A recommended day trip from Paradise Point
A good day trip from Paradise Point Resort & Spa starts on the resort’s private island—spend the morning on Mission Bay (kayaking or paddleboarding), an afternoon by one of the five heated pools or at The Spa at Paradise Point, and finish with waterfront dinner at Tidal or Barefoot Bar & Grill. Off-island attractions (SeaWorld, Old Town, downtown) are reachable through the resort’s arranged boat transfer plus ground transport or by separate ground transportation.
In this guide
Suggested one-day itinerary
Morning: Rent a kayak or paddleboard from the resort’s marina and explore Mission Bay’s calm, no-surf water—good for beginners and families. Bring sunscreen and a towel; rentals and lessons are available for an additional fee.
Midday: Return to the island for lunch at Barefoot Bar & Grill or casual snacks at Island Grinds Coffee, then pick a pool for an afternoon swim. All five heated pools are open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Kayaking or paddleboarding on Mission Bay (rental fee applies)
- Lunch at Barefoot Bar & Grill or quick coffee/pastries at Island Grinds Coffee
- Swim at the Main Pool, Lagoon Pool, Meadow Pool, Waterfall Pool, or the Adult Lagoon Pool
| Time of day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | Bay water sports (kayak/paddleboard) from the marina |
| Afternoon | Pools, fitness center, or spa treatment |
| Evening | Waterfront dinner at Tidal or Barefoot Bar & Grill |
Getting to and around the island
Paradise Point Resort & Spa sits on a 44-acre private island at 1404 Vacation Road on Mission Bay. The property is an island location; off-island destinations require the resort’s boat transfer plus ground transport or separate ground transport arrangements.
The front desk is open 24 hours. Check-in begins at 4:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM. The reservation holder checking in must be at least 21 years old and present a matching government-issued photo ID and credit card.
- Address: 1404 Vacation Rd, San Diego, CA 92109
- Front desk: open 24 hours
- Check-in: 4:00 PM; check-out: 11:00 AM
- Reservation holder must be 21+ to check in
| Service | Note |
|---|---|
| Boat transfer | Used for some off-island excursions (arranged through resort) |
| Parking | Self-parking available for a fee (check concierge for current rates) |
| Airport transfer | No complimentary airport shuttle; arrange ground transport or taxi |
On-site activities: pools, marina, fitness and more
The resort offers five heated pools (Main Pool, Lagoon Pool with fire pits, Meadow Pool, Waterfall Pool, and an Adult Lagoon Pool reserved for guests 18 and older). Pool hours are daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM and unlimited pool use is included with the resort amenities.
Water-sport options are based at the private marina and include kayak and paddleboard rentals; motorized options such as jet skis, catamarans and sailboats are offered for an additional fee. The fitness center at the Main Pool is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Five heated pools across the property (one adults-only pool near rooms 100–300)
- Kayak and paddleboard rentals on Mission Bay (flat-water, beginner friendly)
- Marina rentals (jet skis, catamarans, sailboats) available for a fee
- Fitness center equipment includes treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, free weights and circuit machines
| Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| Pools | Open daily 6:00 AM–10:00 PM; five total |
| Fitness Center | Open daily 6:00 AM–10:00 PM; located at Main Pool |
| Marina rentals | Offered for a fee; check marina desk for options |
Spa, wellness classes and family programs
The Spa at Paradise Point is open daily starting at 9:00 AM and includes nine treatment rooms, steam rooms, an outdoor whirlpool and a sauna. Spa services are available to both resort guests and non-guests with appointments and walk-ins accepted.
Complimentary wellness classes include island yoga, guided meditation and sound-bath meditation; the resort also runs family activities such as bike tours and a self-guided botanical tour, plus the Island Adventure Club for children ages 4–12.
- Spa hours begin at 9:00 AM (appointments and walk-ins accepted)
- Spa features: nine treatment rooms, couples’ spa bungalow, steam rooms, outdoor whirlpool and sauna
- Complimentary wellness classes: island yoga, guided meditation, sound-bath
- Children’s programming: Island Adventure Club (ages 4–12)
| Service | Who can use it |
|---|---|
| The Spa at Paradise Point | Guests and non-guests (appointments/walk-ins) |
| Wellness classes | Generally complimentary for guests; ask concierge for schedule |
| Island Adventure Club | Children ages 4–12 |
Dining options for a day trip
On-site dining includes Tidal (Californian coastal seafood for breakfast and dinner), Barefoot Bar & Grill (New American for lunch and dinner), Tropics Cantina (Mexican-inspired poolside bar) and Island Grinds Coffee (coffee and pastries). Room service (Food2You) is available daily for breakfast and all-day dining.
For a relaxed evening after your day on the bay, Tidal and Barefoot Bar & Grill provide waterfront seating; Tropics Cantina is convenient for poolside drinks and snacks during the afternoon.
- Tidal — Californian coastal seafood; breakfast & dinner (hours vary)
- Barefoot Bar & Grill — New American; lunch & dinner (hours vary)
- Tropics Cantina — Poolside Mexican-inspired bar for cocktails and light fare
- Island Grinds Coffee — Coffee and pastries for grab-and-go
| Venue | Best for |
|---|---|
| Island Grinds Coffee | Quick morning coffee and pastries |
| Barefoot Bar & Grill | Casual lunch or easy dinner |
| Tidal | Leisurely waterfront dinner or breakfast |
Room suggestions and where to stay on a short trip
If you want immediate water views and easy patio access, consider Room, Lanai (Bayside) or a Suite (Bayside Bungalow Bay). For families needing extra sleeping space, Room, 2 Queen Beds, Lanai (Garden) and Suite, with Sofa bed (Bayside Bungalow Cove) include more beds and living areas.
All bungalow-style rooms include in-room coffee and Wi‑Fi as part of the resort amenities included with the daily resort fee; 95 suites are available among the resort’s 462 rooms if you prefer a larger living area.
- Room, Lanai (Bayside) — 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds; patio access to bayside
- Suite (Bayside Bungalow Bay) — 1 King Bed; waterfront suite option
- Room, 2 Queen Beds, Lanai (Garden) — good for families
- Suite, with Sofa bed (Bayside Bungalow Cove) — 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed
| Room type | Why choose it |
|---|---|
| Suite (Bayside Bungalow Bay) | Waterfront views and more space |
| Room, Lanai (Bayside) | Quick outdoor access to bayside patios |
| Room, 2 Queen Beds, Lanai (Garden) | Extra beds for families |
Practical tips for a smooth day trip
A mandatory daily resort fee covers amenities such as Wi‑Fi, fitness-center access and pool use; parking and certain activities (marina rentals, some excursions) carry additional charges. The property does not accept cash at check-in for incidentals—bring a credit or debit card.
Pets (dogs) are allowed with a nonrefundable pet fee and must not be left unattended in rooms; service animals are exempt. If you want adult-only pool time, note the Adult Lagoon Pool is reserved for guests 18 and older and is located near rooms 100–300.
- Bring photo ID and the card used to guarantee the reservation (reservation holder must be 21+)
- Resort fee covers Wi‑Fi, fitness center and pool access; some services and rentals cost extra
- Pools open daily 6:00 AM–10:00 PM; Adult Lagoon Pool is 18+
- Spa hours start at 9:00 AM; check spa desk for appointments and walk-ins
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Check-in age | Reservation holder must be at least 21 with ID and matching card |
| Pool hours | 6:00 AM–10:00 PM daily |
| Spa access | Open daily starting at 9:00 AM; guests and non-guests welcome |
