Otay Mesa Tutors

About Otay Mesa

On the border of Mexico just across from Tijuana, Otay Mesa is a rapidly growing neighborhood in the southern section of San Diego. The community’s name is a combination of the Native American Kumeyaay word otay, meaning brushy or big, and mesa, the Spanish term for plateau. The first European foray by land into California in 1769 by the Spanish explorer Juan Gaspar de Portolá passed just west of Otay Mesa. Portolá may have had two goals in mind as he proceeded north from Baja California. First, he was looking to gain territory for the Spanish crown. Second, he may have been hoping to find a route to “Cibola,” the mythical Seven Cities of Gold, long sought by Spanish conquistadors for over 200 years. Although Portolá never found the fabled cities, he did lead the way for the establishment of Spanish control in California. In fact, the Spanish would build 21 missions throughout California with Mission San Diego de Alcalá being the first. The Kumeyaay people who met the Spanish upon their entrance into San Diego County were initially intrigued by the visitors, especially their metal swords and trinkets. Unfortunately, when it became clear that the Spanish were not simply passing through, conflict ensued with Kumeyaay warriors killing Father Luis Jayme and burning the mission to the ground. While the Spanish considered abandoning the area at first, they eventually rebuilt the mission and continued with the development of San Diego. As for the Kumeyaay, they struggled for many years under the Spanish, Mexicans and, finally, Americans. Today, however, the tribes have rebounded with the establishment of casino gaming throughout California. A 2013 report estimated that Indian gaming revenues in California exceeded $25 billion a year.

It’s likely that an Otay Mesa tutor will keep you ahead of the academic curve so you can take time out from your studies to enjoy the things to do in Otay Mesa and the greater San Diego area. For those with a need for speed, Xtreme Adventures just north of Otay Mesa in Chula VIsta is an exotic car theme park which includes the Exotic Autocross Challenge, Exotic Car Tours and Exotic Car Rentals. The Autocross Challenge puts drivers behind the wheel of such gems as the Porsche 991 or the Ferrari 360 on a course with no traffic, no stoplights and no law enforcement.

Right next door to Xtreme Adventures, Aquatica San Diego is an offshoot of Sea World featuring a marine themed amusement park. Opened in 2013, the park offers a variety of water slides for kids, families and thrill seekers as well as a wave pool and a lazy river. Water rides include the HooRoo Run, Walhalla Wave and Loggerhead Lane. The park is also home to Caribbean flamingos and freshwater turtles.

For shoppers, the Las Americas Premium Outlets are just across Interstate 805 from Otay Mesa. The Outlets feature 125 stores in a beautiful outdoor courtyard setting. Popular stores include Banana Republic, J. Crew, Lacoste, Michael Kors and Tommy Hilfiger. Diners can also appreciate the authentic Mexican cuisine at Anchiote Mexican Restaurant.