Nearby things to do: SeaWorld, beaches, and top San Diego sights

From Paradise Point Resort & Spa you can easily combine a family day at SeaWorld (reachable via the resort’s boat transfer plus short ground transport) with beach and bay activities on Mission Bay—kayaking, paddleboarding, bike paths and a mile of resort beach are all available. On-site options include five heated pools, The Spa at Paradise Point, marina rentals and lawn games for all ages.
In this guide
SeaWorld San Diego: planning a visit
SeaWorld is the major marine-themed park listed among nearby attractions. Paradise Point arranges a boat transfer plus short ground transport for guests headed off-island to SeaWorld and other attractions; check with the resort concierge for schedules and reservations.
If you’re traveling with kids, book SeaWorld tickets and any animal encounters in advance through SeaWorld’s website or the resort concierge to avoid sold-out experiences. The property’s family-friendly focus makes it simple to plan SeaWorld as a half- or full-day outing.
- Ask the concierge about the resort’s boat transfer schedule and any package options that include park admission.
- Bring sunscreen and a change of clothes—SeaWorld can involve water rides and splash areas for kids.
- If you prefer less walking, consider timed shows and a map to plan a route by area.
| Item | How to arrange |
|---|---|
| SeaWorld transfer | Ask resort concierge for booking |
| Park tickets | Buy online or through concierge |
| Show reservations | Reserve early via SeaWorld site or app |
Beaches and Mission Bay water activities
Paradise Point sits on a 44-acre private island with about a mile of sandy beach on Mission Bay and direct access to calm, no-surf waters suited to beginners and families.
The bay is ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking; the resort and local outfitters offer rentals and lessons on Mission Bay. Flat-water conditions make short family outings and child-friendly paddles practical.
- Rent kayaks or paddleboards through the resort’s marina or Mission Bay outfitters.
- Consider a guided bay cruise or 75-minute sail if you prefer a relaxed sightseeing option.
- Use the bay’s bike paths for a longer shore-side ride—Mission Bay has many miles of bike-friendly routes.
| Activity | Where to arrange | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Kayak / Paddleboard | Resort marina or local rental | Beginners, families |
| Sunset sail | Local cruise operators | Couples, small groups |
| Beach time | On-site beach | Kids, sunbathing |

Top San Diego sights beyond the island
Paradise Point lists Old Town, Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo and La Jolla among attractions guests commonly visit. The resort can arrange trolley tours to Old Town and city sightseeing via 'The Hopper' double-decker bus.
Because Paradise Point is on a private island, off-island excursions typically use the resort’s boat transfer followed by ground transport or a booked ground transfer; verify transportation details with the concierge when planning day trips.
- Old Town San Diego: ask about resort trolley tours.
- Balboa Park & San Diego Zoo: often reached via ground transport after the resort’s transfer.
- La Jolla Cove: a popular coastal excursion; check with concierge for recommended providers.
| Attraction | How to get there from the resort |
|---|---|
| Old Town San Diego | Resort trolley tour or arranged transfer |
| Balboa Park / San Diego Zoo | Resort-arranged transfer (boat + ground) |
| La Jolla Cove | Concierge-arranged ground transfer |
On-site recreation, pools and family activities
Paradise Point offers five heated swimming pools (Main Pool, Lagoon Pool with fire pits, Meadow Pool, Waterfall Pool, and an Adult Lagoon Pool reserved for guests 18 and older) open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Pool access is included in the resort’s daily amenities.
The resort also runs complimentary wellness classes (island yoga, guided meditation, sound baths), a kids program for ages 4–12, lawn games, an 18-hole putting course, and courts for tennis and pickleball.
- Adult Lagoon Pool: reserved for guests 18+ and located near rooms 100–300.
- Fitness center at the Main Pool open daily with cardio and free weights (hours 6:00 AM–10:00 PM).
- Marina activities such as jet skis, catamarans and sailboats are available for an extra fee.
| Facility | Included with resort fee? |
|---|---|
| Pool access (5 pools) | Yes |
| Fitness center | Yes |
| Marina rentals (jet skis, sailboats) | No (additional fee) |
The Spa at Paradise Point and wellness
The Spa at Paradise Point is a full-service, publicly accessible spa open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM with nine treatment rooms, an outdoor whirlpool, steam rooms and a small salon. Signature treatments reference island traditions and range from massages to specialty baths and facials.
San Diego residents may be eligible for spa discounts under the spa’s Local Islander Love program; guests and non-guests can make appointments or walk in, though booking ahead is recommended for popular time slots.
- Spa features: couples’ spa bungalow, herbal steam rooms, outdoor whirlpool and sauna.
- Common treatments: Island Stone massage, milk bath, Island Origins package, CBD treatments and Fountain of Youth facials.
- Location on property: between the Island Market and the Island Adventure Hut—ask the resort map or concierge for directions.
| Service | Notes |
|---|---|
| Appointments | Available to guests and non-guests |
| Hours | Daily starting at 9:00 AM |
| Discounts | Local resident discounts available |
Where to stay on the island: room tips
Rooms and suites at Paradise Point are bungalow-style with exterior hallways and operable windows. If you want immediate bay views, consider a bayside option such as Suite (Bayside Bungalow Bay) or Junior Suite (Bayside).
Families can choose Suite, with Sofa bed (Bayside Bungalow Cove) or Suite (Garden Bungalow) for extra sleeping space; Standard Room and Room, 2 Queen Beds, Lanai (Garden) are also listed options for groups.
- If you want patio access, look for Room, Lanai (Bayside) or Premium Room, Lanai (Garden).
- The Adult Lagoon Pool is near rooms 100–300—book accordingly if you want proximity to the adults-only area.
- All stays include high-speed Wi‑Fi, in-room coffee and access to the resort’s pools and fitness center per the resort’s daily amenities.
| Room type | Good for |
|---|---|
| Suite, with Sofa bed (Bayside Bungalow Cove) | Families who need extra sleeping space |
| Junior Suite (Bayside) | Couples wanting bay views |
| Room, 2 Queen Beds, Lanai (Garden) | Families needing two beds with patio access |

Practical tips for planning and transport
Because Paradise Point is on a private island in Mission Bay, plan off-island trips (SeaWorld, downtown, La Jolla) through the resort concierge; many excursions require the resort’s boat transfer followed by ground transport.
Note the property’s check-in and check-out times, and the 21+ requirement for the person checking in. The resort charges a mandatory daily resort fee that includes pool and fitness access; parking, marina rentals and some activities carry additional fees.
- Check-in starts at 4:00 PM; check-out is 11:00 AM. Early/late requests are subject to availability and may incur a fee.
- The reservation holder checking in must be at least 21 with a matching photo ID and credit card.
- Ask the concierge about booking transfers, tours, and spa appointments before your arrival to secure preferred times.
| Item | Tip |
|---|---|
| Resort fee | Includes Wi‑Fi, pools and fitness; additional fees apply for parking and marina rentals |
| Parking | Self-parking available for a surcharge; confirm current rate with the resort |
| Transfers | Arrange boat + ground transport via concierge for off-island attractions |


