Worth the Trip to Vacation Isle Park
Grassy Areas, Fire Pits & Gazebos
Vacation Isle East isn’t so different from Vacation Isle West; these two parts of the park both have wide grassy areas that are perfect for picnics or a game of Frisbee or cornhole, while the sandy beaches are beloved by sun worshipers who love to lay out and soak up the rays – with regular application of sunscreen, of course.
Both sides of the park have picnic tables in the grass, and on the beach, fire rings dot the sand for safe bonfire spots. A beloved nighttime activity with San Diego beachgoers is roasting marshmallows at the fire rings and it is part of both our Unique Things to Do in San Diego and our Best Things to do in San Diego at night lists!
The park also has shade trees to give you a break from the sun. In Vacation Isle East, however, there is a gazebo with picnic tables that you may be able to reserve for larger gatherings.
Beaches at Vacation Isle Park
The beaches of Vacation Isle Park are lovely, to be sure, but they do not afford you much in the way of water access; in fact, they have a rocky barrier that prevents easy entry. Needless to say, this is not the beach you go to for swimming or boogie boarding, but it is a beautiful place to see SeaWorld San Diego or Downtown San Diego off in the distance. You can also stroll along the sand to watch the clouds or birds go by.
Pet Policy
No dogs allowed in park between 9am and 6pm in the summer (April 1st to October 31st) and after 4 pm in the winter (November 1st to March 31st). Leashed dogs allowed during the off hours.
Pond at Vacation Isle Park
But let’s go back to that pond in the center of the park, which is a big draw for visitors. The pond is used for racing model yachts and sailboats, and these are not kids’ toys we are talking about. Model boat enthusiasts bring their hand-crafted remote-controlled boats for races, and the boats themselves are a marvel to behold.
On Saturday mornings, the yachts are out in full force, while the afternoons are better for sailboats to take advantage of the breeze. A hobby group known as the San Diego Argonauts has a calendar of events you can check out to plan your visit when races take place.
Located just next to Vacation Isle Park is the gorgeous Paradise Point Resort & Spa. The Paradise Point Resort & Spa boasts private beaches on Mission Bay and 5 different swimming pools on its huge property. There is even a bar / restaurant that has a dock where guests or visitors can dock their boats while they eat at Barefoot Bar & Grill.