Tour Paradise Point, San Diego’s iconic 1960s-era resort

by Debbie L. Sklar • Times of San Diego

Carousel Room with the Cleopatra Room in the right foreground, 1963. (Photo by Julius Shulman courtesy of SOHO)

Looking for something out of the ordinary? Want to step back in time to another era—maybe even feel like you’re on Gilligan’s Island?

Save Our Heritage Organisation is offering a rare and exclusive one-day-only walking tour of Paradise Point, formerly known as Vacation Village, one of San Diego’s most historic properties.

Water lily lagoon. (Photo courtesy of SOHO)

The tours will take place on Friday, Sept. 5, with two options to choose from: 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. This is a unique opportunity to explore the island resort’s iconic 1960s architecture, design, and tropical landscape. See lilly ponds, check out an observation tower, or walk where the singers from the Mamas & Papas filmed videos.

Garden suite bungalows line the lagoon. (Photo courtesy of SOHO)

Nestled on its 44-acre island, the resort originally opened in 1962. Designed by architect Eldridge Spencer and his team, the village was constructed with innovative flair, often engineering solutions as they built, drawing on modernist principles while embracing theatricality and whimsy.

The site’s tropical environment features original plantings of over 600 plant species imported from more than 20 countries. Decades later, the fully mature plantings remain a lush and immersive time capsule, alongside the intact original structures and pathways that still echo a bygone era of Southern California travel.

Seen at the left of the tower base are the original buildings that housed the Persian Room and Bayview Bar, once connected by a raised walkway. (Photo courtesy Paradise Point/ SOHO)

“Paradise Point is one of the few places in San Diego where you can experience a truly authentic Mid-Century resort environment,” said Alana Coons, SOHO’s education and communication director. “It’s architecturally intact, culturally significant, and visually breathtaking.”

As mentioned, the resort also holds pop culture significance, having served as a filming location for two music videos by The Mamas & the Papas in the 1960s, bringing national attention to San Diego during the height of the counterculture movement.

Observation tower and kiosk seen from the fountain. (Photo courtesy of SOHO)

The tour will feature:

Guided small-group walking tours led by architectural and 60s San Diego cultural experts
Behind-the-scenes insight into the resort’s design and preservation
A beautifully designed printed history and tour booklet is available for purchase by all attendees

Before or after the tour, guests are encouraged to enjoy the resort’s Barefoot Bar & Grill or Tidal restaurant for an informal gathering (not part of the official program).