From Steakhouse Dinners to Poolside Cheers, Here’s Your Play-by-Play Itinerary in Paradise
Your weekend at Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center in Chula Vista isn’t just about where you stay, it’s about how you taste your way through it. With 12 distinct restaurants led by Executive Chef Jakob Esko, every hour feels like a new chapter in San Diego’s coastal story. From morning coffee overlooking the bay to nightcaps in a hidden speakeasy, here’s how to savor every moment of your 48-hour getaway.
Welcome to the Waterfront
As sunlight streams through the glass atrium and the San Diego Bay glimmers beyond, you’ll feel that unmistakable spark of vacation mode. Gaylord Pacific & Convention Center blends polished design with coastal ease, creating a destination that feels equal parts lively and laid-back.
Rooted in his Northern Sweden upbringing, Chef Jakob Esko brings a deep respect for fresh, seasonal ingredients and a global perspective, shaping 12 dining experiences that celebrate the flavors of the West Coast. Whether it’s a Baja-inspired ceviche, a surf-and-turf masterpiece, or sushi you can take to-go, every bite tells a story of California’s bounty.
According to the team at Gaylord Pacific, “each of these venues reflects the dual identity of Gaylord Pacific, a storied national brand with a distinctly Southern California soul.”
Day 1 – Check In, Chill Out and Indulge
3 p.m. – Arrival + Atrium First Impressions
After check-in, head straight to Oeste Bar to toast your arrival under a sunlit showpiece of curved lines and glowing bottles. Savor a signature cocktail or a draft California beer beneath the floating chandeliers while catching your first view of the bay, then explore the atrium’s modern coastal aesthetic for a sense of seamless sophistication.
4:00 p.m. – Poolside Ease
After Ease into the afternoon at Sunny’s or Shallow End Grill, where poolside bites range from Baja-style fish tacos and ceviche to playful classics like loaded TJ Dogs and queso fries. Pair your picks with a San Diego craft beer or frozen cocktail and let the sunshine do the rest.
6:30 p.m. – Date Night, Two Ways
Marzul Coastal Cuisine: Just steps beyond the pool, newly opened Marzul sets the tone for an evening that feels both refined and effortless. On the plate, it’s all about Baja’s vibrant flavors, bright seafood, citrus accents and wines that echo the region’s coastal energy.
Old Hickory Steakhouse: The Gaylord tradition of Surf & Turf gets a West Coast twist here. Expect perfectly aged cuts, shellfish towers layered with oysters and crab and the kind of polished service that turns dinner into an event.
9 p.m. – Hidden Gem Finale
Slip quietly behind an unmarked entrance and you’ll find Cask & Crown, the resort’s speakeasy that channels the intrigue of the 1920s with just the right dose of glamour. The lighting is low, the music smooth, and every detail feels like a secret shared among insiders. Settle into a velvet chair and pair your classy cocktail with savory bites like chilled oysters and beef tartare. Between the moody design and cinematic energy, it’s less of a nightcap and more of a final scene worth savoring.
Day 2 – Game Day Meets Gourmet
8 a.m. – Sunrise Rituals
Start your morning with a chef-made omelet or sample a pastry fresh from the oven at Trēō Kitchen + Bar, where every morning starts with light, warmth and ocean air. Later in the day, the same space transforms into a breezy lunch spot with seasonal coastal dishes and Mediterranean flair.
10 a.m. – Explore + Relax
Book a spa treatment or settle into a shaded cabana, then stop by PCH Café & Market for a farm-fresh salad, flatbread or fruit parfait. The market’s California-inspired menu proves quick meals can still feel elevated, perfect for refueling between adventures.
1 p.m. – Sushi + Sunshine
Lunch calls for Taiyō, where sushi, sashimi and rolls are crafted fresh and fast. Enjoy your spread bayside or take it back to your room, it’s easygoing, flavorful and made for sunny afternoons.
3 p.m. – Pregame Energy
Head to Mariner’s Bar near the main entry for a cocktail that captures the marina vibe. With polished wood, warm light and citrus-forward drinks, it’s the perfect pregame stop before the screens come alive.
4 p.m. – Game Time on the Cube
Grab a drink and join the crowd in the atrium, where the Cube turns sports viewing into an immersive experience with massive LED screens and lively energy.
Then make your way to Growlers Sports Bar & Taproom, the ultimate hangout for fans and foodies alike. With a 75-foot screen, walls lined with colorful kegs and 24 local brews on tap, it’s part sports bar, part design statement. Order a Wagyu burger or chili nachos and settle in, it’s game night done right.
7 p.m. – Dinner & Decompress
For your final dinner, return to Marzul for a wine-paired seafood feast or settle into Old Hickory for Surf & Turf round two. End the night back at Oeste Bar, where the last cocktail of the evening glows under the chandelier like a San Diego sunset.
Day 3 – Slow Morning, Easy Goodbye
8:30 a.m. – Breakfast & Bay Views
Linger over one last breakfast at Trēō Kitchen + Bar or pick up a quick coffee and pastry from PCH Café & Market before checkout.
10 a.m. – Last Taste of Paradise
Grab sushi to-go from Taiyō,, then wander through the atrium one last time. The view of the bay, the scent of salt in the air and the thought of “just one more day” will stay with you long after you’ve checked out.
A California local, Kathleen Hokit grew up on a farm but spent every chance she could at the beach. After earning her graduate degree in the social sciences in Finland, she built a 17+ year career writing and editing across lifestyle, entertainment, and culture. A longtime magazine lover, she now lives the dream as part of the editorial team at LOCALE. When she’s not on deadline, she’s hiking or sneaking in a beach day with her husband and son. Kathleen loves all things art—from writing and photography to spending time on the dance floor, where she teaches ballet to everyone from tiny tots to grown-ups on their pas de bourrée path.
