds of Marine Group Boat Works, which helped close the budget gap following their unanimous vote to increase project funding. The project also received a $2.2-million grant specifically earmarked for the development. The remaining $6 million comes from funds previously allocated for Chula Vista shoreline improvements.
Future phases, including the planned beach area and boat launch, still need funding, but the momentum behind this project is real and growing.
What’s Still to Come and What I’m Hoping For
The south phase is just the beginning. Future phases of Harbor Park will add a beach area, a boat launch, and additional landscaping and amenities as part of the broader Bayfront Master Plan. Funding for those phases hasn’t been secured yet, but with the unanimous backing of the Port Commissioners and the steady progress we’ve already seen, I’m optimistic.
And here’s what I’m really hoping for: events coming back to this waterfront. Harbor Days, community festivals, live music by the water: this area used to have that energy, and there’s no reason it can’t have it again. With Harbor Park and Sweetwater Park side by side, there’s finally the space and the infrastructure to make it happen. I’d love to see the city and the Port lean into that. Imagine bringing your kids to a Harbor Days-style event at Harbor Park on a Saturday morning, then walking over to Sweetwater Park for a picnic in the afternoon. That’s the Chula Vista bayfront experience I want for my family, and I think a lot of our neighbors feel the same way.
Harbor Park is bringing a nautical-themed playground with climbing structures and a splash pad with outdoor rinse showers to the Chula Vista waterfront. Groundbreaking is set for March 2026.
Harbor Park Is Almost Here, and It’s a Big Deal
I’ve lived in Chula Vista for over 20 years. I’ve watched this city grow and change, sometimes slowly and sometimes all at once. Harbor Park feels like one of those all-at-once moments, a sign that the bayfront we’ve always known had potential is finally being realized.
The $10.2-million investment will deliver an inclusive, beautifully designed waterfront space that reflects the best of what this community has to offer. Combined with Sweetwater Park just to the north, this stretch of the Chula Vista bayfront is going to become the kind of place families build their weekends around.
I’ll be watching every step of construction and sharing updates right here. If you’re as excited about Harbor Park as I am, drop a comment below and let me know: what feature are you most looking forward to? And would you love to see events come back to the waterfront? I have a feeling I’m not the only one.
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.
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.
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.
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
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 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 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.
