Dreaming of an exotic beach getaway, but tethered to a budget that keeps you in the states? Look no further than Bahia Resort Hotel in San Diego near Mission Beach. Located on a picturesque peninsula on Mission Bay, the Bahia offers an array of family-friendly activities, fabulous dining options, spacious rooms, and all the amenities you need to enjoy a sun-splashed beach getaway.

Bahia San Diego Resort: Hotel near Mission Beach

Featuring a waterfront setting and lush tropical gardens, the Bahia Resort Hotel sprawls across a 14-acre peninsula on San Diego’s scenic Mission Bay. Feel like a world away while relaxing in your cabana with a tropical drink in hand. But the resort is only a few minutes’ drive to the San Diego International Airport and all the fabulous sights and attractions Southern California is famous for.

We recently visited with a family friend who came in from out of state, eager to give her a taste of the quintessential Southern California lifestyle. The Bahia did not disappoint! The Bahia features direct access to Mission Bay (some rooms you can even step out of your door onto the beach) and is just a short walk to Mission Beach. There is a swimming pool, marina, arcade, tennis courts, shuffle board and various kid-friendly activities throughout the week. All guests receive complimentary use of cabana chairs on the beach, making this a truly relaxing and stress-free destination.

The Bahia features direct access to Mission Bay (some rooms you can even step out of your door onto the beach) and is just a short walk to Mission Beach. There is a swimming pool, marina, arcade, tennis courts, shuffle board and various kid-friendly activities throughout the week. All guests receive complimentary use of cabana chairs on the beach, making this a truly relaxing and stress-free destination.

What Works For Families

• Easy access to the beach
• Boat, paddle board and bike rentals on-site, with discounts for hotel guests
• Free video games in the arcade
• Free ride aboard the Bahia Belle Steamboat
• Spacious, comfortable rooms
• Just a short drive to San Diego’s world-famous attractions
• A wealth of onsite activities keeps kids happy and busy
• Complimentary beach chairs for hotel guests
• Free parking and no resort fee!

What Doesn’t Work For Families

• A 10-minute walk to the beach if you want to swim in the ocean
• You need to walk through the parking area to access some of the hotel’s amenities
• The peninsula is not private so there will be other people on property

A Waterfront Hotel Near Mission Beach

The Bahia’s location is one of the prime reasons we chose to stay there. It’s right on the water on Mission Bay and just a short walk to the ocean and Mission Beach. It’s also located near many of San Diego’s most popular attractions including SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo, Seaport Village and Old Town San Diego.

The Bahia Resort Hotel

Opened in the 1950s, the Bahia definitely retains its mid-century modern appeal, though all the rooms have been continuously updated. The Mediterranean-style of the hotel is complemented by the outdoor tropical garden, complete with duck ponds, a garden gazebo, and fountain. There is one tower and the remaining rooms are in two-story buildings that stretch across the property.

Rooms

The Bahia Hotel boasts 314 beautiful guestrooms and suites. All rooms have a furnished balcony or terrace, most with lovely water or garden views.

There a variety of room styles – studio, room or suite – at the Bahia as well as view choices – bay front, bay view, garden view or courtside garden. Standard amenities include complimentary high-speed wireless Internet, coffeemaker, ironing board and iron, hairdryer, refrigerator and signature bath supplies. Suites and studios are equipped with a kitchenette.

We stayed in a one bedroom suite which was the perfect size for our group of four.  The bedroom had two queen beds, and the spacious living area featured a sofa that converted to another bed. There was also a full-size kitchen and large patio, and having two TVs was a nice bonus. My friend and I loved being able to make coffee in the morning and enjoy some quiet time outside before the others woke up.

Hotel Amenities & Recreation

A stay at the Bahia is all about the water, and there are so many choices!

Just steps from your hotel room water activities on Mission Bay include sailing, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming and more. We rented a sailboat during our stay. It was surprisingly affordable at just $35 for an hour with our hotel guest discount, and an hour was ample time for sailing around the harbor.

Back at the resort, the Bahia boasts a fitness center, arcade (no coins required!), tennis courts and bicycle rentals. Just a short walk away is Belmont Park, an oceanfront amusement park featuring the Great Dipper, a wooden roller coaster and designated historic landmark built in 1925.

TMOM TIP: Pack a beach towel and spend a few hours playing in the Pacific Ocean and getting some sun. Parking at the beach can be a beast during the summer months, but that is just not something you need to worry about when staying within walking distance at the nearby Bahia Hotel.

Finally, cap your day with a ride on the Bahia Belle, an 1860s-era sternwheeler that tours guests around the bay nightly. Watch the sunset and take in the views as you cruise through the harbor. There are family hour cruises throughout the evening until 9pm, after which the Bahia Belle transforms into a night club on Mission Bay with music, dancing, and a full bar.

Best of all, the Bahia Belle is free to all resort guests. Non-resort guests are welcome, as well, with a fare of $10 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under.

Dining at The Bahia

Café Bahia is a Mediterranean-themed restaurant where guests may choose to eat either inside or on the spacious patio. Tangiers is Bahia’s vibrant Moroccan-styled hotel bar featuring a piano and fireplace. The establishment often features live entertainment.

The pool bar serves up drinks, snacks, salads, and sandwiches during the day.

Healthy Tip For This Destination

Stroll down to Mission Beach and rent yourself a bike or some roller blades for exercise on the boardwalk.

For more information on the Bahia Hotel, please visit their website.