I finally had the chance to check out the brand-new Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center on the Chula Vista Bayfront, and let me tell you, this place feels like San Diego got its own mini-Vegas, but with better weather and a view of the bay.
This $1.3 billion resort opened in May 2025, and with over 1,500 rooms, it is officially the largest hotel in California. Walking in, you can already feel the “wow” factor. The lobby is massive, filled with glass and natural light, and everywhere you turn, something is happening: restaurants, shops, and even a model of the entire property on display. Mr. Chula Vista was right, this place takes your breath away when you step inside.
I spent most of my time in the pool
If you are a pool person (and who isn’t?), the 4.25-acre water park here is worth the hype. Lazy river? Check. Wave pool? Check. Two big water slides? Oh yes. Additionally, dozens of cabanas are available, complete with TVs, charging ports, and towels, ready for use.
The resort offers day passes for the pool, allowing non-guests to enjoy the pool area for the day. Passes are only $12, but they’re hard to get a hold of. I’ve seen numerous posts on social media asking how to get a coveted day pass, as it has become the most sought-after ticket in Chula Vista right now.
I spent most of my first day bouncing between the wave pool and the cabana with my nieces. Watching them fly down the slides while I pretended I could still keep up was equal parts fun and humbling. I was quickly reminded that I’m no longer a kid. My back and shoulders reminded me of that the next day.
Pro tip: the resort bartenders keep the drinks creative and surprisingly reasonable for a place this size. My favorite was the Guava Kadabra, a sweet and tart guava cocktail with a Tajín rim. As with any poolside bar, I could have used a little more alcohol. It was still good, but I love a stronger drink.
Eating My Way Through Gaylord
The resort has about a dozen places to eat, so I tried to sample as much as possible without needing to be rolled back to my room. At Trio Kitchen + Bar, the pasta is fresh, the chef actually comes by to check in, and they utilize local farms for their seasonal menus. Dessert was a pistachio-honey crème brûlée that I am still thinking about.
Later, I wandered into Growlers Taproom, part sports bar, part craft beer hall. They had the Padres game on a wall of TVs that could rival Petco Park. The highlight? A Coronado Brewing “Gaylord Pacific IPA” that you can only get here. But what really stood out was the food. Growlers ended up serving the best meal I had during my stay. Their loaded fries with bacon were the star of the show – crispy, salty, cheesy, and just the right amount of indulgent. Pair that with a cold local beer, and you can easily lose track of time in this place.
A Room With a View
I booked a Bay View King room with a balcony, and wow, it was worth every penny. From my balcony, I could see the San Diego Bay stretching out to Coronado and Point Loma. Mornings started with coffee and the marine layer slowly burning off, which felt like a postcard coming to life.
The room itself had all the touches you would expect: comfy bed, giant TV that lets you log into Netflix, and plenty of outlets (even USB-C, which felt like a small luxury). The colors leaned coastal, light blues and creams, which made the whole vibe super relaxing. One thing I would love to see in the future is more beautiful photos of Chula Vista on the walls. It would be a great way for the resort to showcase the area’s beauty while also supporting local photographers.
Beyond the Gaylord Pacific Resort
One thing I loved is how the Gaylord Resort ties into the community. Guests get free bike rentals, and you can ride straight out onto the Bayshore Bikeway, which takes you along the bay and all the way into Coronado if you are up for it. There is also Sweetwater Park, just a short walk away. It does not feel like you are stuck in a bubble. You can explore Chula Vista while still enjoying the resort.
The city also recently launched the Chula Vista Bayfront Shuttle, which has a stop right in front of the resort. Guests and even the public can hop on for free and head into Downtown Chula Vista or other local stops along the route. The shuttle runs every 15 minutes from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., making it easy to get around without a car. If you want to see the full route and details, we covered it on our YouTube channel – definitely worth checking out before your trip.
My final thoughts on the resort
So, would I stay again? Maybe. As a local from Chula Vista, I’m eager to explore many other spots in San Diego. Although the Gaylord Resort is conveniently located in my backyard, it’s not at the top of my list for accommodations. However, would I visit again? Absolutely. With its pools, dining options, stunning views, and bars, I can see this being a great place to enjoy a visit. It’s perfect for bringing out-of-town family and friends for an upscale experience.
This is just the beginning for the Chula Vista Bayfront. There are so many other developments coming to the area that is going to transform this whole side of Chula Vista. I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Have you been to the resort? Do you plan on getting out there to enjoy this new development in Chula Vista? Let us know on Facebook what you thought.
