Mission Bay Guide: Vacation Isle
San Diego’s Mission Bay is one of the city’s prime attractions. There are all kinds of water-based activities and 27-miles of shoreline. This is our guide to Vacation Isle located in the center of Mission Bay.
- Location: 1600 Vacation Rd, San Diego, CA 92109
- Parking: Large parking lots at Ski Beach. Smaller parking lots at North Cove Beach and Vacation Isle Park
- Facilities: Restrooms at Ski Beech and Vacation Isle Park
- Lifeguards: None
- Rentals: Paradise Point has a rental location. Ski Beach may have seasonal rentals. Rental facilities also available directly across the bridge at Dana Landing by SeaWorld.
NOTE: Pictures in the original article were taken during summer 2020. Updates include pictures taken during winter 2021 at low tide.
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Overview
Vacation Isle is a man-made island in the center of Mission Bay. Ingraham Street runs through the middle and connects the island to Dana Landing and SeaWorld in the south and Crown Point/Pacific Beach in the north.
The island can be divided into four areas. Ski Beach takes up the eastern half of the island with Paradise Point, North Cove Beach and Vacation Isle Park on the western half. The entire island is less than half a mile in each direction.
Ski Beach
As its name implies Ski Beach is a prime location for jet skiing and water skiing. There is plenty of parking in the large parking lots where parking spaces are designed for vehicles with trailers. Of course, there is a boat ramp.
The map here shows the water ski area.
This is also a great area for families with small children. There are restrooms, plenty of grassy area and playgrounds.
The downside is that Ski Beach is designed primarily for motor sports. This is not the place for swimming, paddle boarding or kayaking. Very small children can wade into the water but that is about all.
North Cove Beach
North Cove Beach is one of the most secluded areas of Mission Bay. The beach is located off a side street at the entrance to Paradise Point resort.
There is a small parking lot and the beach itself is fairly small. However, it is generally not very crowded and the cove is away from the activity of Mission Bay.
Most of the horseshoe shaped beach area is part of the Paradise Point Resort beach area.
North Cove Beach is also a popular spot for fishing near the bridge that connects Vacation Isle to Crown Point.
Vacation Isle Park
Vacation Isle Park is a large grassy park in the southwest corner of Vacation Isle. This is a great place for family picnics, but it is not a beach area.
The Model Yacht Pond or Model Boat Pond is a key feature of the area. As the name implies it is a place to sail model boats.
Paradise Point Resort
Paradise Point Resort is one of San Diego’s most attractive lodging options. The resort takes up much of the western end of Vacation Isle.
Paradise Point has several dining options. The Barefoot Bar and Grill has always been a popular spot even for locals.
Additional Resources
For our full guide to Mission Bay go here.
For our guide to Mission Bay Beaches go here.
For hotel suggestions in the area check out our guide to Where to Stay in Central San Diego Beaches.
