Best Things to do at Kona Kai Resort & Spa, (San Diego)
California - February 4, 2024

Are you looking for the best things to do at Kona Kai Resort & Spa in San Diego? You have come to the right place. Check out all the amenities and activities available at Kona Kai.

family pool at Kona Kai Resort & Spa
family pool

We had a lot of changes this year, as did many families. One of them was having my father-in-law move in with us unexpectedly. The kids love it and we have now settled into a routine but it was quite an adjustment.

Another adjustment was going on vacation altogether. I wasn’t sure how this multigenerational vacation would turn out. It’s already a challenge going on a road trip with kids.

Second, we all had to share space! I certainly don’t like sharing space, even with my own family when on vacation.

But Kona Kai Resort and Spa (part of The Noble House) is the perfect place for families to spend quality time together. Whether you want to explore and enjoy nature or have a relaxing time in one of the spacious guest suites, Kona Kai has something for everyone.

You can even get adjoined suites where you can share time with the entire family but also experience some privacy.

Multigenerational traveling, here we come! Here are the best things to do at Kona Kai Resort & Spa, (San Diego).

Shelter Island

Kona Kai Resort & Spa is located on Shelter Island near Point Loma, California. Shelter Island is a small island that is part of San Diego and is surrounded by water on all sides.

The only way to get there is via a bridge or ferry crossing.

Shelter Island sign with gir sitting on fountain
Shelter Island

There are so many things to do in Shelter Island that at kid-friendly such as hiking trails, bike paths, kayaking tours, paddle boats, power boat rentals, charter boat rentals and yachts, jet ski rentals, and even scuba diving.

Families can also enjoy the beaches, especially because there aren’t many waves compared to other California beaches which is great for families with small children.

Shelter Island Beach next to Kona Kai Resort & Spa
Shoreline Park

There is also a beach park called Shoreline Park with picnic tables and benches, beautiful landscapes, and eye-catching art as this concrete and mosaic gazebo was designed by James T. Hubbell in 2006. It was built to replace an old, rotting wooden gazebo.

We stopped by a great coffee place on our way out. There is also Marvelous Muffins Bakery and a great local seafood bar. The last night we were there we ate at a very good Italian place called Pomodoro Ristorante Italiano. Be advised that restaurants close pretty early at Shelter Island.

Kids under three can even enjoy a free ride on the ferry to and from Shelter Island!

Parking is available at Kona Kai Resort, but you’ll want to put that out of your mind once you arrive here because there’s so much else for families like yourself to do while staying at Kona Kai Resort and Spa.

Shelter Island is so much fun to explore, but you can also do so many activities without leaving Kona Kai Resort & Spa. Here are 10 Things to do at Kona Kai Resort and Spa, (San Diego) for the whole Family.

view of Downtown San Diego

Kona Kai Resort & Spa

The newly transformed and expanded Kona Kai Resort & Spa is home to modern luxury. From the food served at The Vessel to snacks from the Tiki bar, and relaxing near the adult-only pool, guests can enjoy a luxurious stay. Kona Kai’s private beach is a dream!

When you walk into the lobby, you feel like you have arrived at luxury coastal fare.

The resort is surrounded by a lush landscape with palm trees and beautiful flowers. The property also offers an outdoor pool area that includes a shallow pool for kids, a hot tub, picnic tables, and loungers with umbrellas so you can soak up the sun while enjoying your time at Kona Kai Resort in San Diego!

There’s also an area to play giant Jenga, table tennis, and corn hole. You may get in on movie nights too.

If you want to stay in your suite, you can sit on the private balconies and enjoy the beautiful view of the marina, while the birds carry tunes above you.

Rooms & Suites

Relax in the newly renovated guest rooms and suites, featuring relaxing colors and elegant designs.

The tranquil pools, quiet surroundings, and luxurious design of the rooms will make you feel at ease. From the hand-hewn wood beams to spa-inspired bathrooms, you’ll find calmness and elegance in their suites.

We enjoyed a spacious balcony (our private patio) while taking in the refreshing ocean air and beautiful views of the marina.

We had two different rooms. The Marina View Junior Suite Two Queen with a beautiful view of the Marina.

Below is the Bayview King Junior Suite with a beautiful view of the bay.

Each room has its flat-screen TV, Marble bath with rainfall shower head, and Minibar with regional SoCal items.

I’ve compiled 10 top things to do at Kona Kai Resort in San Diego for families that will make your stay an unforgettable experience! There are plenty of kid-friendly activities.

Pools

Spend the day by our adult-only pool, or splash around in one of two waterfalls. The perfect place to relax and unwind after a long day at the resort, enjoying nibbles from the bar menus and signature poolside cocktails while sipping on the sun-drenched patio.

family pool

The kids can enjoy the family pool at the Tiki Bar. Both have beautiful views.

Don’t just sunbathe on the beach; instead, treat yourself to a relaxing stay in one of our secluded cabanas in your private universe.

Treat yourself to a luxury stay with one of our private cabanas in the private world of your creation. Each rental includes TV, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating for up to 8 people.

marina at Kona Kai Resort & Spa

You can get some kiddo-free time at the Adults-only pool and bar, the Paloma Bar. With the perfect marina views, a tranquil vibe, and stylish cabanas, this oasis is its own getaway as you take a break lounging poolside and treat yourself to their specialty cocktails and coastal cuisine.

