The Mexican government began to grant land ownerships to a variety of people, thus beginning the Rancho era of California.

A growing number of settlers came to the area after California became a state in 1850 and began to create smaller agricultural holdings.

With a 1923, however, the Vista Irrigation District had the necessary funding to construct a new water supply from Lake Henshaw.

[15] Agriculture began to flourish in the area, including citrus fruits, tomatoes, celery, and most prominently avocados.

The frequent housing booms of the 1970s through early 2000s greatly increased the population of Vista, and the city limits have grown as well.

[18] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 18.7 square miles (48 km2) of land.

The mild weather led to the city's promotional motto "America's Climatic Wonderland", which was in use for many years.

The 2022 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates reported that within Vista city, whites and Hispanics were the most numerous race/ethnic groups.

[23] The 2020 Decennial U.S. census reported Vista's population numbered 98,381 with a median age of 35.0 years.

The white non-Hispanic population made up 36.1% of the city, while the remainder was predominantly Hispanic or Latino at 50.6%.

Moonlight Productions performs plays in winter months at the Avo Playhouse, a former movie theater now owned by the city.

Brengle Terrace Park houses the Moonlight Amphitheatre, Alta Vista Gardens (a city-owned botanical garden), two softball fields, a senior center, a playground, and the city community center, where the main offices of the city's day camps are held.

Guajome County Park has 557 acres (2.25 km2) of land, which is shared between Vista and nearby Oceanside.

It features a small lake, willow and oak woodlands, campsites, horse trails, and Rancho Guajome Adobe, a National Historic Landmark.

Other recreation facilities include the city-run Wave Waterpark, a sports park, and a Boomers location.

[34] According to the San Diego County Registrar of Voters, in February 2024 the City of Vista had more registered Democrats than Republicans.

IB schools play a crucial role in communities by fostering global-mindedness, critical thinking, and cultural awareness in young learners.

[38] Vista also receives local coverage in the weekly Coast News and the daily San Diego Union-Tribune.

Operating out of the city are KCEO on AM 1000, which is an affiliate of the Catholic Relevant Radio network, and KHAX-LD, a translator of the local Univision television station KBNT-CD.

[43] The Vista Community Clinic provides general health care to those who face economic, social or cultural barriers.