The South Bay region borders on San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

Nature preserves in the South Bay region include the San Bay region include the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge and the Otay Mountain Wilderness.

The Naval Base San Diego is located in the South Bay. It is the second largest surface ship base of the United States Navy. It is a major employer with more than 24,000 military personnel and over 10,000 civilians.

Other regions of San Diego County include North County and East County.

 

Bonita, California

Bonita is an unincorporated residential community and census designated place in South County - San Diego. The community is located along the Sweetwater River adjacent to Chula Vista, National City and San Diego. The Sweetwater Dam, which created the Sweetwater Reservoir, is built on the Sweetwater River. Communities within Bonita include: Bonita Verde Gardens, Bonita Downs, Bonita Fairways, Bonita Glen, Bonita Highlands, Bonita Long Canyon, Bonita Woods, Bonita Woods Park, Emerald Ranch, Lynwood Hills, Acres Ranch, Villas de Bonita, and Rancho Robinhood.

 

Chula Vista Bayfront

The Chula Vista Bayfront is a large planned development on the San Diego Bay waterfront in Chula Vista which is in South Bay San Diego. The development started in the 1970s and is one of the largest waterfront projects in the entire United States. The development includes hotels, restaurants, condominiums, and a large convention center which attracts visitors from all over San Diego County and Imperial County.

 

Proctor Valley

Proctor Valley is a valley in southwestern San Diego County. The valley is traversed by Proctor Valley Road, a dirt road that connects the community of Jamul in the northeast to the Eastlake neighborhood in Chula Vista in the southwest.

 

The Living Coast Discovery Center

The Living Coast Discovery Center, also referred to as the Chula Vista Wildlife Preserve, and the Chula Vista Nature Center, was established in 1987. It is located in the South Bay region of San Diego. There are several exhibits including , the Turtle Lagoon, the Shark and Sting Ray Touch Pool, Eagle Mesa, Shorebird Aviary, Native Plant Gardens, and several others. Living Coast Discovery Center is a significant tourist attraction and provides local school children with educational opportunities.

 

South Bay Historical Society

The South Bay Historical Society, established in 2013, is located in Chula Vista. The non-profit membership organization offers exhibits, photos, videos, speakers, events, tours, and more for those wanting to learn more about the communities in South Bay - San Diego, including Chula Vista, Bonita, East Otay Mesa, and National City. Memberships are available and donations are always welcome.

 

Morena Reservoir - Cottonwood Creek

Morena Reservoir was formed in 1912 upon the completion of the Morena Dam on Cottonwood Creek in South Bay - San Diego within the Cleveland National Forest. Its primary purpose is to supply water to the city of San Diego.

 

San Diego Country Club

San Diego Country Club is a nationally recognized 160-acre private 18-hole, 72 par, private golf course in Chula Vista that was founded in 1897. It is the only private golf club in southern San Diego County.

 

Otay Mountain Wilderness

The Otay Mountain Wilderness is a 16,885 acre United States Wilderness established in 1999 in South Bay-San Diego. The nearest city is Otay Mesa which is at the far southeast part of the county. The wilderness is located within the San Ysidro Mountains of which Otay Mountain is the highest peak rising to 3,566 feet. Protected species include the Southern Bald Eagle and Mountain Lions.

 

Naval Outlying Landing Field Imperial Beach

The Naval Outlying Landing Field Imperial Beach (NOLF). established in 1917 is a 1,204 acre United States Navy facility for helicopters located approximately 14 miles south of San Diego within the city limits of Imperial Beach. NOLF is known as the Helicopter Capital of the World. It is a major facility owned by the Department of Defense and operated by the US Navy.

 

Historical Societies Directory - San Diego County