Fall Is for Foodies: San Diego’s Best Food and Wine Experiences
Fall brings plenty of reasons to plan a food-focused trip to San Diego. Local restaurants serve up fresh seafood and seasonal dishes, wine tasting rooms offer a chance to discover California producers, and the San Diego Food + Wine Festival brings chefs, winemakers, and culinary talent together for a week of special events in early November.
From our prime Shelter Island location, guests can explore some of San Diego’s best culinary experiences while enjoying waterfront dining right here at Island Palms Hotel & Marina. Whether you’re planning a weekend of wine tasting or simply looking for a memorable meal at our Blue Wave Bar & Grill, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite ways to experience San Diego’s food scene.
Start With Waterfront Dining at Blue Wave Bar & Grill
At our own Blue Wave Bar & Grill, you can enjoy California coastal cuisine, tropical-inspired flavors, and marina views without leaving Island Palms.
The menu offers plenty of options throughout the day. Stop in for avocado toast or an acai bowl at breakfast, meet up for lunch, or make dinner part of your evening plans. For dinner, the menu includes dishes such as grilled lemon barramundi, salmon Wellington, lobster mac and cheese, and the Blue Wave Burger, a hearty combination of Angus brisket, chuck, and short rib with white cheddar and island sauce.
Drinks include tropical cocktails and classic favorites, while our wine list offers great options to pair with your meal. Daily happy hour runs from 4 to 6 p.m., with discounts on Island Tapas, draft beer, well cocktails, and wine by the glass.
And if you’re looking to add a little something extra to your stay, our weekly specials offer even more reasons to pull up a seat by the marina. Wine Down Wednesday features half-off bottles of house wine and our cheese and charcuterie plate, while Tiki Thursday brings tropical cocktails and island-inspired bites, including poke nachos and house Mai Tais.
Spending Thanksgiving in San Diego? Leave the cooking to us and celebrate with Thanksgiving Dinner at Blue Wave Bar & Grill on November 26, 2026! Gather with family and friends for a festive three-course meal featuring holiday favorites, including roasted turkey, slow-roasted prime rib, and seasonal desserts, all accompanied by beautiful marina views. Reservations are recommended, so be sure to secure your table in advance!
Explore the Local Seafood Scene
Located at the Point Loma Sportfishing docks, Mitch’s Seafood is a casual stop for seafood that celebrates the local catch. Its menu features grilled fish plates, chilled seafood, fried favorites, and dishes made with sustainably sourced ingredients whenever possible.
This is a great choice for a relaxed lunch, especially if you enjoy seeing where your meal connects to the local fishing community. The restaurant also serves California wines from family vineyards and San Diego craft beer, so you can pair your seafood with a local drink.
For another casual seafood stop, Point Loma Seafoods combines a seafood market with a kitchen serving fresh fish, sandwiches, and other seafood favorites. It has been a local fixture for decades, making it a worthwhile addition to a Point Loma food tour.
This is the place to consider when you want something less formal than a sit-down dinner. Pick up a seafood sandwich or explore the prepared offerings, then continue your day around the waterfront.
Discover San Diego Wine & Local Flavors at Liberty Station
Wine lovers can make time for a tasting at Carruth Cellars, an urban winery with a tasting room and wine garden at Liberty Station. It offers a different side of San Diego’s food scene, with the chance to sample wines in a relaxed setting without making a full-day trip to California wine country.
Liberty Station is also a destination in its own right. The former naval training center has been transformed into a lively district with restaurants, shops, galleries, and public spaces. You can build an afternoon around a tasting, a stroll through the Arts District, and a meal or snack at one of the nearby eateries.
For even more variety, stop by Liberty Public Market, where local food vendors offer everything from fresh pastries and specialty coffee to international dishes and craft beverages. It’s an especially easy option for families or groups who want to sample different flavors in one visit.
If wine is part of your plan, consider arranging a rideshare or choosing a designated driver.
Make Time for the San Diego Food + Wine Festival
The highlight of the fall calendar for many food lovers is the San Diego Food + Wine Festival, taking place November 1–8, 2026. The festival brings together chefs, winemakers, spirits producers, and culinary voices from San Diego, Baja California, and beyond for tastings, dinners, workshops, and special events.
If you’re planning your visit around the festival, the signature Grand Weekend is especially worth exploring.
On Friday, November 6, Icons + Legends kicks off the festival’s signature weekend at JULEP Venue, 1735 Hancock Street. This elevated culinary experience features acclaimed chefs, exceptional wines, and premium spirits. It’s an exciting evening for guests who appreciate the artistry behind a memorable meal and the opportunity to discover outstanding producers.
On Saturday, November 7, the Grand Tasting brings together a wide range of chefs, wineries, spirits producers, and other culinary talent at Embarcadero Marina Park North from noon to 3 p.m. With tastings and lively festival energy in one scenic waterfront location, it’s a wonderful opportunity to sample some of the region’s best food and drink.
The festivities continue on Sunday, November 8, with Grand Fiesta at Embarcadero Marina Park North from noon to 3 p.m. This celebration of the culinary connections between San Diego and Latin America features Baja wines, Mexican-inspired flavors, regional specialties, and live entertainment. It’s an especially appealing choice for visitors who want to experience the vibrant food traditions that shape our border region.
Each festival event offers something different, whether you’re looking for an elevated evening tasting or a lively afternoon by the bay. These are ticketed experiences for guests 21 and older, so be sure to review the official festival schedule and check ticket availability before making plans.
Plan Your San Diego Food and Wine Getaway
With waterfront views, easy access to Point Loma’s culinary favorites, and our very own Blue Wave Bar & Grill, Island Palms Hotel & Marina is the perfect place to experience San Diego’s food and wine scene.
Looking to turn your culinary adventures into a waterfront getaway? Our Point Loma Escape Package includes welcome beverages for two and a buy-one-get-one-free lunch at Blue Wave Bar & Grill, giving you even more reasons to savor your stay.
Explore our special offers and packages and start planning your next delicious escape to Shelter Island. We can’t wait to welcome you!
