According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP covers an area of 0.3 square miles (0.7 km2), all of it land.

The California Powder Works was built on the site in 1861 as supplies of explosives from the east were cut off by the Civil War.

The opening of the Panama Canal simplified shipment of powder to the US Navy's Pacific Fleet from factories on the east coast, and the works was abandoned in 1914.

The decaying buildings were demolished and the 138-acre (56 ha) property was put up for sale in 1924, when a group of Freemasons from Fresno, California purchased it for use as a summer retreat.

The area continues to be under the auspices of the Paradise Park Masonic Club, with homes owned by members.

[4] In August 2020, Paradise Park was put under an evacuation order due to the CZU Lightning Complex fires.