


Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center
About
Give your kids a behind-the-scenes look at where Olympic dreams are made! The Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center offers an inspiring experience where families can tour world-class training facilities, watch elite athletes in action, and even participate in youth sports camps and kayaking activities. It's a unique opportunity to spark athletic inspiration while learning about dedication, teamwork, and what it takes to compete at the highest level.
Highlights
- ✓Watching world-class Olympic and Paralympic athletes train in real-time
- ✓Guided tours of elite training facilities including BMX track, archery range, and rowing lake
- ✓Kayaking on Lower Otay Lake with equipment rentals available
- ✓Youth sports camps offering hands-on coaching in various Olympic sports
- ✓Learning about sports science, nutrition, and what it takes to become an elite athlete
Pro Tips
- 1.Call ahead to book your tour and ask about athlete training schedules,seeing Olympians in action makes the visit truly memorable
- 2.Sign up for youth sports camps during school breaks for multi-day immersive experiences in sports like soccer, field hockey, or rowing
- 3.Bring sunscreen, hats, and water bottles as much of the facility is outdoors with limited shade
- 4.Take advantage of the kayaking opportunities on Lower Otay Lake,it's a highlight kids love and available to the public
- 5.Visit the small gift shop for Olympic-themed souvenirs that make great keepsakes to remember the experience
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (Monday-Friday, 9 AM-12 PM) are ideal when athletes are most active in their training sessions. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather for exploring the outdoor facilities. Note that the center is closed weekends.
What to Know
Tours require advance reservations and have modest fees (call for current pricing). Free parking is available on-site. There's no on-site dining, so pack snacks and drinks, especially for longer camp sessions.
Seasonal Notes
The facility operates year-round Monday-Friday, closed weekends. Youth sports camps are especially popular during summer and school breaks, so register early. Some outdoor activities may be limited during extreme heat in summer months (July-August).
Nearby Eats
Head to Otay Ranch Town Center (10 minutes away) for family-friendly chains like The Cheesecake Factory or Panera Bread. For quicker bites, In-N-Out Burger is about 5 minutes from the facility and always a kid-pleaser.
More Activities Near Chula Vista
Chula Vista Bayside Park
Chula Vista Bayside Park is a waterfront gem offering families everything needed for a perfect day by the bay. With playgrounds for multiple age groups, a unique fishing pier, expansive picnic areas, and basketball courts all set against stunning San Diego Bay views, this park combines active play with scenic relaxation. The open layout and variety of activities mean kids can explore while parents enjoy the coastal breeze and gorgeous water vistas.
Living Coast Discovery Center
Living Coast Discovery Center offers an intimate, hands-on wildlife experience where kids can get up close with native coastal animals. Unlike massive zoos, this bayside gem focuses on Southern California's local ecosystem with interactive touch tanks, feeding opportunities, and animals in naturalistic habitats that kids can actually observe without crowds blocking their view.
Otay Valley Regional Park
Otay Valley Regional Park is a sprawling 1,400-acre natural oasis in Chula Vista perfect for families who love outdoor adventures. With easy-to-moderate hiking trails winding through riparian habitats, abundant wildlife spotting opportunities, and shaded picnic areas, it's an ideal spot to introduce kids to Southern California's native ecosystems while burning off energy in a beautiful natural setting.
Stylus Park
Stylus Park is a family favorite in Chula Vista's Otay Ranch neighborhood, offering the perfect combination of water play and traditional park fun. The free splash pad with interactive water jets is the star attraction, keeping kids cool and entertained for hours, while the playground equipment and spacious grassy areas provide plenty of room for picnics and active play.