Kenny Macklin • May 10, 2021

Best Hotel in San Diego for Cal State Games Athletes: San Diego Marriott Mission Valley

Best Hotel in San Diego for Cal State Games Athletes: San Diego Mission Valley

The 2021 California State Games has announced its host hotel, the San Diego Marriott Mission Valley. Located on 8757 Rio San Diego Dr. in San Diego, this Mission Valley location has something to offer our athletes, parents, coaches, guardians, and fans — and did we mention Cal State Games participants and their families get access to a discounted rate? Hello, sunny San Diego!


In addition to that discount, what makes San Diego Marriott Mission Valley the perfect stay for the 2021 Cal State Games? Keep reading for why our host hotel is one of the best hotels in San Diego.

Close proximity to local attractions

The San Diego Marriott Mission Valley hotel is located near some of San Diego’s most popular attractions such as Old Town, Mission Bay, and the Rio Vista Trolley as well as SeaWorld San Diego and the Gaslamp Quarter. And if you’re coming from northern California, it’s just eight miles from the San Diego Airport making for a quick commute. 


For athletes, as well as their fans and families, this close distance to local attractions offers plenty of things to do in San Diego during competition downtime. Hit the beach at Mission Bay after a morning game, or spend your last night in the city at Seaworld San Diego. Any way you see fit, your Mission Valley stay is nearby.

Quick access to restaurants 

There are plenty of food options near the hotel that are even within walking distance. Unless you have a night off from competing to go for a sit-down meal, you might have to grab dinner or lunch on a time constraint. Lucky, less than a mile away is the Westfield Mission Valley Mall with food options such as Panera Bread and Pesto Italian Craft Kitchen, which is perfect for carbo-loading before playing in the Games! 

Full host of amenities and services for an easy getaway

The San Diego Mission Valley hotel offers a full host of amenities and services, including views of San Diego from the balcony, access to the gorgeous outdoor pool, and complimentary fitness center that is open 24/7 for workouts at your own preference — great for working around a busy competition schedule. 


In addition, the hotel has recently remodeled 353 guest rooms which offers high-speed internet, luxurious bedding including down comforters and complimentary amenities. Resting is key during the demanding games and competitions, so make sure you or your athletes are as comfortable as possible at the best hotel in San Diego. These provided amenities and services are what makes the Marriott one of the best hotels in San Diego for families. 


The California State Games is funded in part by the San Diego Tourism Marketing District Corporation with City of San Diego Tourism Marketing District Assessment Funds. We encourage you to please support San Diego hotels including the San Diego Marriott Mission Valley.

7 Must-See Beaches in San Diego

23 Apr, 2024
The California State Games is host to the 2024 State Games of America presented by National University . Based in sunny San Diego, this is a great chance for SGA athletes to compete alongside the nation’s best athletes while enjoying one of the nation’s best travel destinations. We like to think that everything is better by the beach; here are seven must-see beaches in America’s Finest City. 1. La Jolla Shores La Jolla Shores is a popular and long stretch of beach perfect for families and kids to relax, play, and build sandcastles. In the summer, you might see the famous La Jolla Leopard Sharks . 2. La Jolla Cove La Jolla Cove , rated the U.S.'s most beautiful beach in 2023 , offers breathtaking high cliffs and hidden coves. Visitors can explore tide pools and spot sea lions, capturing the essence of San Diego's coastal charm. 3. Sunset Cliffs Sunset Cliffs boasts rocky coastlines, tide pools, and stunning ocean views. Located just south of Ocean Beach, it offers a perfect sunrise view for surfers. 4. Pacific Beach Pacific Beach caters to adults with its vibrant scene of restaurants, bars, and a lively boardwalk. It offers a mix of tours and sightseeing, perfect for a fun beach day in San Diego. 5. Ocean Beach The venue for the 2024 SGA Surfing Championship , Ocean Beach is one of San Diego’s best spots to watch the surf. OB isn’t for beach loungers, but those who want to take a beach walks, enjoy the surf scene, and smell the salty air alongside the pier. 6. Del Mar Beach Del Mar Beach is a popular beach for its scenery and lounging, and it’s also a great location for athletes who will spend a lot of time in northern San Diego. Just south of Encinitas, Del Mar Beach is incredibly clean and offers a soft sandy beach, grassy areas, and facilities. 7. Windansea Beach Windansea Beach in La Jolla offers beautiful surf and stunning scenery with fewer crowds. It's great for sunbathing and exploring unique rock formations. Just remember the waves are strong here! Know before you go! When exploring new or unfamiliar beaches, stay informed by checking weather reports and learning more about your beach destination . Have you registered for the 2024 State Games of America presented by National University? Find out whether you’re eligible and register now!

Eligibility: State Games of America presented by National University

By MIkaela Nadolski • 06 Mar, 2024
Excitement is building for the 2024 State Games of America presented by National University, and a common question we've received is: Can anyone compete? In short, no. The long answer is that you must qualify. Fortunately, there are various ways to qualify, depending on whether you are a California resident or non-California resident for this biennial event. California Resident Since the 2024 State Games of America (SGA) are hosted in San Diego by the California State Games, ALL California residents can register for the SGA just like they would for a normal California State Games. Due to the NCSG Neighboring State Policy, athletes in Nevada (which does not have its own state member organization) also qualify for the 2024 State Games of America. Non-California Resident If you’re an athlete coming from one of the other 30+ National Congress of State Games (NCSG) Member State programs, qualification is more extensive. Here’s how you may have qualified depending on the year you competed in an NCSG Member State program: 2022: All gold, silver, and bronze medalists qualify from NCSG Member State programs, both Winter and Summer. Any medalist from the 2022 SGA held in Ames, Iowa qualifies. 2023: All gold, silver, and bronze medalists qualify from NCSG Member State programs, both Winter and Summer. 2024 (before July 1): All gold, silver, and bronze medalists qualify from NCSG Member State programs, both Winter and Summer. Any medalists from the 2022 State Games of America are eligible to compete in 2024. Sport Qualification Lastly, review the offered sports as the final step to check for qualification. Even if you meet the qualification criteria as a California or non-California Resident, your sport must be offered in the 2024 State Games of America to participate. Each host state determines the sport lineup, so even if your sport was offered in 2019 or 2022 in your home state, it may not be offered in the 2024 State Games of America. This may be influenced by regional or geographic location, facilities, sport directors, and more. If you qualify to compete after reviewing the qualification, visit the registration information as soon as possible.
California State Games Pickleball Championship

Let's Play Pickleball: The Fastest Growing Sport in the Country

By MIkaela Nadolski • 03 May, 2023
Pickleball is all the rage these days. Gyms all over California and the nation have converted tennis courts into pickleball courts as the number of players only continues to grow. And although pickleball is one of the newer sports at the California State Games, it has been easy to find players. So let's dive into why pickleball's popularity has soared in San Diego.
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