To some, paradise is a memorable dinner overlooking a moonlit bay. To others it is lounging with your toes in the sand or listening to boats bob in the water from a luxurious suite. To me it’s all of the above, and more, which is why I love Bahia Resort Hotel (www.bahiahotel.com) on San Diego’s majestic Mission Bay.

Set on a 14-acre peninsula in Mission Bay, Bahia Resort is a slice of heaven with a sandy beach, winding paths through lush tropical gardens, a gourmet restaurant, a sparkling pool area, a giant Mississippi River-styled paddlewheel boat, water activities, and lots of fun and games for the whole family. 

The family and I recently snuck away to Bahia Resort for three days of fun and relaxation in the San Diego sun. 

Our getaway began when we checked into a luxurious suite, located steps from the water. Covering more than 600 sq-ft, the room came with a separate bedroom with a large king bed. It also boasted a kitchenette area with a breakfast bar, sink, microwave, and mini refrigerator, a living room area with sleeper sofa, office desk, comfortable lounge chair and lots of storage space. 

The best feature in the suite was the patio, where a table and chairs overlooked gorgeous Mission Bay. From here we had memorable views of the bay and the colorful boats docked about 50 yards from our room. We also had a front row seat to the Bahia Belle, the hotel’s iconic paddle wheel ship. 

When not enjoying our room, we strolled along the hotel’s sandy beach, lounged by the pool, or enjoyed resort activities. One of the funnest things we did was rent a surrey bike and pedal around Mission Bay on a well kept walking/biking path. The two-hour journey followed the sand past beautiful, waterfront homes, boats, kayakers, paddle boarders and more. 

Along the way we passed a little house where people can adopt a puppy, and rode the bike to a park, where the kids played and we rested our legs. We then pedaled to Catamaran Resort, a sister property of Bahia Resort also set on Mission Bay. Here we bought a smoothie and sat on the sand. 

Back at Bahia, we prepared for dinner at Dockside 1953, the resort’s signature restaurant. Situated steps from the beach and marina, the nautical-inspired restaurant spoils guests with a spacious outdoor patio featuring cozy fire pits, a covered trellis, and stunning unobstructed views of Mission Bay and the Bahia Belle, the hotel’s Mississippi River-styled paddle wheel boat. 

Our dinner at Dockside 1953 began on the patio, overlooking the bay and an old speed boat sitting in the sand as decoration. Seated next to a firepit, we started with fresh and delicious West Coast oysters, with apple mignonette, cocktail sauce and horseradish; and coconut snapper ceviche, with local Pacific snapper, coconut, ginger red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and plantain chips.

For the main course we enjoyed seared Skuna Bay salmon, with lemon risotto, grilled asparagus, and chive caviar beurre blanc; and a hangar steak, with mashed potatoes, charred broccoli rabe, caramelized shallot, maitre de butter, red wine demi glaze. The kids had a burger and chicken nuggets. 

The next morning we walked across the parking lot and rented a beautiful, 20-ft Hurricane power boat from Action Sport Rentals (www.actionsportrentals.com/bahia-resort/), which partners with Bahia Resort. The company is a one-stop shop for boat, sailboat, kayak rentals, and more. 

Our voyage started with a short safety video and learning how to work the boat controls, which are surprisingly easy. We then hopped in and cruised into the morning sun to explore Mission Bay. 

Spanning more than 4,000 acres, Mission Bay is an artificial, saltwater bay that is part of the recreational Mission Bay Park, the largest man-made aquatic park in the United States. It was created for recreational activities such as wakeboarding, jet skiing, sailing, camping, cycling, jogging, roller skating, skateboarding, and sunbathing. 

During the trip, we cruised past waterfront condos and houses and past other boaters and paddle boarders and went under a big bridge. We also sailed by Catamaran Resort, where we rented a similar boat last summer. The vessel handled very well and had lots of room and shade for the family to enjoy the ride. 

After the cruise, we discovered another fun thing to do. Across the street from Bahia Resort we found Belmont Park (https://www.belmontpark.com/), an historic 100-year-old, oceanfront amusement park. Featuring an old fashioned wooden rollercoaster and numerous thrilling rides and attractions, the park is fun for the whole family. 

One of my favorites rides at Belmont Park is the landmark Giant Dipper roller, a coaster that zips and turns up and down at speeds up to 48 miles per hour. Other things to do at the park include a carousel, mini-golf, rock climbing, an intense obstacle course for kids, a huge indoor pool, and Shipwreck Cove, a 30-foot interactive tower ride where guests pull themselves up using a rope attached to the gondola before experiencing a thrilling drop and rotating 360 degrees for a full park perspective.

Back at Bahia Resort, we swam in the pool and soaked in the Jacuzzi. 

The next morning as fog hovered over the bay, we were back at Dockside 1953 for a great breakfast. I had delicious plate of carne asade chilaquiles, with crunchy corn tortillas, beans, cheese, cilantro salsa, pickled onions, over easy eggs and topped with avocado slices; The wife had the American Breakfast, with eggs, smoked apple bacon, breakfast potatoes, and toast. The kids devoured buttermilk pancakes with whipped cream and strawberries. 

After breakfast we strolled around Mission Bay and relaxed in lounge chairs on Bahia’s private beach. With our toes in the sand, we discussed plans for a return visit to this wonderful resort hotel. 

Bahia Resort Hotel is located at 998 West Mission Bay Drive, San Diego Ca 92109. For more info and reservations, call 858.488.0551 or visit: www.bahiahotel.com