'California Starts Here': South Bay Showcased With New Website

Chula Vista, CA — South County Economic Development Council has launched a new website that showcases the outdoor activities South Bay has to offer.

Community leaders throughout South County have come together to support SCEDC and help launch SanDiegosSouthBay.com, where visitors can find information on things to do, attractions, events, places to eat and sleep, and learn more about the robust ecological draw that South Bay offers.

“It’s great to see the communities come together to showcase the unique tourism opportunities that South Bay offers,” said Joe Terzi, president of San Diego Tourism Authority. “It rounds out the tourism activities nicely as it relates to the county as a whole.”

South Bay neighborhoods are home to dozens of hidden gems featuring more than 24 miles of biking and hiking paths, pristine water for surfing, swimming and boating, sandy beaches, and nearly 50,000 acres of national wildlife preserves.

Not only is South Bay home to some of the most biologically diverse environments in the state, it’s also riddled with shopping, public art, museums and historic sites dating back to the 1800’s.

Some of the highlights in South Bay include: Border Field State Park, Crown Cove Aquatic Center, Hotel Del Coronado, Silver Strand State Beach, Pier 32 Marina, Aquatica, Olympic Training Center, Imperial Beach Pier Plaza, Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center, and Living Coast Discovery Center.

“One thing that really sets South Bay apart is the ecotourism aspect,” said Monica Montano, president of SCEDC board. “Many people aren’t aware of the biodiversity in their own back yard. Our goal is to let our community know that they don’t have to go far to experience such a vast array of plants and wildlife.”

The Tijuana Estuary National Wildlife Refuge boasts 2,500 acres, while the South Bay National Wildlife Refuge at the base of Silver Strand encompasses 4,000 acres and the Sweetwater National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to Living Coast Discovery Center, includes 316 acres.

In addition, the Otay National Wildlife Refuge, consisting of 44,000 acres, is a few miles east of the bay area and includes many opportunities for hiking, biking and more. Together, these four preserves protect more than 50,000 acres of habitat in its natural state.

Contributing partners include: Crown Cove Aquatic Center, Coronado Historic Association, National City Chamber of Commerce, Imperial Beach Chamber of Commerce, Living Coast Discovery Center, City of Chula Vista and Coronado Chamber of Commerce.

For more information and to explore things to do in South Bay, visit: SanDiegosSouthBay.com.