Anglers rejoice: San Diego has long been renowned as a vibrant global sport fishing hub. In fact, nearby Point Loma is home to the largest sport fishing fleet in Southern California! Each ship that docks here is led by an experienced crew who know where the “hot spots” are, so there’s no way you’re coming back empty-handed. Looking to get in on the action for yourself? We’ve got the inside line. Here’s where to find the best fishing charters in San Diego.
Point Loma and its fleet of ships focuses on larger species like bluefin and yellowtail. Every type of charter imaginable is available from this multifaceted outlet, from afternoon jaunts, to adventures of two weeks or more. If you’re serious about your catch, the captains and crews at Point Loma can take you to spots overflowing with trophies.
H&M has been hauling in huge catches since 1935. In addition to offering a variety of charters, H&M also has a bait and tackle shop right on-site in case you’re venturing out on your own. They also specialize in family sportfishing trips, so if you’ve got younger fisher-folks who want to get in a good day on the water, this is the place to call.
It’s tough to go wrong with this long-running charter service. San Diego Sportfishing operates a fleet of specialty craft out of America’s Cup Harbor, and is well-known for hauling back boat after boat full of yellowtail, tuna, rockfish, bonito, calico bass, sand bass, sculpin, barracuda and many more.
The skippers at Fisherman’s Landing have been delivering top-notch fishing experiences to San Diego residents and visitors alike for more than 50 years. In that time, they’ve delivered half-, full-, and multi-day trips to more than 100,000 fishers who have pulled in countless catches. No matter the trek you seek, Fisherman’s Landing can deliver it.
Fish from the deck of a 59′ boat that can accommodate up to 24 passengers. Pacific Dawn’s craft features custom, air-conditioned bunks, a full galley, two restrooms (including showers) and a friendly, experienced crew. You won’t head back empty-handed with this crew.
Want to book an experienced charter service that offers year-round trips to San Diego Bay, Mission Bay, La Jolla, and Point Loma? Captain Clowers is a fantastic choice. Hop aboard and get ready to haul in haul in tuna, dorado, marlin, wahoo and big bluefin.
Seaforth’s fleet of more than a dozen comfortable craft have a well-earned reputation for pulling their limits every time out. No matter which trek you opt for, you’ll be coming back with a haul you’ll be proud of. Check the online fish counts at their website to see what you can look forward to, then book your trip while they’re still biting.
El Gato makes use of high-tech fish-spotting gear to locate the biggest schools of fish. High-capacity fuel tanks aboard mean extended charters are available for groups of up to six. Bluefin, bonito, rockfish, yellowtail and many more are out there just waiting for you when you book your adventure with the pros at El Gato.
Some of the best fishing in the city is available just steps away from Island Palms. If you’re not ready to spend a day out on the water, you can enjoy local fishing right off the pier. And if you need any refreshments or fishing gear, Fathom Bistro Bait & Tackle is only a short stroll away. They’ve got lures, bait, line and all the angler accessories, as well as craft beers and delicious food.
Are you ready to discover these fertile fishing waters for yourself? Take a look at our Special Offers page, and select the San Diego angling adventure that’s right for you.
01 Jun 2021
Things to do on Shelter Island in Point Loma, San Diego
By Best Western Island Palms Hotel
There are an endless number of beautiful spots in our home of sunny San Diego. Stunning sunsets, breathtaking beaches, and impressive architecture are nearly everywhere you look. That said, we’ll admit to a bit of personal bias in opining that our home of Shelter Island may just be the loveliest of them all. Shelter Island is marked by tranquil skyline, ample green space, and very little of the bustle that’s found in other parts of the city. It may not boast the energetic excitement of Mission Beach or the Gaslamp Quarter, but sometimes peace and quiet is what you really need. Read on for our take on the best things to do on Shelter Island in Point Loma, San Diego.
Biking
Cycling has proven to be one of the most popular activities on Shelter Island, and for good reason. The island’s circumference-circling bike is perfect for visitors looking to get in some physical activity while sightseeing. Whether you want to go farther out into Point Loma or are just looking for a short spin around Shelter Island, you can look forward to a pleasant ride. San Diego is a very easy city to navigate on two wheels.
