Spring has sprung in South County. Flowers are blooming and outdoor activities are starting to make their way back onto our calendars. In order to take advantage of springtime in South SD, we have created this handy guide to the must-see spots you should go and events to check out in South SD this spring.
Acquatica
Chula Vista
San Diego’s biggest waterpark, Acquatica, officially reopens on May 26 as the weather starts to warm up. You can swim or slide your way through the waterpark’s thrilling rides and pools, and see the park’s freshwater turtles and stunning flamingos. Tip: purchase an annual Splash Pass to save on entry throughout the year.
https://aquaticabyseaworld.com/en/sandiego/
Picnic at Otay Lakes County Park
Chula Vista
9.30am-sunset, daily
It’s time to dust off the picnic basket and lay out a blanket. The Otay Lakes County Park is the perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon this spring. The whole family can connect to the beauty of South County’s flora and fauna through birdwatching, a visit to the Native Plant and Demonstration Garden or walking around Otay Lake.
http://www.sdparks.org/content/sdparks/en/park-pages/OtayLakes.html
LakeFest
Mountain Hawk Park, Chula Vista
Saturday, May 6 from 12 – 5pm
FREE
Chula Vista is set to come alive in springtime with an abundance of festivals. LakeFest is a free music and family festival with all the trimmings. There’s a beer-tasting event with local breweries (tickets from $35), kids activities including archery and BMX demonstrations, and live music from Unwritten Law, The Montell Jordans and Sprung Monkey. With views of Otay Lake in the background, there will be artisanal vendors to peruse and exotic foods to snack on available on-site.
For tickets to the beer tasting event, visit http://www.readertickets.com/events/41555411/lakefest
SoCal Etsy Guild Market National City
Westfield Plaza Bonita, National City
Friday, May 10 to Sunday, May 12, Hours Vary
Beloved website Etsy is setting up shop at Westfield Plaza Bonita in National City just in time for Mother’s Day. Open from Friday to Sunday, the Market will bring local designers, live art and handmade goods to South County and entry is free. Hosted by the SoCal Etsy Guild – a group of artists dedicated to supporting artistic talent in Southern California – the market is your chance to find a unique gift while also supporting the SoCal creative community.
http://socaletsyguild.com/
Avenue Amps & Ales
Third Avenue Village, Chula Vista
Saturday, May 13 from 1 – 5 pm,
Music and craft beer is a match made in heaven. Third Avenue Village in Chula Vista welcomes back the annual Avenue Amps & Ales event located in and around Memorial Park. Grab your advance ticket for $35 and enjoy unlimited samples of more than 50 beers (a VIP ticket is only $45 for an extra hour of sipping). A portion of proceeds from the day will be given to the Chula Vista Police Foundation.
For tickets visit,
http://www.readertickets.com/events/41556421/avenue-amps-amp-ales
Chula Vista Golf Course
Bonita
6am – 6pm, daily
Tee up a day at Chula Vista Golf Course, a par 73 course designed by Billy Casper. The 18-hole championship course has a links style layout that incorporates the Sweetwater river and three lakes, making it a challenging adventure. If you’re looking to join as a member, there’s men’s and ladies’ golf clubs that meet up to play a weekly round. Need to work on your swing? The pro shop offers individual and group lessons and a practice facility.
Southwestern College Crown Cove Aquatic Center
Chula Vista
Office open daily, 8:30am–5pm, Lessons Friday to Sunday, 9am–1:30pm
Do you want to learn how to kayak or canoe safely? Crown Cove Aquatic Center, located at Silver Strand State Beach in Chula Vista, is the place to go for boating education and lessons in a variety of board-based activities. They offer private or group lessons in stand-up paddling, surfing, canoeing and sailing, among other activities, and on Sunday May 21st they’re having their Annual Open House day from 11am-3pm, perfectly timed for spring.
You can find their schedule here: http://swccd.edu/