Staycation Idea: Escape to Mission Bay's Paradise Point Resort

Paradise Point Resort does not feel like San Diego. The lush landscaping feels much more like a tropical island resort. Accommodations include bungalow-style guest rooms, many with doors opening right to the sand.

Paradise Point is the only island resort in San Diego. It is located on Vacation Island, which was set up by the Navy in the 1940's as a vacation camp.

The 462-room property has its own marina, spa, pool, fitness center, gift shop, putting green, basketball and tennis courts, sandy beaches along the bay with 14 bonfire rings, bike, segway and boat rentals, as well as croquet, horseshoes and bocce ball. 

The resort offers a private water taxi service to SeaWorld, allowing guests to save time entering through a special entrance and not pay for parking. The water taxi can also transport guests the Paradise Surf Academy. 

One of the highlights of Paradise Point Resort is the Barefoot Bar & Grill. Even if you don't stay at the hotel, go there for brunch or lunch on a sunny day and sit on the patio while enjoying amazing views of the Mission Bay. There are also really cool leopard sharks swimming around the restaurant. 

The Barefoot Bar and Grill was built in 1962, when the hotel opened, during Cuban Missile Crisis. It was actually a bunker with an indoor sand dance floor! Drinks were $1.75. The 50-year-old drink menu is being offered on Sundays (but with 2012 prices).