Family Vacation and Science and Education Program is excited to provide a free stay program for California underserved youth and families in cooperation with the California Coastal Commission to further diversity, equity, and inclusion for underrepresented populations to experience a hotel stay in Mission Bay.
Please note: Applications for 2026 have been fulfilled. Still accepting applications for 2027.
Family Vacation and Science and Education Program is pleased to offer certain Participants (as defined below) the following:
As part of Family Vacation and Science and Education Program’s commitment to support diversity and access to vacations, this Free Stay program is limited to California underserved youth and families:
Means individuals that have been historically excluded from accessing the benefits of coastal opportunities and/or disproportionately impacted by environmental burdens and includes low-income households; black, indigenous, and people of color; people with disabilities; youth who attend title 1 schools (and their caregiver/s); and foster and transition age youth.
“Low income” is calculated using standards such as the area median household income for the county income limits as published by the california department of housing and community development, the federal poverty level, and housing burden calculations published by the cal epa office of environmental health and hazard assessment. For example, a household of 4 in san diego county with an annual income of $97,000 or less is considered low income by the california department of housing and community development.
Participants Are individual or families who are eligible to participate in the program based on the defined criteria for underserved youth and families and who have certified their eligibility to family vacation and science and education program or had such eligibility verified by an organization.
This program is for California residents only. Proof of residency is required.
To be eligible for free stays, the individual or family must qualify based on the definitions above.
Applications for 2026 have been fulfilled. Still accepting applications for 2027.
Come experience a waterfront stay
To apply for Family Vacation and Science and Education Program’s Free Stay Program, complete the Free Stay Program application form. If you have questions you can email us at fvsefamily@paradisepoint.com.
We look forward to introducing more people to a waterfront stay in Mission Bay.
Please read our FAQ found below before calling or emailing us.
California individuals and families interested in the Family Vacation and Science and Education Program Free Stay Program should complete the Family Vacation and Science and Education Program on the Bay Free Stay Program Application Form found here.
Family Vacation and Science and Education Program’s free stay program includes:
As part of Family Vacation and Science and Education Program’s commitment to support diversity and access to stays, this free program is limited to California underserved youth and families:
This program is for California residents only. Proof of residency is required.
Forms can be completed and submitted online. Once submitted, the application will automatically be sent to Family Vacation and Science and Education Program. You can also print, complete, scan and email the application to: fvsefamily@paradisepoint.com
Application forms can also be turned in at the Lobby, Attn: Josh Connaughy at Family Vacation and Science and Education Program or mailed to:
Paradise Point Resort & Spa
Attn: Josh Connaughy
1404 Vacation Road
San Diego, CA 92109
We will respond to applications in the order we receive them. Generally, this process takes 5 – 10 business days. Please be sure to provide the best contact information for us to get back to you. A Family Vacation and Science and Education Program reservationist will contact the person designated on the free stay application form by phone to book dates based on availability.
Reservations can be made for up to 5 nights consecutively. The maximum number of nights any Participant may utilize is 5 free stay nights in any calendar year.
All reservations are made subject to availability. A Family Vacation and Science and Education Program reservationist will contact the person designated on the Free Stay Program Application to book dates based on availability.
This program is for California residents and their guests only. Proof of residency is required.
Once the reservation is confirmed and your stay dates are booked, we will provide the contact information to book watercraft rentals. You can then book watercraft reservations directly with a Marina staff member.
This includes Paradise Point Marina (but not third-party) non-motorized rentals on a first-come, first-served basis.