Adult Pool Kona Kai Resort
Adult Pool

Camp Kona Kai

Welcome to Camp Kona Kai. Upon your arrival, you’ll find a children’s tent set in your room, a campfire playset, a s’mores kit, and a $50 resort credit for the kids to use on our famous Dippin Dots ice cream.

tee pee at  Kona Kai Resort & Spa
Camp Kona Kai

Fitness Center

The Fitness Center at Kona Kai Resort and Spa is state-of-the-art. Enjoy this luxurious retreat, complete with locker rooms and showers for your convenience.

bikes outside at Kona Kai Resort & Spa
The Fitness Center

Cruiser Bikes

San Diego is a beautiful city that has many outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. They offer free tours of the city on our complimentary Zybra bikes, which will take you past some of San Diego’s most iconic sites.

The first two hours are free.

cruiser bikes at at Kona Kai Resort & Spa
Cruiser Bikes

Kona Kai Club

The Kona Kai Cub, a historic part of San Diego history, has long been acknowledged as the city’s most exclusive private club, with celebrities, heads of state, and global diplomats among its members.

With a robust social calendar, numerous leisure activities, and facilities available on-site, our Club will serve as the setting for many years to come for

Kona Kai Club is the ideal solution for those looking for a holiday that’s close to home. Allow our private members-only club to become your home away from home in Southern California.

You can join a walking club or a swim club. Additional member benefits include a Private beach, reserved poolside cabanas, gourmet dining, spa treatments, and Dive-in Family Movie Nights.

Enjoy fine dining at Vessel Restaurant+Bar Music and Nightly Member Specials, Wine and Canvas at the Kona Kai Club, state-of-the-art gym, and special member events.

There’s something for everyone!

Private Beach & Nightly Bonfires

Enjoy some fun in the sun with the kids at the private beach and relax at the beach cabanas while they build sand castles. or playing beach volleyball.

While tucked around a crackling fire, look out over the Pacific Ocean and breathtaking vistas of Point Loma, Kona Kai Marina, and the finest sunsets in California. S’more Kits are available for purchase for hotel guests.

We had a great time sitting around the fire pit, toasting smores with the sand between our toes. It was Papi’s first time toasting smores.

Enjoy Waterfront Dining at the Vessel Restaurant

Enjoy waterfront dining at Vessel Restaurant. Featuring a 360-degree view of the San Diego Bay, Vessel offers an upscale dining experience with unparalleled views and a great Happy Hour.

Vessel Restaurant is one of San Diego’s most prominent restaurants, having recently undergone a transformation and shows a video wall showcasing local areas.

The culinary team uses local, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients to create coastal cuisine with a unique twist on traditional favorites.

Check out their menu.

Vessel Restaurant offers live music Wednesday – Sunday evening and Saturday & Sunday brunch.

Enjoy Watersports at Kona Kai Marina

The Shelter Island Marina is located at the tip of San Diego’s Shelter Island in San Francisco Bay, and it has 518 boat slips ranging from 30 to 200 feet.

The beach club features kayaks and paddle boards so you can enjoy water sports (Action Sports Rentals) while staying close to the shore.

Life jackets are provided for your convenience for water activities, like jet skis. The surrounding area is protected by sea walls. These are the perfect activities for a family vacation.

Onsite Spa: SpaTerre

SpaTerre is a Noble House Hotels & Resorts’ signature spa experience. Relax and unwind in their unique alpha-quartz sand bed in the Shambhala Signature Spa.

Offering a serene environment for the ultimate rejuvenation, the spa features treatments inspired by ancient Eastern practices.

Services include nail care and grooming, body indulgences, facial care, and massage therapies.

Spaterre
Spa Terre

There is also an onsite shopping at The Shops at Kona Kai Village & Marina that offers everything from casual apparel to fine jewelry and luxury items. If you are looking for something special this is the perfect place to find it!

The Shops at Kona Kai Village & Marina

Things to do in San Diego

Looking for fun things to do in San Diego with Kids? America’s finest city and home to San Diego Padreshas so many family-friendly things to do, you’ll never get bored! From Legoland to the Beach, the whole family will be entertained, including a moment to relax in San Diego’s Pacific Ocean.

Little Italy

Little Italy is a neighborhood in downtown San Diego. It’s known for the largest Italian-American population in Southern California and Little Italy Days every year over Labor Day weekend.

You will find many shops, cafes, restaurants, and galleries with Italian influence that make this community so special! There are also some fun places to visit.

Point Loma Restaurant District

Point Loma is a peninsula in San Diego, a historic fishing neighborhood with over twenty restaurants, bars, and pubs. It’s a great place to visit for dinner or drinks at the end of the day! You can find great seafood, steaks, and fine wines here just steps away from Kona Kai Resort & Spa. The quaint neighborhood has plenty of fun.

Gaslamp Quarter

The Gaslamp Quarter is one of the best places for nightlife. You will find many restaurants, bars, and nightclubs here!

Gaslamp Quarter
Gaslamp Quarter

The great thing about this area is that it’s all within walking distance from Kona Kai Resort & Spa as well as the San Diego Convention Center just a few blocks away.

Keep Reading for More Things to do in San Diego

Book your trip now!

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