Recently our oldest nugget had a big birthday to celebrate, and we wanted to do something special. Sophia was turning 18 – a huge deal in her life as she was officially becoming an adult. To honor the day, we headed over to the Paradise Point Resort in San Diego for an overnight staycation. What a fantastic gem for San Diego hotels. It’s rare to find great hotels on San Diego Bay and this is one of them.
Nice touch. The folks at Paradise Point delivered these beauties for Sophia’s birthday.Great Hotels on San Diego Bay
Right on the sand and calm lapping waters of the bay, Paradise Point Resort has long been a favorite among great hotels on San Diego Bay. Visitors from out of town love this resort because of its location. The grounds are so lushly landscaped with tropical plants and flowers, and the flaming tiki torches add an island touch. Occupying a prime position along Paradise Point in the center of San Diego Bay, the resort makes guests feel like they are in another land. Perfect choice for hotels on San Diego Bay.
The daytime view from our cottage porch.Our two rooms were beachfront cottages, overlooking a lagoon and nearby waterways. Seabirds gathered in the waters, looking for dinner as several crew boats sliced through the water and ducked under the bridge.
It was so fun to roast marshmallows on the beach and makes s’mores! (photo courtesy of hotel)Later in the evening, the resort set up a fun marshmallow roast around a fire pit in the sand outside our room. They stoked the fire, setting up reclining beach chairs with blankets for our gang. As we enjoyed gooey s’mores, the view of lights from across the way reflected on the water in front of us. Under a starry San Diego sky, we felt happy and content.
The hotel set up a great fire for us on the beach so the girls could roast marshmallows.A Local Favorite
Paradise Point has been a local San Diego favorite for decades. It’s had several names in its celebrated history and will change again soon (see below). Regardless, the resort has consistently remained a favorite among great hotels on San Diego Bay.
Many a local has enjoyed beers and burgers at the Barefoot Bar. It’s one of the few hotel bars where locals flock and mingle successfully with visitors from all around the world. I may have spent a few solid party nights there myself back in the day. On this visit, we stopped in for old time’s sake to enjoy the sunset views and nearby dock.
At the Barefoot Bar, you can enjoy a beer and burger while looking at this incredible view.From there we walked over to the resort’s upscale dining establishment, Tidal. Again known by locals for serving fresh and innovative seafood dishes, Tidal does not disappoint. We enjoyed a delicious dinner here with a postcard perfect view.
Tidal restaurant at the Paradise Point Resort served up some delicious dinner.Recent Room Renovation
The rooms at Paradise Point Resort went through a recent renovation, and are fresh, clean and beachy. We reserved two adjoining beachfront cottages which were quite spacious and private. With no shared walls, Sophia and her friends could have their own space without disturbing neighboring rooms. From our adjoining room we could faintly hear the girls counting down to midnight as they celebrated Sophia officially joining adulthood. Even the sound of Happy Birthday being sung loudly and proudly did not carry.
The living room area in our cottage was bright and spacious.Our cottages were very large, with enormous bedroom and bathroom with two separate vanity areas. The living room offered a large foldout couch with attached lounge. Along with nearby chairs, this room could easily seat a family of 7 or 8. There’s also a decent kitchenette area and dining table for four.
A nautical theme (natch) feels right at home in our cottage bedroom.Big Plans Ahead: Margaritaville
We’re told the Paradise Point has future plans to become a Margaritaville Resort. Joining part of the Jimmy Buffet-inspired hotel group, the resort will undoubtedly go through some changes. Some areas will probably be reimagined while others are renovated to better fit the Margaritaville theme. Parrot Heads should be very excited when the new property debuts sometime in 2021.
Even so, I imagine this will remain one of the great hotels on San Diego Bay. With this location and history, how could it not?
After the girls moved on, the parents moved in for a little warmth.And if you are looking for something to do in San Diego while visiting (or even as a local) check out our San Diego Tourist Spots That Locals Love Too.
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