When Sessions By The Bay opened its doors in National City in the spring of 2025, it did not just launch another dispensary. It rewrote the playbook for cannabis retail in the entire San Diego region. The venue became San Diego County's first licensed cannabis consumption lounge, combining a full-service dispensary, an elevated dining experience, and a 21-plus social space under one roof along the scenic waterfront of San Diego Bay.
The concept had been years in the making. San Diego natives Alex and Pearl Ayon spent nearly four years navigating the complex web of state and local licensing requirements before welcoming their first guests. The result is a three-story destination at 700 Bay Marina Drive in National City that feels less like a traditional dispensary and more like a members-only club where cannabis happens to be on the menu.
What Makes a Cannabis Consumption Lounge Different?
In California, a cannabis consumption lounge is a licensed space where adults 21 and older may legally consume cannabis on the premises. Unlike a standard dispensary, where customers purchase products and leave, a consumption lounge provides a social setting to enjoy those products. Think of the difference between a liquor store and a bar. Both sell alcohol; only one lets you drink on site.
San Diego was notably late to this party compared to cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, largely due to restrictive local ordinances. National City changed that equation by becoming one of the first municipalities in the county to permit consumption lounges, clearing the path for Sessions By The Bay to operate the region's inaugural venue of this kind.
The Venue: Three Floors of Elevated Experience
The ground floor houses the dispensary itself, a 3,000-square-foot market-style space designed to feel approachable rather than clinical. No glass cases here. Products are displayed in an open, browsable layout, and knowledgeable staff are positioned throughout to guide guests without pressure. The selection spans flower, concentrates, edibles, tinctures, and vapes from curated California brands.
The second floor is the consumption lounge proper. Guests who have made a purchase can move upstairs into a refined social space with comfortable seating, a full non-alcoholic dining menu, and signature mocktails available with self-infusion options. Bespoke device rentals are also available for guests who want to try a specific consumption method without committing to a purchase. Private event space and immersive art installations add to the ambiance.
The rooftop level offers a non-alcoholic bar with sweeping views of San Diego Bay. It is perhaps the most visually striking element of the entire property, combining the natural beauty of the waterfront with a curated lounge experience.
The Sycuan Tribal Partnership
Sessions By The Bay sits on land owned by the Sycuan Tribal Development Corporation, the commercial arm of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation. This partnership gives the venue a unique cultural dimension that extends beyond business. The Sycuan connection also provided financial stability during the lengthy pre-opening period and reflects a growing trend of tribal nations participating in California's legal cannabis economy.
For the Sycuan tribe, the investment represents economic diversification and a way to participate in a regulated industry on their own terms. For Sessions By The Bay, the tribal land partnership offered a pathway through zoning and permitting hurdles that might have proved insurmountable otherwise.
Community Impact and Local Hiring
From the outset, Sessions By The Bay has emphasized local economic impact as a core part of its identity. The company has committed to hiring National City residents, investing in youth programs, and contributing to substance abuse awareness initiatives in the surrounding community. This community-first approach has resonated with local officials and residents who might otherwise have viewed a cannabis business with skepticism.
"We are not just here to sell cannabis. We are here to be part of this neighborhood for the long term." -- Sessions By The Bay Leadership
Hours, Location, and How to Visit
The dispensary at Sessions By The Bay is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The consumption lounge operates Monday through Thursday from noon to 10:00 p.m., Friday from noon to 11:00 p.m., Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. No reservation is required for dispensary access, though lounge seating on busy evenings may have a wait.
The venue is located at 700 Bay Marina Drive, National City, CA 91950, just minutes from downtown San Diego and Coronado Island. Ample parking is available on site, and the location is easily accessible via the 5 and 805 freeways.
Article Sponsor
This article is brought to you by Sessions By The Bay, San Diego's first and only cannabis dispensary and consumption lounge with waterfront dining and immersive art. Located at 700 Bay Marina Drive in National City.
Learn More About Sessions By The BayWhat Visitors Are Saying
Since opening, Sessions By The Bay has accumulated hundreds of reviews across Yelp, Google, and Leafly. Guests consistently highlight the staff's product knowledge, the quality of the curated menu, and the one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Many note that the venue feels genuinely welcoming for cannabis newcomers and experienced consumers alike, a balance that is notoriously difficult to strike.
Cannabis tourism from out-of-state visitors has also become a notable revenue stream, with travelers specifically seeking out Sessions By The Bay as a bucket-list stop on San Diego itineraries. The combination of the waterfront setting, the consumption lounge experience, and the dining options creates something that simply does not exist anywhere else in the county.
Looking Ahead: A New Standard for San Diego Cannabis
The success of Sessions By The Bay has reignited conversations at the San Diego City Council level about expanding consumption lounge permits throughout the city and county. Officials who were once skeptical are watching National City's experience closely. If the city moves forward with broader consumption lounge licensing, Sessions By The Bay will be recognized as the pioneer that proved the concept worked.
For anyone who has not yet visited, the experience is worth making the trip. San Diego's cannabis scene has taken a significant step forward, and it happened right on the waterfront in National City.