May is an exciting month in Downtown Chula Vista, with plenty of updates and events that are sure to make this spring memorable! As the South Bay neighborhood comes alive, locals are not only gearing up for Mother’s Day celebrations but also enjoying fresh developments along Third Avenue.

New Planters Add Color and Charm
Third Avenue is looking even more beautiful with the addition of new planters along the street. These colorful displays, filled with vibrant flowers and greenery, bring life to the neighborhood and create a more inviting atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. The Downtown Chula Vista Association (DCVA) is also involving the local arts community in this beautification effort. Soon, they will be issuing a call for local artists to submit their designs to be featured on the planters. This offers an exciting opportunity for local talent to leave a lasting mark on the neighborhood, so keep an eye out for artist submission details!
A Fun New Attraction Coming Soon
Downtown Chula Vista will soon be home to a new, exciting addition: the “Heritage Chair Project”. This oversized hacienda-style chair will serve as both a fun photo spot and a symbol of the area’s unique culture, soon to be installed at the corner of Park Way & Third Avenue. Whether you’re stopping by the neighborhood for the first time or are a long-term resident, it’s sure to be a must-see attraction.
Enjoying an Unforgettable Mother’s Day
What’s a celebration without brunch? This neighborhood knows how to do it right. Enjoy mouthwatering brunch options at beloved local eateries like Lime in the Coconut, Talavera Azul, La Nacional, Agave Coffee & Café, Farmer’s Table, Rise & Dine, and Kalaveras. Whether your mom prefers savory or sweet, you’ll find an array of delicious dishes to make her day even more special.
Downtown Chula Vista is bursting with vibrant restaurants, unique boutiques, and charming local shops—making it the perfect spot to celebrate a memorable Mother’s Day with your loved ones.
Lucky for us, Mother’s Day always takes place on a Sunday, which means you can kick off the celebration at the Chula Vista Farmers’ Market! Happening every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine, this lively market brings together local farmers, artisans, and small businesses. With over 60 booths set up alongside the iconic Memorial Park, there’s no shortage of bites to savor, sips to sample, and handcrafted goods to discover. Whether you’re shopping for fresh produce, baked treats, flowers, or one-of-a-kind items, it’s a wonderful way to connect with the local community.
Find that perfect gift for Mom along Third Avenue, which is full of shops offering timeless and meaningful treasures. For sparkling jewelry, browse dazzling rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings at local favorites like King Jewelers, Lili’s Creations, and McClendon Jewelry. For something truly unique, explore D’Via Art & Style’s stunning wearable art, discover her new favorite piece at Upright Citizen Vintage, pick up a fresh pair of sunglasses at Arts-Rec Skateshop, or enjoy an afternoon tea service at My Cup of Tea Unique Gifts.
Treat Mom to a little pampering! Downtown Chula Vista is home to several top-tier salons where relaxation and luxury are the main event. Spots like Hidden Beauty Salon, Balensi Spa, Ursula’s Hair with a Flair, Ambiance Hair Lounge, Posh Salon, The Brow Theory, Hair Time, Shear Envy Salon and Spa, Ricos on 3rd, Zitro’s Salon, Salon Escape and Amor Beauty Salon offer hair and spa treatments that leave anyone feeling refreshed, radiant, and totally fabulous.
To top it all off, swing by Sweet Life Ice Cream Shop or Tender Hooligans for a sweet treat. From decadent sundaes and cakes to refreshing, blended drinks, these stops are the cherry on top of a perfect day.
With its thriving local scene and welcoming vibe, Downtown Chula Vista is the ultimate destination for a Mother’s Day filled with joy, excitement, and unforgettable memories.
For the latest updates on Downtown Chula Vista, please visit us at DowntownChulaVista.com or follow us on Instagram @DowntownChulaVista, TikTok @DowntownChulaVista, Facebook @DowntownChulaVista, and Twitter @DowntownChula.
Li Mandri is District Manager for Downtown Chula Vista Association.