Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center will debut in Chula Vista in May 2025

After years of planning and construction, it is time. Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center will debut along the Chula Vista Bayfront on Thursday, May 15.

Let’s dive into what to expect at the stunning, $1.3 billion resort that is poised to spur tourism, economic growth, and further development in San Diego’s South Bay.

By the numbers

• This is Gaylord Hotels’ sixth resort, but its first-ever in California.
• The resort sits on 36 acres along the waterfront and features 1,600 guestrooms, including 89 suites.
• Gather ‘round — the property features 477,000-sqft of meeting and events space (we’re going to need someone to please invite us to a big event ASAP).
• When it’s completed, the Gaylord Pacific will boast the largest hotel convention center in San Diego County, and the largest ballroom + exhibit hall measuring 140,049 sqft.
• Guests will also find a 7,500-sqft fitness center on site, and a full-service spa + salon.

Making a splash

Splish, splash — one of the resort’s eye-catching features is its 4.25-acre outdoor water park with multiple pools overlooking the bay. The area includes a big water playground with water slides and a lazy river, wave pool, surf simulator, lounge chairs, private cabanas, and two pool bars. Summer staycation, anyone?

The food scene

Led by Marriott veteran Chef Jakob Esko, Gaylord Pacific will feature 12 dining options from fast-casual to fancy. This includes the Growlers Sports Bar & Taproom with its 75-ft screen, Old Hickory Steakhouse for “refined surf & turf,” and Oeste, an atrium bar with a premium selection of tequilas, craft cocktails, and local craft beers.

Look for these other restaurants, too:

• Cask & Crown | This speakeasy bar is tucked away inside Growlers and offers a 1920s-themed menu of small bites.
• Trēō Kitchen + Bar | With locally sourced seafood and regional ingredients, this spot will offer breakfast, lunch + dinner.
• Mariner’s Bar | Guests will spot this bar when they first arrive — cozy up by the fireplace.
• Cocoa Bean | Fuel your morning with coffee drinks + fresh bakery items.
• PCH Cafe & Market | This grab-and-go cafe offers specialty coffee, sandwiches, salads, and snack boxes.
• Taiyō | So. Much. Sushi.
• Shallow End Grill | Grab local craft brews, craft cocktails, a loaded TJ Dog, or a banana split from this poolside eatery.
• Sunny’s | Another poolside escape (the pool is big, y’all), this spot offers Baja-inspired dishes like fish tacos + ceviche.
• Marzul Coastal Cuisine | This Baja-inspired fine dining restaurant comes with beautiful bay views.

Creating local jobs

A resort this big is going to need a lot of helping hands. Gaylord Pacific Resort is currently hiring for hundreds of positions, including estheticians, servers, bellpersons, front desk managers, and housekeeping aids.

The resort will host in-person job fairs at Southwestern College’s Learning Resource Center and Library on Friday, March 7-Saturday, March 8 and Friday, March 14-Sunday, March 16, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Pro tip: Apply here prior to attending.

As the opening ramps up, we’ll keep an eye on the Chula Vista Bayfront — and with this towering addition, you really can’t miss the area anymore.

Source: Monica Garske, SDtoday.com