Sampling San Diego

Blue skies and golden beaches

Written by Katie O’Connell

With its diverse neighborhoods, low-key vibe, outdoorsy attitude, miles of golden beaches, and sun, sun, sun (rainfall rarely tops 10 inches per year), San Diego is a terrific destination for boaters—which makes sense, given that it’s long been a Navy town. But these days the quintessential southern California spot also offers so much more.

The downtown district is tucked along a protected bay set between two Pacific Ocean-facing peninsulas. Point Loma is at the tip of one of them, the North Island Naval Air Station sits on the other, and between them are two popular retreats: Shelter Island, site of a high-end resort and the best place to dock for easy ocean access; and Harbor Island, a 1961 Navy-built islet laced with walking paths that have stunning skyline views.

No matter where you stay, it’s easy to get downtown to the happening Gaslamp District, the center of the city’s nightlife, and to Petco Park, the intimate baseball stadium where the San Diego Padres play. Locals take full advantage of the exceptional weather and wealth of things to do—and with 19 beaches, 93 golf courses, and 30 museums representing just a fraction of what’s on tap, who can blame them?

Where to Eat

There are dozens of restaurants worth checking out in San Diego, but boaters are especially blessed: many of the dock-and-dine establishments are among the best places to eat in town.

Kona Kai Dining Room

(1551 Shelter Island Dr., Shelter Island; 619-221-8000)

Relaxed but upscale restaurant in a Mediterranean-style resort, overlooking the excellent marina; open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with an emphasis on preparations that are fresh, seasonal, and hearty—macadamia-encrusted mahi mahi, scallops with a honey-lemon cream.

Peohe’s

(1201 1st St., Coronado; 619-437-4474)

Multitiered bayside spot specializing in Pacific Rim-influenced dishes—coconut-tempura shrimp, wok-fried bass—and a stand-out sushi menu. Peohe's overlooks the San Diego bay and guests are treated to wonderful views while enjoying innovative and trendy sushi combinations. Plus they’ve got the best Mojitos around.

Anthony’s Fish Grotto

(215 W. Bay Blvd., Harbor Island; 619-651-2345)

Friendly seafood house that’s a San Diego institution; well known for top-quality lobster, fresh catch-of-the-day, and meal-size salads.

What to Do

San Diego residents are famous for being passionate outdoors enthusiasts, and the city has a seemingly endless array of activities, from toodle-paced biking to big-wave surfing.

Sportfishing

The Pacific is San Diego’s backyard, and there are a wide variety of charter companies in town—whatever kind of fishing experience you want, they can make it happen. Trip lengths vary and there is a tremendous selection of fishing grounds within easy reach. Yellowtail, bonito, and bass are just a sampling of what is regularly caught. For example, Chubasco II runs 3/4 day trips out of Mission Bay (619-599-8290, www.chubasco2.com) and Daily Double runs half-day trips from Point Loma (near Shelter Island) (619 223-1627, www.sandiego-sportfishing.com) or for a complete list visit www.sportfishsandiego.com.

Beaches

In San Diego, beaches are more than just a nice place to while away an afternoon—they’re a way of life. Locals frequent the 19 area beaches to run, swim, lounge, snorkel, bike, and surf. Mission Beach draws crowds for its volleyball nets; La Jolla Shores is a favorite for its calm waves and gentle slope.

Museums

The city boasts more than 30 cultural institutions. To get right to the heart of this, head for Balboa Park, home to dozens of theaters, attractions, and museums, including the San Diego Zoo and the Timken Museum of Art, stuffed with Rembrandts and Fragonards.

Golfing

San Diego takes it’s golfing seriously and they have reason to- Golf Digest named San Diego “one of the top 50 golf destinations in the world.” With 93 courses in total, enthusiasts have their pick of courses that overlook the ocean or have picturesque mountain backdrops.

For more about what to do in San Diego, including a complete list of golf courses and museums, visit www.sandiego.org.

Where to Stay

Shelter Island

Kona Kai Marina has 518 slips, some of which can accommodate vessels up to 200 feet. It is the closest marina to the Pacific Ocean and Point Loma Inlet, and minutes from downtown San Diego. (1561 Shelter Island Dr., 619-224-7547, www.konakaimarina.com)

Mission Bay

Marina Village has a park-like setting and great access to all of the area’s major attractions. (1936 Quivira Way, 619-224-3125, www.marinavillage.net)

Gaslamp Quarter

San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina has 446 slips and is in the thick of the city’s most vibrant downtown neighborhood—top shopping and restaurants are steps away. (333 West Harbor Drive, 619-230-8955, www.marriott.com)