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Paradise Point Exclusive Tours: A Mid-Century Modern Time Capsule
July/August 2025
SOHO is excited to announce an exclusive walking tour of San Diego’s one-of-a-kind 1960s island resort—coming the first week of September 2025!
We’re truly thrilled to invite you to a rare, behind-the-scenes tour of one of San Diego’s most intact and evocative historic vacation spots, Paradise Point Resort & Spa, originally known as Vacation Village.
Experience one of San Diego's best-kept secrets of a bygone era. Tucked away in the heart of Mission Bay Park, this 44-acre Mid-Century gem remains remarkably preserved since its opening in June 1962. From its vintage Vacation Village roots, planted by movie producer Jack Skirball, to today’s Paradise Point Resort, it remains a breathtaking time capsule of Southern California design, with its original architecture and cultural landscape beautifully intact.
Come lose yourself in this immersive coastal oasis of over 600 tropical plant species from 20 countries as you step into another world, a lush and tranquil one steeped in retro charm and bathed in ocean breezes.
“This is the one place in San Diego where you can experience a truly authentic Mid-Century resort environment,” exults Alana Coons, SOHO's education and communications director. “It’s architecturally intact, culturally significant, and, for a plant and nature lover, visually breathtaking. It deserves to be recognized and celebrated.”
In fact, the American Institute of Architects San Diego Chapter did just that with its recent Design Awards, honoring the resort with its 2025 Legacy Award. "The remarkable integrity and continued functionality of this treasured destination, even after 63 years, stand as a lasting symbol of San Diego’s beach culture and thoughtful, climate-responsive design,” reads the citation.
Join us for a guided exploration of this rare architectural and cultural treasure and rediscover this San Diego jewel. The resort also holds pop culture significance, as the setting for two music videos by The Mamas and the Papas in the 1960s, bringing national attention to San Diego during the height of the counterculture movement and its reverence for alluring California.
Our expert historian guides will lead small-group tours through winding pathways set against the backdrop of a lush oasis, highlighting the resort’s architectural and cultural significance, intact historic buildings, and remarkable landscape. Consider extending your "getaway" with an optional meet-up at the resort’s restaurant and bar.
Our tour guides are two of the best—knowledgeable, impassioned architecture and cultural historians in San Diego.
Martin Lindsay Showcasing his extensive knowledge of this special place through his website and blog, Classic San Diego, Martin has become a key figure in documenting the region’s Mid-Century history and cultural trends. His book, Ninety Years of Classic San Diego Tiki, 1928-2018, is a major contribution to the national revival of interest in Tiki or Polynesian pop culture and its origins.
David Marshall, AIA One of San Diego's leading preservation architects, architectural historians, and authors, David brings both professional expertise and personal insight to the tour—having explored the resort as a child when it was his playground.
Tour Details
Date Friday, September 5 - Two tours to choose from: 10am and 2pm
Location Paradise Point Resort & Spa, 1404 Vacation Road, San Diego 92109
(Meet in front of the lobby)
Cost
- Guided Tour only
SOHO members: $25 | Non-members: $35
- Guided Tour and Commemorative Booklet with history and historic imagery
SOHO members: $45, non-members: $55
- Commemorative Booklet only: $25
Group Size is limited to ensure an enjoyable, memorable experience.
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
This extraordinary tour is part of SOHO’s ongoing mission to celebrate and preserve the authentic places that define San Diego’s history and character. Don't miss this rare opportunity to discover and experience Paradise Point like never before.
SOHO extends its sincere thanks to the team at Paradise Point Resort for graciously hosting us and making it possible to share this extraordinary Mid-Century treasure with the public.
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