by Are you trying to find anything unusual? Do you want to travel back in time to a different age, perhaps even to Gilligan’s Island?
A unique and one-day walking tour of Paradise Point, previously Vacation Village, one of San Diego’s most historic sites, is being offered by the Save Our Heritage Organization.
There will be two tour times available on Friday, September 5: 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. This is a one-of-a-kind chance to discover the island resort’s famous 1960s architecture, tropical setting, and design. See lily ponds, visit an observation tower, or take a stroll where Mamas & Papas vocalists shot videos.
The resort was first established in 1962 and is situated on a 44-acre island. The hamlet, which was designed by architect Eldridge Spencer and his crew, was built with inventive flair, frequently incorporating engineering solutions as they went along, embracing theatricality and whimsy while drawing inspiration from modernist ideas.
More than 600 plant species that were brought from more than 20 nations are planted in the site’s tropical setting. Together with the original buildings and walkways that are still intact and evoke a bygone period of travel in Southern California, the fully grown plantings still serve as a lush and engrossing time capsule decades later.
According to Alana Coons, director of education and media at SOHO, Paradise Point is one of the few locations in San Diego where you can enjoy a genuinely authentic Mid-Century resort setting. It is aesthetically stunning, culturally significant, and architecturally intact.
As previously stated, the resort is also significant in pop culture since it was used as the backdrop for two music videos by The Mamas & the Papas in the 1960s, which helped to popularize San Diego during the height of the counterculture movement.
The tour will include:
- 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
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Visitors are welcome to have a casual get-together at the resort’s Tidal restaurant or Barefoot Bar & Grill before or after the tour (not part of the official program).
The schedule and ticket details are available at SOHOsandiego.org/enews/0725vacationvillagetour.htm. There isn’t much room.
