San Diego Travel Forum

Hi,
We have a week scheduled this summer at a RV campground in Chula Vista. The RV resort is located on Sandpiper way next to the marina. We were thinking of taking the public transportation to downtown San Diego until our neighbor mentioned that it was not a good area to be out at nights and it was generally not a safe area. Before we change our plans on the transportation to town I though it might be helpful to get other opinions on the area.

If you have any opinions on the area please advise us.

Thanks,
Mike

It is mentioned in Dangers on VT a lot

I don't like talking bad abour Chula Vista, after all I lived at the east of Chula Vista for more than 2yr. But I agree with your neighbor, is usually not so bad during the day, but at night is generally not so safe, if try to find another way of transportation at night.

Ana, thanks for putting a local perspective on this. I have no first hand knowledge but, rely on VT info a lot.

Hi Mike,

Though I would not agree with the others here, about safety issues in the area of your RV Park, relying on public transportation from here would not be a convenient option.

There was a bus route that stopped just in front of the RV Park, but it was not used enough and that route was discontinued. So, the nearest bus stop to you would be on J Street and Broadway in Chula Vista. To my way of thinking, it's a long walk.

It would be okay to take a taxi to the H St. Trolley Station and from there on to downtown San Diego. The SD Trolley stops service about 12 or 1 am. I have traveled by bus and Trolley at night, in and around this area, alone, and have never felt unsafe.

You can see the transit map for Chula Vista here:

http://www.chulavistaca.gov/City_Services/Community_Services/Public_Works_Operations/PDF/CVBusroutes02-07.pdf

This RV Park is relatively small but very nice and just in front of a park on the bay. There isn't much of a "safety" issue in this area even at night. The park on the bay is closed at 10 pm and just along the walk way, in front of the RV Park, going south, is a great little restaurant, Galley at the Marina. You can see photos of the restaurant on my Chula Vist page in the Restaurant Tip section and photos of the RV Park and the park area behind it in the Travelogue on my Chula Vista page.

If you want any other info about the area or Chula Vista feel free to ask.

Linda

Wow!!! Thanks so much for the info. I even get a restaurant recommendation!! Would it expensive just to take a taxi to downtown? We have a small RV and it would be possible to drive it but parking is a little tough as it is 22ft. It is kind of nice just to leave everything set up for a stay rather than pack it all up for the day. My wife, Sue, has never been to San Diego and I can only remember seeing the town through the gates (Navy bootcamp). We are looking forward to our visit.

I guess driving the RV might be our best option.

Mike

You can also try to park your RV's in the Trolley train station on the H street, I know that H street trolley station has a big Parking for trolley users (But, Not sure if parking for rv's is allowed, so check first) but if you can, that trolley station is very safe, it has bus stop and taxis so there's someone around most of the time and police are around the area most of the time.

Also a few steps away from this trolley station is a mexican restaurant "Tacos El Gordo" well, is really more like only Tacos, a very well know place for most Mexicans, if you get hungry stop by for a "taco de asada", This is most mexican food that you can find in USA.

Yes, you can park your motor home at the Trolley Station, but not overnight. It is a relatively safe car park and pretty well patroled.

However, I do understand why you might rather to leave it at your RV Park rather than disturb everything each time you wanted to go out for the day.

I think--but don't know for sure--the cost of a taxi from your RV Park to downtown SD would be more than $20.00. So, round trip would be upwards of $40.00. If that is not too expensive for you, fine. I would still suggest taking a taxi from your Park to the H St. Trolley Station, which should be much less cost to you.

It might be worth it for you to occasionally rent a car for a day or so if you want to make a day of sightseeing or to get to some places that aren't covered by public transportation.



Thank your for visiting my Chula Vista page and I hope it was useful.