Chula Vista Bayfront Project: New Parks, Resort & Waterfront Guide 2026

If you’ve driven near the water lately and thought, “Was all this here before?” you’re not alone. I’ve lived in Chula Vista for years, and even I sometimes do a double-take. The Chula Vista Bayfront Project is transforming the waterfront from a long, underused stretch of San Diego Bay shoreline into one of the most talked-about areas in the city.

For decades, this part of town felt more industrial than inviting. Fenced-off areas, empty lots, and missed opportunities. The Chula Vista Bayfront Project flips that story. Instead of forgotten land, we’re getting a lively waterfront with parks, resorts, homes, and space where the public can actually enjoy the bay.

This isn’t a small facelift. The Chula Vista Bayfront Project covers hundreds of acres and is rolling out in phases that will shape our city for decades.

The Resort That Put Us on the Map

One of the biggest milestones came on May 15th, 2025, when the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center opened its doors. This isn’t just another hotel along the freeway.

We’re talking 1,608 rooms and suites, over 400,000 square feet of meeting space, multiple restaurants (including SoundWaves with bay views), pools, a spa, and full resort-style amenities. The development needed an anchor, and this is it. The resort is designed to bring large conventions and events to the South Bay, something that rarely happened before.

That means more visitors, more jobs, and more people discovering Chula Vista instead of just driving through it. Some come for work and come back later with their families. That’s the kind of long-term impact this project is built around. I have talked with people from out of town who are staying at the resort. Many of them didn’t even know where Chula Vista was before coming here. I hope the other projects encourage more people to get out and explore the area. Downtown Chula Vista has seen some visitor traffic, but not at the numbers everyone had hoped for.

Parks Are a Huge Part of The Chula Vista Bayfront Project

Whenever a major waterfront development is announced, people ask the same question: Do we still have access to the water?

The answer here is a solid yes. Over 70 acres of new parkland are included in the plan, built on top of existing open areas. That’s a lot of room for walking, biking, picnics, and those weekend “let’s get outside” moments.

Sweetwater Park is already open near the resort, and it shows what this waterfront transformation is all about. Wide paths, open lawns, nature play areas, and views of the bay that remind you why living near the coast is such a big deal. I love walking in this park, especially early in the morning when everything feels calm, or later in the evening to catch the sunset over the water. I’ve seen so many families out there already and kids running around, people on bikes, couples just taking it all in. You can tell this space is already becoming part of people’s routines. I also can’t wait to see the trees fully mature over the next few years. Once they are filled in, this park will have even more shade and natural beauty.

Harbor Park is also being expanded with more playgrounds, splash features, and improved shoreline areas. Families, runners, dog walkers, and people who just want to sit and stare at the water all win here. We have covered this in another article and video. If you’re not already subscribed to our YouTube channel, be sure to give us a follow for more updates on the Chula Vista Bayfront Project and other updates.

Homes, Shops, and Everyday Life

This development isn’t just for tourists. Thousands of new housing units are planned, including condos and apartments near the water. Picture mixed-use buildings where ground floors have coffee shops, restaurants, and boutiques, while people live in the units above. It’s the kind of setup where you can walk downstairs for breakfast, head to work nearby, and meet friends for dinner without getting in your car.

One major residential plan includes around 1,500 homes over time. In a region where housing is tight, that kind of addition matters. It won’t solve everything, but it adds options close to jobs, parks, and transit.

Some of the development is planned near Blue Line trolley stops, which could help reduce car trips. In a place known for traffic, that’s a welcome idea. I’m hoping the trolley connection makes it easier to get to the waterfront without dealing with parking headaches.

The Reality of Construction

Let’s be honest, if you’ve been driving through this area, you’ve dealt with the detours, the cones, and the “Why is this lane closed again?” moments. I get it. It’s frustrating when your usual route becomes a maze, and it feels like the work will never end.

But here’s what’s happening behind those orange cones: roads, utilities, and flood control systems are all being upgraded to support new hotels, parks, and housing. This behind-the-scenes work isn’t glamorous, but it’s what keeps everything running safely long term. In the short term, it means some patience. Long term, it means a waterfront district that actually works. Most of the major infrastructure work should wrap up as the different phases are completed over the next several years.

Why This Matters for Chula Vista

This project changes how people see our city. Instead of heading north for big events, resort experiences, or waterfront parks, more of that activity is coming here.

For locals, it means more places to enjoy the bay, more job opportunities (the Gaylord alone created over 1,000 permanent positions), and a waterfront that feels active rather than forgotten. It’s giving Chula Vista a new front door by the water—one that makes people want to stop and stay rather than just pass through.

I’ve watched this transformation unfold, and while the construction can be a pain, I’m excited about where we’re headed. The bay has always been there, but now we’re finally building a waterfront that lives up to it.

Have you checked out Sweetwater Park yet or driven past the resort? What do you think about the changes? I’d love to hear what other locals are noticing as this area continues to evolve.