Pizza & pasta
Pizzo's Pizzeria
Handcrafted pizza and pasta, with a good selection of wines and micro-brews.
Directions ↗
Life in Eastlake
“City Close, Country Quiet”
The original Eastlake motto still fits. Here are my favorite things to do in and around Eastlake, Chula Vista.
By Betty Torano, REALTOR® · Eastlake resident since 1987 · Last reviewed October 10, 2026
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City close, country quiet
Why Locals Love Living in Eastlake
When my family moved here in 1987, Eastlake was brand new: a lake, a Beach Club and rolling hills where most of today's neighborhoods now stand. Nearly 40 years later, the things that drew us here are still what people love most.
A lake in the middle of town
Anyone can enjoy the walking path around the Eastlake lake, and for Eastlake I residents in the Hills and Shores, the paddleboats and Beach Club lagoon add a resort feel you don't expect in South County.
Clubs, pools and courts close to home
Eastlake has three separate HOAs, and each has its own clubhouses, pools and parks just for its residents: the Beach Club in Eastlake I, the Tennis & Swim Club in Eastlake II (the Greens) and the Creekside and Woods clubhouses in Eastlake III.
Open space on every side
Greenbelts, the golf course, Mountain Hawk Park and the Otay Lakes keep Eastlake feeling open, with hiking and biking minutes from your front door.
Olympic-level neighbors
The Elite Athlete Training Center, the former U.S. Olympic Training Center, is right next door, and Eastlake Little League brought home the 2013 U.S. championship.
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My local favorites
Things to Do in and Around Eastlake
From the lake path to the Otay Lakes, here's where I send friends, clients and visitors. Tap any spot to open it in Google Maps.
Outdoors
Outdoor fun
Shopping
Shopping & dining
Fun
Fun for all ages
Sports
Sports & fitness
Nature
Nature & wildlife
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Local favorites
Places to Eat Near Eastlake
A few of my go-to spots when friends and clients ask where to eat.
"Ask me for my full list. After nearly 40 years here, I have plenty of favorites."Betty
Chinese
Otay Mandarin
A neighborhood favorite with generous portions. Don't skip the salt and pepper chicken wings.
Directions ↗
Mexican seafood
Karina's
Fresh Mexican seafood and tequila cocktails in a fun, festive setting.
Directions ↗4
Get outside
Parks, Trails and Open Space
Parks
Neighborhood and city parks
- Mountain Hawk ParkLake views, trails and a playgroundMap ↗
- Salt Creek Park & Recreation CenterSports fields, a soccer arena and a recreation centerMap ↗
- Montevalle Park & Recreation CenterA neighborhood park with a recreation centerMap ↗
- Mackenzie Creek ParkPickleball courts and open spaceMap ↗
- Chula Vista Community ParkSports fields and open lawnsMap ↗
- Sunset View ParkA neighborhood park near the GreensMap ↗
Trails & lakes
Trails and the Otay Lakes
- Lower Otay ReservoirFishing, boating and picnics on Eastlake's eastern edgeMap ↗
- Upper Otay Reservoir trailheadA quieter trail along the upper lakeMap ↗
- Centennial TrailA walking and biking trail through eastern Chula VistaMap ↗
- Mother Miguel MountainA steep hike with panoramic viewsMap ↗
- Sweetwater Reservoir trailsBirdwatching and peaceful walksMap ↗
Insider tip: Every Eastlake HOA also has its own pools, parks and playgrounds just for residents. See my guide to the Eastlake HOAs and amenities to compare them.
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Getting around
Close to the City, Easy to Come Home To
State Route 125, the South Bay Expressway, runs right through Eastlake, linking the neighborhoods north toward East County and the rest of San Diego and south toward Otay Mesa and the border crossing. East H Street, Otay Lakes Road, Proctor Valley Road, Eastlake Parkway, Hunte Parkway and Olympic Parkway carry most local trips.
Everyday errands stay close: the Eastlake Village Center, Village Marketplace and Village Walk cover groceries, dining and shopping, and Otay Ranch Town Center is just south.
Main roads
SR-125 (toll), East H Street, Otay Lakes Road, Proctor Valley Road, Eastlake Parkway, Hunte Parkway and Olympic Parkway
Shopping
Eastlake Village Center, Eastlake Village Marketplace, Village Walk at Eastlake and Otay Ranch Town Center
Questions, answered
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do in Eastlake, Chula Vista?
Each of Eastlake's three HOAs has its own amenities for its residents. Eastlake I (Hills and Shores) has the Beach Club, the lagoon and paddleboats, and the walking path around the Eastlake lake is open to everyone. Eastlake II (Greens) has the Tennis & Swim Club, Dolphin Beach and Augusta Park. Eastlake III (Trails, Trails North, The Woods and Vistas) has the Creekside and Woods clubhouses and Eastlake Pond. Open to everyone nearby are the Enagic Golf Club, Eastlake Little League, Mountain Hawk Park, the Otay Lakes, Mother Miguel Mountain, the Elite Athlete Training Center, Sesame Place San Diego and the North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre.
Is Eastlake close to the Otay Lakes?
Yes. The Lower Otay Reservoir sits on Eastlake's eastern edge, near Eastlake Vistas, The Woods and Mountain Hawk Park, with fishing, boating, picnics and trails.
Where do Eastlake residents shop?
Most everyday shopping is at the Eastlake Village Center, Eastlake Village Marketplace and Village Walk at Eastlake. Otay Ranch Town Center, an outdoor mall with dining and a movie theater, is just south.
How far is Eastlake from Downtown San Diego?
Downtown San Diego is about 16 miles from Eastlake, roughly a 20 to 25 minute drive without traffic via State Route 125 and State Route 54 or Interstate 805. San Diego International Airport is about 18 miles away. Allow extra time during weekday rush hours.
What is the closest beach to Eastlake?
Imperial Beach is the closest ocean beach, about 14 miles away, or roughly a 20 to 25 minute drive. Coronado Beach is about 17 miles away, roughly 25 to 30 minutes. For the bay, the Chula Vista Bayfront and its parks, marina and waterfront walking paths are about 10 miles away, roughly 15 to 20 minutes. Drive times are approximate and vary with traffic.
Do Eastlake HOAs include amenities?
Yes. Each of Eastlake's three HOAs has its own amenities for residents, such as the Beach Club in Eastlake I, the Tennis & Swim Club in Eastlake II and the Creekside and Woods clubhouses in Eastlake III. See the Eastlake HOAs and amenities guide on this site to compare them.
Thinking about a move?
Find the Eastlake Neighborhood That Fits Your Life
Each Eastlake neighborhood has its own HOA, amenities and feel. Tell me how you like to spend your time and I'll point you to the right streets.
Your Eastlake. Your next chapter.
Let's Make a Plan
Let's Make a Plan
for What Comes Next.
Whether you're buying, selling or just exploring Eastlake, tell me what you have in mind. I'll help you work through the options, the questions and the next step.