🚐 The Drift Bus Gets a Glow-Up: Part 1 of 3

Renovating the Floors and Kicking Off a Full Transformation

We’re kicking off a three-part blog series documenting the full transformation of the Coastal Drift bus — from its early days as a dedicated mobile bar to a fully versatile space built for bar service, photo booth fun, and styled photoshoots.

🧰 Out with the Old

In this first installment, we’re diving into the foundation of the renovation — literally.We started by removing the old hydraulic lift that once supported our previous bar setup. With that out of the way, we had the freedom to completely reimagine the interior flow and create a flat, open space that’s both beautiful and functional.

Next came the floors — we installed rich wood laminate that instantly elevated the look and tied the space together. The clean lines and warm tones complement the bus’s signature retro aesthetic while making it easier to maintain during busy event days. Next up: Cedar panels and ceiling!

From the floor up!

Grand Opening Party- Pacific Hotel & Convention Center

An Epic Grand Opening at the Gaylord Pacific Hotel & Convention Center

Some nights you just know you’re part of something unforgettable — and the grand opening of the Gaylord Pacific Hotel & Convention Center was exactly that.

We rolled in with our VW bus bar to serve Jose Cuervo Tradicional Margaritas, while Red Bull’s DJ curated the soundtrack that kept the energy alive all night long. The atmosphere was electric — from a halfpipe with pro skaters, to skydivers dropping in, to guests savoring wagyu beef and fresh bluefin.

And just when you thought it couldn’t get bigger, the night closed with a live performance by Third Eye Blind, bringing the crowd together in the perfect finale.

For Coastal Drift Collective, it was an honor to be part of such a landmark celebration — mixing great drinks, unforgettable entertainment, and a vibe that only San Diego can deliver.

Here’s to the Gaylord Pacific’s bright future — and to many more nights like this one!

Goats, Cold Drinks, and a VW Bus

On August 9th, 2025, Coastal Drift Collective had an amazing time at the SDGE Fire Safety Fair in Alpine! We served up cold refreshments from our one-of-a-kind VW bus mobile bar and got to hang out with some very friendly goats 🐐. The energy was fantastic, and it was so fun to be part of a community-focused event while keeping everyone cool and refreshed.

We’re excited to keep the good vibes rolling — next stop: Bate’s Nut Farm on August 30th, 2025! Join us at:15954 Woods Valley Rd, Valley Center, CA 92082

Whether you’re coming for the drinks, the atmosphere, or just a peek at our vintage VW bus bar, we can’t wait to see you there. Stay tuned for more updates, events, and behind-the-scenes fun from Coastal Drift Collective!