Discover San Diego’s Best Outdoor Activities This Winter
No matter what time of year it is, sunny San Diego offers a variety of exciting outdoor activities – even during the winter months. Since the weather is still warm and inviting this time of the year, spending some time outdoors in the California sunshine is always a good plan. While the rest of the U.S. is freezing and bundled up in coats and hats, we invite you to come enjoy the sunshine and exciting outdoor activities in San Diego this winter!
The Best Western PLUS Island Palms Hotel & Marina is the perfect place to stay during your winter vacation in San Diego. Not only do we offer the best resort-style amenities at our Shelter Island hotel, but we are also conveniently located near all the most popular outdoor winter fun-in-the-sun activities in San Diego, including the Shelter Island Marina, which is located right at our hotel.
So, grab your suitcase (we will provide packing tips later) and prepare for the best winter vacation ever in San Diego at the Best Western Island Plus on beautiful Shelter Island.
Tennis or Pickleball, Anyone? (Onsite at the Hotel)
Get your blood pumping with a little bit of friendly competition, as guests of the Best Western Island Palms can take advantage of complimentary rental equipment for our onsite pickleball and tennis courts. Whether you’re looking for a friendly game or some one-on-one competition, we’ve got you covered with courts and equipment for your favorite winter activities!
Take a Whale Watching Tour (Onsite at the Hotel)
Our neighbors at Next Level Sailing offer exciting whale-watching tours that are one of the most popular things to do in San Diego this winter! Since winter is whale-watching season in San Diego, you’re in luck and will have a thrilling adventure watching gray whales and humpback whales traveling to our San Diego waters to feed. Climb aboard the 141-foot sailing yacht, America, for the best whale watching in San Diego this winter with Next Level Sailing, conveniently located onsite at the Best Western PLUS Island Palms Hotel and Marina.
Explore Shelter Island (Onsite and Surrounding Hotel)
Take a walk around the bay and explore Shelter Island during your winter vacation in San Diego! The fun starts right here at our hotel and offers several points of interest along the path. As you make your way around the island, be sure to grab coffee at Portside Coffee & Gelato for morning fuel. Also, prepare for some great photo ops of the views of the water and our private marina, as well as amazing downtown skyline scenery just across the street.
Picnic on the Water (0.2 Miles from Hotel)
Shelter Island Shoreline Park is located just across from our hotel and is a great option for a waterfront picnic in San Diego. Another popular place for a picnic in San Diego includes Kate Sessions Park in Pacific Beach, which overlooks the bay as well as downtown for amazing views and a quiet area to relax.
Bike the Shelter Island Loop (1.0 Miles from Hotel)
Island Palms guests can enjoy complimentary bike rentals at our Shelter Island hotel. Set off on an adventure in San Diego as you explore the 2.2 mile long Shelter Island Loop along the shoreline of San Diego. This is the perfect bike ride adventure with beautiful views of the water as well as the downtown San Diego skyline.
Take a Hike in San Diego (Miles from the Hotel Varies)
Winter is a great time of year to head out to one of the best hiking trails in San Diego. Our mild winters offer warm, sunny days without the summer crowds and heat! From one-mile easy walking paths to 20-mile extreme hiking adventures, San Diego offers some of the most unique paths and trails to explore. Relax and experience the unique San Diego walking trails and discover your favorite path during your winter vacation in San Diego.
Best Hiking Trails in San Diego Near Our Hotel:
- Sunset Cliffs Natural Park (2.9 Miles from Hotel) - Perfect for those looking for adventure with five great trails to explore!
- Cowles Mountain Trail (15.5 Miles from Hotel) - One of the most popular trails in the area, Cowles Mountain offers great views from the highest point in San Diego.
- Torrey Pines State Reserve (18.0 Miles from Hotel) - This wilderness oasis is home to the rare Torrey Pine tree and offers great ocean views.
- Annie’s Canyon Trail (21.8 Miles from Hotel) - Great place for flat hiking with sunset views!
Take a Beachside Yoga or Workout Class (Miles from the Hotel Varies)
Getting outside and enjoying some fresh air in San Diego is even better when you combine it with beachside yoga or an outdoor workout class! From waterfront yoga at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park and Balboa Park at the Japanese Friendship Garden to stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, and kayaking lessons and classes at the Mission Bay Aquatic Center, there are plenty of ways to get a solid workout while having fun outside in San Diego.
Tee Off in San Diego (Miles from the Hotel Varies)
Golfers will enjoy playing a round of golf at one of San Diego’s 72 golf courses. There are several to choose from near the Best Western Island Palms, including those with unbelievable beach and coastal views. Our hotel guests should consider these top golf areas in San Diego for their winter golf outing.
Best Golf Courses in San Diego Near Island Palms:
- Riverwalk Golf Club (6.7 Miles from Hotel) Offers a double-sided night-lit driving range and short game area along with exceptional amenities.
- Balboa Golf Course (8.7 Miles from Hotel) The course has stellar views of downtown San Diego, Balboa Park, Point Loma and the Pacific Ocean and is the oldest public golf facility in San Diego.
- Coronado Municipal Golf Course (11.6 Miles from Hotel) Rated as one of the best public golf courses in the nation, Coronado is a favorite golf destination for local residents and celebrities alike and offers beautiful San Diego harbor and downtown views.
- Torrey Pines Golf Course (15.2 Miles from Hotel) Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course has always been recognized as one of the nation's premier golf facilities. It features majestic views of the Pacific Ocean and is often home to the U.S. Open.
Snorkel at La Jolla Cove (12.1 Miles from Hotel)
Ready for a winter snorkeling adventure in San Diego near your hotel stay? For most of the US, the thought of going underwater during winter sends a chill down your spine, but here in San Diego, the water is clearer in the winter months, and it is the prime season for snorkeling or diving in the protected marine reserve at La Jolla Cove! We encourage beginners to sign up for lessons, while those with experience can snorkel on their own at La Jolla Cove. Make great winter memories snorkeling in San Diego this year.
What to Pack for Your Sunny Winter Vacation in San Diego
If you’re wondering what to pack for your winter adventure in sunny San Diego, we can help! Since the weather will be warm and sunny, all the usual suspects should definitely be included. You should also plan for those chilly days on or near the water, especially for morning whale-watch trips, so don’t forget to pack layers. Here are some tips for packing for your San Diego vacation, where you will often have sunny beach days combined with a few morning or evening chilly activities to plan for!
- Sunglasses for daily wear – but also a light sweater for breezy, seaside parks
- Sandals for the beach – but also hiking boots for trails
- Shorts for sunny days – but also long pants for cooler mornings and evenings
- Bathing suit for pool and hot tub – but also a warm jacket for morning walks and nighttime strolls
Get Outside & Have Some Fun in San Diego This Winter at Island Palms
Our island oasis is the perfect place for your outdoor winter adventures in San Diego! Our onsite resort-style amenities like Shelter Island Marina, our onsite waterfront restaurant, Blue Wave Bar & Grill, two outdoor pools and spas, complimentary bicycle rentals, tennis, fitness center, and planned guest activities make our tropically themed hotel the perfect spot for fun this winter in San Diego. We invite you to explore our Specials and Deals that were designed to help you save on your next stay at the Best Western PLUS Island Palms! Book your winter escape to San Diego today for the best outdoor fun this winter in Southern California.
