Catamaran Resort And Spa is an idyllic destination nestled on Mission Bay, just steps from San Diego’s famed Pacific Beach. With lush tropical gardens and a private beach, this Polynesian-inspired resort offers the perfect blend of excitement and tranquility year-round.
Established in 1958, the Catamaran is a haven featuring over 1,000 exotic plants and animals from around the globe. Palm trees, bamboo, waterfalls, and Koi ponds engage every sense, while playful parrots delight guests.
The Catamaran’s architecture, reminiscent of traditional Hawaiian colonial style, boasts accents including hand-carved Balinese totem poles, artwork such as tapa cloth from Vanuatu, and a stunning front desk crafted from black Koa wood imported directly from Tahiti.
At the Catamaran, guests check in to one of 310 guest rooms, studios, or suites, each featuring a private balcony or patio overlooking breathtaking views of Mission Bay, the city and Pacific Beach shorelines, or the hotel’s lush tropical gardens. All guests are provided with comprehensive amenities including complimentary Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service.
On-site dining options include Oceana Coastal Kitchen, featuring chef-driven seafood and grilled dishes. Adjacent to this signature restaurant is Moray’s, where guests can sip on the signature Moray’s Mai Tai, enjoy local craft beers, and take advantage of happy hour specials Monday through Friday. Both venues feature a blend of indoor and outdoor space, adorned with tiki torches, fire pit tables, and lush palms.
Guests can also choose to grab a quick bite at Lava Java, the on-site grab-and-go cafe, or poolside at Catamaran’s full bar and grill, serving grilled favorites during the spring and summer months. Another standout summer special is Catamaran’s signature luau events, featuring live performers guiding guests through the cultures of the South Pacific as they enjoy a Hawaiian buffet.
Those who enjoy spending time on the water can choose to cruise on the Bahia Belle, a replica of a sternwheeler from the 1860s, cruising around Mission Bay. Operating seasonally, the Bahia Belle is a turn-of-the-century Mississippi-style boat, offering a 45-minute narrated sightseeing cruise of Mission Bay. The 74-foot, three-story sternwheeler features an observation deck for prime viewing of the sights of the 4,200-acre aquatic park.
The Catamaran Spa—San Diego’s only beachfront spa—offers a menu of South Pacific-inspired treatments including massages, facials, body wraps, hydrotherapy, and more—performed with all-natural marine and botanical elements. Additional wellness amenities include an outdoor pool and hot tub, beach cabanas, an outdoor fitness center, seasonal outdoor yoga classes, and more.
Other resort activities include rentals of paddleboards, sailboats, kayaks, and surfboards. The Catamaran is also situated in the beach towns of Mission Beach and Pacific Beach, where guests can stroll the boardwalk or the iconic Crystal Pier, have fun on the beach, or experience a multitude of cafes and fashion boutiques. The resort is within 10 miles of major San Diego attractions like SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter, and the San Diego International Airport.