You don’t have to fly hours to the South Pacific to feel warm ocean breezes, see swaying palm trees and wiggle your toes in soft white sand beaches while enjoying spectacular crimson sunsets.
Mission Bay, a 4,600-acre aquatic playground just north of downtown San Diego, features all that and much more: SeaWorld San Diego (celebrating its 50th anniversary), beachside resorts and restaurants, boating and recreational facilities…even luaus!
Mission Bay was first discovered in 1542 by explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo who named it “False Bay” because of its shallow lagoons and saltwater marshes. Dredging in the late 1940s through the ’60s created what we see today: the largest man-made aquatic park in the United States!
An early historian envisioned Mission Bay would become the Venice of America. Well, it didn’t quite become a gondolier’s dream, but rather a tropical retreat better suited to its sparkling location on the Pacific.
[Tweet “Experience a little slice of vacation paradise in #SanDiego at these scenic spots on #MissionBay:”]To experience a little slice of vacation paradise, look no further than these scenic spots on Mission Bay:
Paradise Point Resort & Spa
The name says it all! For over half a century this oasis on a private peninsula has lured travelers looking for a dreamy island escape.
> Find out more about the Paradise Point Resort & Spa
Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa
The Catamaran Resort is as Hawaiian as it gets, with lava-like fountains, tropical landscaping, live parrots and entertaining summer luaus!
> Find out more about the Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa
Bahia Resort Hotel
The Brazilian-themed Bahia Resort, located on a secluded 14-acre peninsula, surrounds guests with island-inspired beauty from exotic palms and a rainbow of colorful flowers to splashing streams.
> Find out more about the Bahia Resort Hotel
Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa
The luxe and lovely Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa is a romantic paradise of lush, tropical surroundings.
> Find out more about the Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa
The Dana on Mission Bay
The Dana on Mission Bay is also pretty as a postcard with its 10 tropically landscaped acres – tikis and all! (for tiki fans, check out my list of fun San Diego tiki finds)
> Find out more about The Dana on Mission Bay
> Discover even more Tropical Fun in Mission Bay
Bring your leis and grass skirts and ease into the island vibe you’ll find on Mission Bay! 🙂