Walking/Jogging
The path that runs the length of Shelter Island and back isn’t just open to cyclists. Those wishing to traverse the route on foot are also welcome to do so, and at their own pace. Whether making the trip for fitness reasons or simply as a relaxing sightseeing trek, visitors will be welcomed by ideal weather, idyllic marina views, and endless sunshine.
Fishing
Looking to get a little angling in? Shelter Island has just the place for you. The Shelter Island Pier is a scenic point to take in the view and drop your hook for a variety of catches, including bonito, barracuda, calico bass, and halibut. The pier opens at 6 a.m. and closes at 10:30 p.m., and no fees are required. Finding yourself a little light in the tacklebox? No problem. Just stop by Fathom Bistro Bait and Tackle and load up on food for yourself, and the fish.
A serene swath of green space complete with a playground, Shoreline Park is always a great option for families with kids. In addition to lush picnic areas and abundant space to stretch, visitors can enjoy several slides, a swing set, and a climbing structure, plus the views of the water. Take it easy while the kids play, and don’t forget to bring your sunscreen.
Boating
Shelter Island is home to one of San Diego’s top marinas, so there are always amazing watercraft coming and going. As the point of departure for many short and long-range sportfishing trips — plus the constant presence of cruise liners — Shelter Island visitors have a lot of maritime activity to check out on the horizon. And if you’re interested in getting out on the water yourself, you’re always welcome to charter a fishing or sightseeing cruise.
Public Art
Kidasion Boat Rafting in Mission Bay
Thanks to its scenic location, Shelter Island is home to quite a few captivating pieces of art for visitors to enjoy. At the south end of the island, you’ll discover several beautiful and moving works, including the Yokohama Friendship Bell (gifted to the city in 1958), the Tunaman’s Memorial, and the Pacific Rim Park mosaic — including the Pearl of the Pacific. Learn about their history and enjoy your journey.
Water Sports
Thanks to the abundant amount of shoreline here (and the calmer inland waters), Shelter Island is a great place to partake in your favorite water sports. Kayaking, surfing, parasailing, swimming, kiteboarding, and sport boating are all extremely popular thanks to the warm, sapphire-blue waters of San Diego Bay. There are also many locations up and down the island where equipment is available for purchase or rental. So get out there and enjoy a day on the water!
Live Music
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of an energetic concert featuring your favorite artists, and Shelter Island is one of the best places in San Diego to see them live. Our sister property Humphreys Half Moon Inn hosts one of the best concert venues in all of “America’s Finest City” — Humphreys Concerts by the Bay. Their stage will once again be welcoming world-class bands back over the summer, so you won’t want to miss dropping in and rocking out!
Whale Watching
San Diego is one of the best spots along the West Coast to spot pods of gray whales as they make their annual 10,000-mile migration to cooler northern waters. December is the beginning of the season, but the migratory patterns of these majestic ocean behemoths can last for months. Spotting whales from shore is not uncommon, but Shelter Island visitors can also charter tour boats that get them up close to our marine neighbors.
01 Feb 2020
Guide to San Diego’s Secret Bars
By Best Western Island Palms Hotel
Time-travel back to the days of Prohibition any time you enter one of San Diego’s secret bars. Speakeasies are popping up all over San Diego, and these eight will instantly immerse you in the debauchery of the Jazz Age — without even breaking the law. Sip sumptuous, old-school libations, take in the intimate ambiance, and admire some of the best and most unexpected design details in San Diego’s mixology scene.
Oculto 477 is a respectful homage to mixologists of the past, including the pre-Prohibition and Prohibition eras, as well as the neighboring cemetery. A dress code and etiquette code are politely enforced (gentlemen, no baseball hats or flip-flops), and there’s a dedicated mezcal tasting room. The menu is arranged based on the style of cocktail, whether “sippers” or a punch bowl.
