California’s Gold Coast may have more than its fair share of marinas, but none like Half Moon Marina on Shelter Island, San Diego’s Hawaiian Isle. Its unbeatable location serves up a unique, exciting and economical way to experience a Hawaiian vacation without the lengthy and expensive flight over the Pacific. Better yet, as a boater, you get all the unmatched enjoyment and adventure that boating brings.
Experience the Half Moon Marina
Half Moon Marina is widely recognized for its top-notch amenities that make each stay enjoyable and accommodating for both boat and crew. Within the gated marina, boaters enjoy private restrooms and shower facilities, as well as laundry, a lounge and free WiFi. And if you have a four-legged crew member, you’ll be happy to know that the marina is pet friendly. Should you want to stretch your sea legs and explore the beautiful topical setting, right on site is Humphreys Half Moon Inn. Also on site is Humphreys Concerts by the Bay, the award-winning Humphreys So Cal Dining & Music, and Humphreys Backstage Live music lounge. What you’ll find is everything you could ask for in docking, dining, entertainment and just relaxing!
Discover Shelter Island
We’re warning you, you may never want to leave the marina. But we strongly suggest that you do because there is so much to enjoy within walking distance. In addition to charming cafes for an al fresco lunch, and grocery stores to stock your gally, you’ll find the renowned Kona Kai Resort & Spa, Shoreline Park and the Yokohama Friendship Bell. And don’t leave before you’ve experienced the breathtaking beauty of the Mashomack Preserve and the rich history of this spectacular island at the Shelter Island Historical Society.
If you’d like to get some exercise and hoof it around the island, Shelter Island has a wonderfully long boardwalk. It’s far quieter than the boardwalk you’ll encounter through the trendy San Diego beach neighborhoods of Pacific Beach and Mission Beach. It’s also quite different from a classic beach boardwalk, as it winds along the rocky bay instead of the sand and waves. It also provides a spectacular view of the San Diego downtown skyline.
It’s worth mentioning, for all your fisherfolk out there, that San Diego offers world class fishing, inshore and offshore. And you don’t need to be a seasoned trophy holder, even the novice can enjoy the hunt. If you stay in the bay, considered inshore fishing, you’ll find that the bay, and particularly the kelp beds, are brimming with various types of bass, halibut, barracuda, and white seabass. Plus, from October to March, you can set your sights on lobster and crab for a unique fishing experience.
Another great option is to cast from Shelter Island’s Pier. It’s a veritable ocean cornucopia, with over eleven species of fish calling this area home. To make your experience even sweeter, there are no fees or permits required, and a California Sport Fishing License is not mandatory while fishing off the pier. As you wait for that tug on the line, you can take in the hustle and bustle of Coronado’s North Island Air Base located across the Harbor.
Get to know San Diego
Just a short drive from Half Moon Marina is all of San Diego’s most popular and prized attractions. San Diego is a vibrant urban hub offering a lifetime of exploration – from the historic Gaslamp Quarter, the social center of San Diego, to the Embarcadero, the waterfront of San Diego Bay. To truly experience all of San Diego, we suggest you hop on one of the cheery and bright, green and orange, trolley cars and take a tour. You can hop off anytime you like, explore different downtown districts, then hop back on when you’re ready.
Whether you choose to revel in all that Half Moon Marina has to offer, soaking up the island atmosphere, or venture out to explore San Diego, one of America’s finest cities, you’re guaranteed a vacation of a lifetime. Frankley, we don’t think you should have to choose, do it all!
