Summer vacation at Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center is a new kind of resort experience for families. The luxury resort opened in May 2025, as the first Gaylord Hotels property on the West Coast. It’s a sprawling 4+ acre waterfront resort with 1,600 guest rooms and spacious suites and expansive recreational amenities that include multiple swimming pools and a water park.
Onsite there are over 10 restaurants, bars and grab-and-go venues, family-friendly entertainment and a convention center. One never needs to leave for a relaxing and fun getaway.
Situated directly on San Diego Bay, Gaylord Pacific is part of a broader transformation of the Chula Vista waterfront, an ambitious redevelopment project that is bringing new parks, public spaces, and recreational opportunities to the South Bay.
For decades, San Diego’s most celebrated visitor destinations have centered on places such as La Jolla, Coronado, and downtown. Gaylord Pacific is helping shift some of that attention south, putting the Chula Vista Bayfront on the map as a new destination for travelers.
More than a hotel, Gaylord Pacific is designed as a destination where guests can spend an entire vacation without ever needing to leave the property.
Pool Time
Families are drawn to the resort’s expansive water complex, featuring a lap pool, wave pool, kids pool, waterslides, and a lazy river. Kids and adults can slide, splash, float and swim at this oasis retreat. There are a diverse collection of restaurants and bars next to the pool, including Sunny’s. Guests can order from their lounge chair or cabana fresh ceviche, grilled fish and carne asada tacos to enjoy with a tropical drink.
Dining options throughout the resort include the classic steakhouse experience at Old Hickory Steakhouse to coastal-inspired cuisine at Marzul Coastal Cuisine, along with casual fare, cocktails, and poolside dining.
Families and Groups
The connection to the waterfront gives the resort a distinct sense of place. Rather than simply being a large convention hotel, Gaylord Pacific offers families and groups a resort travel experience with family entertainment, dining, and access to the outdoors.
Borrow a bike to take for a spin around a paved nature parkway, play lawn games near the pool, visit the hotel’s arcade or attend an outdoor activity session. Daily morning and afternoon craft classes include seashell painting, slime time, designer sunglasses, bead buddies, friendship bracelets, and sand art.
Seasonal Programming
Adding to the resort’s appeal this summer, the property is hosting Super Hero Summer featuring DC, with themed entertainment, character experiences, activities, and movie nights by the wave pool. These are designed to turn a hotel stay into a full-scale family getaway.
ice! A Charlie Brown Christmas
During the winter months, the resort is building a temporary 20,000 sq. foot structure for its first ever ‘ice! A Charlie Brown Christmas’. Created by Gaylord Hotels in 2001, ice! has become a cherished holiday tradition, visited by tens of millions of guests nationwide. The attraction now makes its first-ever West Coast debut at Gaylord Pacific starting on Nov. 20, 2026 through Jan. 3, 2027.
Inspired by the world-renowned Harbin Ice Festival in China, ice! is crafted by more than 30 expert artisans, some from Harbin, who will travel more than 6,000 miles to California. They will spend approximately 40 days using techniques passed down through generations to hand carve 6,700 blocks of ice into ice slides, tunnels, and popular Peanuts characters.
The attraction is kept at a brisk 9 degrees Fahrenheit to preserve the intricate ice detailing. Overnight and local day guests don comfortable blue parkas before entering the icy passageways into the immersive walk-through scenes.
The Peanuts gang made of ice includes Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy and Linus. Slide down thrilling two-story ice slides, including one designed for toddlers. Be sure to wear closed toe shoes and bring a scarf and mittens for your hands.
Christmas at Gaylord Pacific
This winter event will generate approximately 270 seasonal jobs and give these new hires the opportunity to grow within the Gaylord family.
Beyond the marquee attraction, Christmas at Gaylord Pacific will feature themed character dining, towering Christmas trees, ice tubing, Santa and Mrs. Claus experiences, festive entertainment, holiday shopping, millions of twinkling lights and decor throughout the resort.
This holiday attraction is unlike anything previously seen on the West Coast, and plans to welcome travelers from around the United States for a one-of-a-kind experience.
Gaylord Pacific So Much Christmas
The festival grounds will feel like an entire frozen city, with a variety of multi-sensory experiences for all. Many of the structures are illuminated with colorful lights after dark, making an evening visit particularly spectacular.
Online early bird tickets for 30% off are available through August 10, 2026. See specials for hotel packages during Christmas At Gaylord Pacific. Overnight guests receive a Chill Pass to move ahead of the line.
With its expansive waterfront setting, resort-style amenities, dining, entertainment, and family experiences, Gaylord Pacific represents a bold new vision and significant new chapter for San Diego tourism.