Secret Tip: The entrance is hidden in Tahona. We won’t tell you exactly where, of course — in this case, finding it is half the fun.
2414 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110 (4.8 miles from the hotel)
False Idol is home to more than 200 varieties of rum — a nod to the immersive Tiki theme — as well as a flaming volcano that can “erupt” at any minute. (It can also be set off by anyone who orders the Alkala the Fierce cocktail.) A grotto, wood carvings, and a waterfall are just a few of the other creative and immersive details.
Secret Tip: Reach the venue via a walk-in refrigerator in the back of Little Italy’s Craft & Commerce restaurant.
675 W Beech St, San Diego, CA 92101 (5.2 miles from the hotel)
Room 56 is the secret speakeasy at Moxy San Diego. It hides behind a bookcase, which you will access only after conferring with the resident “librarian” and receiving the highly guarded password. Among its inventive cocktails are the Martha Mary Mercy sour, with St. George All Purpose Vodka, vanilla orgeat, blackberry, and lemon, and the food menu’s six shared items rotate daily.
Secret Tip: Access the password on the rather mysteriously designed webpage. Text it to the number provided in order to ensure you’ll make it inside.
831 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 (6.1 miles from the hotel)
Located in the Gaslamp neighborhood, Prohibition is styled as a vintage law office owned by a man by the name of Eddie O’Hare. Once inside, you’ll be immersed in a secret underground location, with an old-time ambiance and masterfully crafted cocktails.
Secret Tip: Find the door to Eddie O’Hare’s law office on Fifth Avenue to enter the speakeasy.
548 Fifth Avenue San Diego, CA 92101 (6.3 miles from the hotel)
Looking for an intimate and exclusive bar serving unique libations among a wall of skulls? Noble Experiment is waiting for you. A reservation is the only way to get a seat in the immaculately appointed space, located inside Neighborhood eatery, in East Village.
Secret Tip: The entrance of the speakeasy is through a wall of empty kegs, stacked along the wall near the restrooms.
777 G St, San Diego, CA 92101 (6.3 miles from the hotel)
If you’re hanging out in North Park, dip into Seven Grand Whiskey Bar for a large selection of whiskey. Need more selection? Head to the back to find Bar Three Piece, a speakeasy nestled inside Seven Grand Whiskey Bar, home to over 250 patiently curated bottles of vintage iconic whiskey. In addition to whiskey, Nicaraguan cigars are available for purchase and paired with a drink of your choosing to be enjoyed on a private smoking patio.
Secret Tip: Find a bottle you love? Bar Three Piece offers a Private Bottle Locker Program, which allows you to purchase your own bottle of whiskey and have it held in a locker for your enjoyment upon each visit.
3054 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104 (11.9 miles from the hotel)
This 45-seat speakeasy is Kearny Mesa’s newest hotspot. Your journey starts in a white room decorated as a futuristic apothecary, inspired by an ancient manuscript of recipes and remedies stemming from ancient Chinese medicine. Continuing into the drinking den, guests are led down a portal to the past to find opulent seating, dramatic decorations and overhead sculptures to further enhance the spectacle created inside the Realm of 52 Remedies.
Secret Tip: The four-seat “Emperor’s Bar” inside the Realm of 52 Remedies offers exclusive access to a collection of premium spirits.
4805 Convoy Street, San Diego, CA 92111 (13.5 miles away)
Recently named “Cocktail Bar of the Year” in Imbibe magazine, Raised by Wolves sits rather anachronistically in a mall, but is all nostalgia on the inside — think frescoes, polished cabinets, marble-tiled floors, and all-around dazzling design. It’s even got a rotating bar, where seasoned bartenders whip up cocktails like the Twilight Samurai (whisky, bitters, star anise, and pear eau-de-vie).
Secret Tip: This one is fittingly tucked into a liquor store, specifically, a revolving wall attached to a hidden fireplace.
4301 La Jolla Village Dr #2030, San Diego, CA 92122 (13.7 miles from the hotel)
Now that you know where to order your drinks, it’s time to start planning your visit. Start by checking out the exclusive offers at Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina.
