The Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center recently made a splashy entrance as the first in the Gaylord brand to open on the West Coast.
It’s stylish and sleek, and decidedly Californian, incorporating outdoor spaces and waterfront views. The sunsets are stunning.
The Gaylord Pacific Resort is a modern evolution of a beloved brand. Several of the Gaylord hotels are modeled after the original, the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville. The Gaylord Palms, Gaylord Texan, and Gaylord National all share a similar design, centered around a huge atrium in the middle of the property. But the two newer resorts, Gaylord Rockies, which opened in 2018, and Gaylord Pacific, which opened in 2025, deviate from that design. The atrium remains a centerpiece, but it’s incorporated into lobby, creating more of grand entrance than a grand reveal.
Accommodations at Gaylord Pacific
The Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center is big, with 1,600 guest rooms. Rooms have either mountain or bay views.
The rooms are spacious, open, and bright with a coastal color palette. The minimalistic design is refreshing and relaxing. Room amenities included coffee, tea, water, and a refrigerator.
Our balcony overlooked the water park and bay. We also had a front row seat to a stunning sunset from our 22nd floor balcony.
Activities at Gaylord Pacific
The premiere attraction here is the water park. Spanning over four acres, there are multiple pools, including a huge wave pool. There are also water slides, a lazy river, and an area specifically for younger kids. This space isn’t designed just for kids, though. We saw plenty of adults enjoying the water park, too.
We definitely recommend booking a cabana. Your dedicated server will bring you food and drink while you relax. There are two restaurants at the pool, serving quick bites and colorful drinks.
When you aren’t swimming, we suggest you go pedaling. The hotel provides complimentary use of eBikes. They’re available to check out, in front of the hotel. There’s a lovely park just a short ride away. You can also bike along the bay, or follow one of the many miles of bike trails in the area.
Need more to do? If your kids need a break from the sun, there’s a small, air conditioned arcade. For adults, there’s a state-of-the-art fitness center and Gaylord’s signature Relache Spa & Salon.
[ Related: Christmas at Gaylord Rockies ]
Dining at Gaylord Pacific
With multiple dining choices, you won’t go hungry at the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center.
If you’ve previously visited a Gaylord Hotel, then you’re probably familiar with Old Hickory Steakhouse. It’s a high-end dining option serving surf and turf. Steaks are dry aged, and seafood is served in towers. Old Hickory is consistently delicious at every Gaylord.
Treo Kitchen + Bar is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It offers a seasonal menu and locally sourced seafoods and ingredients.
You won’t have to miss a game while you’re getting a meal because Growlers Sports Bar & Taproom has you covered with both. The bar features a huge 75-foot screen. Bar food classics – like burgers and hot dogs – are taken up a notch with elevated additions.
The beautiful atrium, also serves as a hip hangout spot. Oeste Bar offers small bites, like oysters and crab cakes, as well as cocktails. This is the place to catch a sunset before dinner.
Taiyo serves hand-rolled sushi. The seafood is fresh, and the flavors are bold.
For a grab-and-go bite, the PCH Cafe & Market has a variety of hot foods, snacks, coffees, and drinks. You’ll also find clothing, accessories, sunscreen, and more in the the shop.
Getting to Gaylord Pacific
The Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center is located in Chula Vista, about a 15 minute drive from downtown San Diego. If renting a car, self-parking is $45 at the resort. It’s also easy to get there via Uber or Lyft.
When in Chula Vista, we recommend checking out Sesame Place San Diego (open seasonally) or the Living Coast Discovery Center (a zoo and aquarium).
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The author received a complimentary stay for the purposes of this review. All opinions are her own.
