San Diego is renowned for many things: the pleasant weather, a laid-back vibe, ample outdoor spaces and a strong military history. But this SoCal destination is experiencing a serious boom in the meetings segment that is showing no signs of slowing down.
"It's an exciting time for meetings in San Diego,” said Letty Canizalez, VP of sales for San Diego Tourism Authority. “A handful of hotels have completed stunning renovations, new parks and venues are being built and refreshed, and a major airport terminal overhaul will make it easier and more enjoyable to fly in."
These exciting developments are solidifying San Diego’s evolving identity as a business events powerhouse.
A RaDD Waterfront
In the past decade, San Diego has seen a significant increase in the life sciences sector, and it’s now one of the top markets in the country for the industry. This is accentuated by the new Research and Development District (RaDD), which spans 10 acres across six blocks on San Diego Bay. Marketed as the “convergence of lifestyle and life sciences,” the campus includes laboratory space, office space and retail outlets.
Event planners can reap the benefits of this entrant as well. Not only do life science groups have intellectual capital to tap, but RaDD will also introduce new restaurants, green space and Eve, a special events venue at the top of the district’s Edge building. The 7,800-square-foot venue is already open and offers sweeping views of San Diego Bay with tall, 19-foot ceilings, an expansive terrace and a space that is easily divisible with a motorized wall. The venue is managed by Petco Park Events, the same team behind event management at Petco Park and The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park.
Two retail tenants have opened at RaDD with more growth on the horizon as the campus vision comes to fruition.
[Related: How to Leverage San Diego’s Intellectual Capital for Meetings]
Upcoming Airport Renovation
As San Diego grows in popularity for both the leisure and business travel markets, the arrival and departure experience through its airport is about to get better.
The T1 project at San Diego International Airport is set to complete phase one this year, and phase two in 2028, overhauling the major terminal. Features of the project include 30 gates, 26 restaurants and retail stores, 5,200 parking spaces, 185 electric vehicle stations, a 13-lane security checkpoint and improved access with an on-airport entrance road to bypass busy traffic. The project aims to achieve LEED Gold certification and incorporate art throughout its outdoor plazas, ticketing areas and other spaces.
The original T1 debuted in 1967 and the guidelines for the new-and-improved terminal come from more than 100 community meetings.
New and Renovated Hotels
Investments continue to be made in San Diego’s many hotels, where groups will reap the benefits of new-and-improved spaces. Notable projects include the following:
- Hotel Del Coronado is wrapping up its massive five-year, $500 million renovation. The storied property is a National Historic Landmark, and many spaces have been meticulously restored, most recently including the three iconic ballrooms in the legendary Victorian building.
- Hotel La Jolla, Curio Collection by Hilton completed a multimillion-dollar property renovation in 2024 that revamped its 110 guest rooms, 1,600 feet of meeting space and introduced the penthouse-level restaurant concept Sea & Sky, helmed by Executive Chef Anthony Wells, James Beard Award’s 2022 semifinalist for Best Chef, California.
- Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina completed its over $100 million property-wide renovation. Some features include a refresh of Marina Tower and its 130,000 square feet of meeting space, 1,053 guest rooms and suites. Additionally, a transformed lobby area and three new dining concepts welcome guests, including Rumorosa, with Cali-Baja cuisine and sweeping views of the marina; Brewery X Harbor Island—the first San Diego outpost of the Orange County-based brewery; and Sunglow Cabana Bar, which comes with the refresh of its pools.
- Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa completed a $26 million renovation last summer and debuted new dining outlets. On the pool deck is The Palma Bar & Grill, offering cocktails and light bites. The Trading Post Café & Bar offers a more elevated dining experience on an outdoor patio with plates driven by locally sourced ingredients.
- Omni San Diego Hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter completed a renovation in 2024 that includes a redesigned poolside experience, two new food and beverage concepts, refreshed meeting and event spaces spanning 32,000 square feet and reimagined lobby and 511 guest rooms.
- Westin San Diego Bayview completed a $20 million renovation of its 436 guest rooms and 30,000 square feet of meeting spaces.
Hot New Restaurants
San Diego has long been known for its superior fish tacos and Cali-Baja cuisine, but its culinary prowess is really beginning to flourish thanks to a migration of top chefs to the city and recent accolades like Michelin stars and James Beard Award nominations.
Foodies aren’t in short supply among convention attendees. In fact, many meetings industry professionals would argue that some of the best connections are formed and business deals secured over dinner. Fortunately, San Diego continues to add impressive options to its long list of restaurants, including:
- ThirtyOne31 by Michelin-star chef Drew Deckman, which is committed to sustainable sourcing for its dishes. Rotating items in the prix fixe four-course menu are created from fresh seafood, in-season produce and other thoughtfully sourced ingredients. The rooftop bar and intimate dining room are nice gathering options for small groups.
- Cellar Hand, which comes recommended by Los Angeles Times food critic Bill Addison, focuses on hyper-local food and wine from more than 20 local farms, changing its menu weekly.
- Le Coq by James Beard Award-nominated chef Tara Monsod in La Jolla is a new wave French steakhouse that incorporates local ingredients and nods to Monsod’s Southeast Asian background in its menu items for a truly unique dining experience. The restaurant is no stranger to private events, being part of the Puffer Malarkey group, which routinely works with groups in town at its various San Diego outlets.
- Leila’s menu is a tribute to the Middle East and comes from the popular CH Projects, which has also dipped into the hotel market with the renovation of The Lafayette and upcoming Baby Grand Hotel in Little Italy.
[Related: San Diego Is Upping Its Foodie Status—How Your Event Can Benefit]
Plus: Desert Developments
A little over two hours by car from San Diego, wellness oasis Greater Palm Springs is an increasingly popular option for meetings, events and retreats. The destination is responding to this demand with a refresh of key properties that include the following:
- Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas (formerly the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa) debuted a fresh rebrand and renovation in September . The $64 million, property-wide project included a redesign of all 531 guest rooms and suites plus 43 private villas, two new restaurant concepts, new programming at 30,000-square-foot Agua Serena Spa and 88,000 square feet of versatile meeting and event space.
- La Quinta Resort & Club is an iconic property known as an original retreat for Hollywood stars. In preparation for its centennial next year, the resort completed a property-wide renovation that included updates to the lobby, guest rooms and pool experience.
- Margaritaville Palm Springs is now part of IHG and has gone back to the name Rivera Resort & Spa Palm Springs. The hotel will stay open during renovations, which are expected to be completed in 2027.
- Thompson Palm Springs, which opened in the heart of downtown Palm Springs in October with 168 rooms and 8,000 square feet of meeting space, recently welcomed HALL Napa Valley Tasting Room & Wine Lounge on its lobby level. Visitors will experience family-owned, luxury wine brands via educational tastings and food pairings.
Read more meetings and events news in California.
This article was produced in partnership with Visit California.
