Make the Most of Summer on Shelter Island
Best Western Island Palms makes our home on San Diego’s Shelter island, a picture-perfect peninsula that angles through the bay, and hugs a serene harbor. And even though the island itself is just over a mile in length, the amount of awesome we pack into this space easily makes it one of the most per-square-foot fun locations in the city. Planning to be our guest? Here’s just some of what you can look forward to both on-property and in the nearby Point Loma area once you arrive!
Aloha Thursdays
(Video: @island_palms)
When “Tiki” themes became all the rage of the 1950s, new zoning requirements mandated that all of Shelter Island’s new structures were to match a Polynesian theme. So before long, our peninsula became known for its kitschy tropical-style culture and “a little bit of Hawaii” reputation. Island Palms celebrates these island vibes tropics every week on Aloha Thursdays, which include tropical drink specials and Polynesian dance exhibitions at our outdoor pool!
Live Music on Weekends
There’s just something so soul-affirming about live music, especially while relaxing poolside on vacation. That’s why you can catch performances from some of San Diego’s best musicians every weekend at our very own Blue Wave Bar & Grill. Every Friday – Saturday from 6pm to 10pm and Sunday from 10am to 2pm, you can relax with a drink or your favorite menu selection while you enjoy a wide repertoire of contemporary rock, pop, soul and even jazz performed outdoors in the sunshine, with the marina as a backdrop.
Pool Party Fridays
There’s simply nothing more timeless than a classic SoCal pool party. That’s why we live it up every Friday at the Island Palms pool! Great games? We’ve got ‘em. Poolside food and drink specials? You bet. And our resident DJ will be cranking the jams (and taking your requests while you splash, swim, and enjoy the day. So soak up some sunshine and awesome views every Friday from 1-5pm from now through Labor Day.
Enjoy Our Humphreys Concerts By The Bay Pre-Show Menu
Music truly soothes the soul. And when you’re a guest at Island Palms, you’re only steps away from one of the most beloved outdoor concert venues in the country. Our sister property Humphreys Half Moon Inn is home to the Humphreys Concerts by the Bay live music series, which brings the top household-name touring acts to Shelter Island. Upcoming shows include appearances by artists like America, Chicago, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Boz Scaggs, Styx, Natalie Merchant and a combo Temptations / Four Tops show you won’t want to miss. Plus, our guests can also enjoy a special prix-fixe, pre-show menu on concert nights, before you stroll down the marina to the venue. So grab your tickets here, and get ready to groove!
Happy Hour Specials
Every hour spent on Shelter Island is a happy one. Still, we felt like we could kick it up a notch. Our popular Happy Hour is on every day from 4 – 6 pm. Stop by Blue Wave Bar & Grill for specials on your favorite menu items (like our delicious Street Tacos, Wagyu and Pork Meatballs and Wings and brand-new Tableside Guacamole), as well as beverage discounts (including $1 off draft beers, $2 off wines by the glass and $1 off signature mixed drinks). Plus, the chill vibes, sunsets, and marina views are always 100% free.
Get Out On the Water
Shelter Island is home to one of the most active marinas in the city, so Island Palms is only steps away from many sportfishing trips, cruise liners and other maritime activities. We highly recommend heading over to our partners at Next Level Sailing and chartering a trip on the yacht America. They offer tours, whale watching treks, cocktail cruises and other seafaring adventures. If you’d like to know more about Next Level, take a look at this recent chat we had with them that goes more in-depth about who they are, and what they offer.
Shelter Island Biking
(Photo: @island_palms)
The Shelter Island Loop is a combo biking / hiking trail that covers the circumference of the island. It’s a calm, level and leisurely path that takes those who travel it past stunning water views, multiple pieces of public art (like the Yokohoma Friendship Bell, Tunaman’s Memorial and Pacific Portal), and the grand green space at Shoreline Park. Didn’t pack a bike? No problem. Island Palms offers guests a complimentary two-hour bike rental — ideal for taking in all the sights the island has to offer.
Relax and Refresh at Island Palms
(Video: @island_palms)
Even if all that’s on your agenda is kicking back and soaking up a little SoCal sun, Best Western Island Palms is the perfect spot to do just that. Our plush accommodations, copious guest amenities and stellar service all come standard. Plus, guests are always welcome to avail themselves of our tennis courts, outdoor pools and whirlpool spas, all located right on the marina — which always offers amazing summer sunset views. Take a look at our Special Offers page, and select the San Diego travel deal of your dreams at our Shelter Island escape.