San Diego’s hotel marinas offer boaters a home away from home for their vessels

SAN DIEGO — Arguably one of the best parts of owning a boat is navigating on the water, especially here in California. It’s easy to cut out traffic and bask in the sun.

Many San Diego hotels also have marinas where a guest slip can be reserved when visiting, which allows travelers to take his or her boat along on vacation. One of the prime boating locations in the world, enjoying the waterfront of a four-star hotel and being able to immerse oneself in the on-water activities offered attracts seafarers all over the world to this destination.

Shelter Island

Boating enthusiasts are definitely going to enjoy staying here, which is considered one of the most nautical areas in San Diego. Some hotel marinas with the most impressive reputations, such as Kona Kai Marina, are located here. Shelter Island, at one time, incorporated the classic tiki style, became popular in the earlier half of the 20th century, into its buildings and infrastructure. The style might have waned a bit, but Shelter Island still maintains a small-town charm about it and is cruising distance to bustling Downtown San Diego.

Kona Kai Marina, which is known for accommodating 30-foot vessels to 250-foot superyachts, is a stylish resort getaway destination. High-end resorts such as Kona Kai Marina provide an array of outdoor activities to enjoy from jet-skiing to kayaking and paddleboarding. In addition to a private beach and spa, Kona Kai can help those who don’t have a boat rent one or they even advertise they can direct guests to Kusler Yachts, if they are ready to take the plunge and buy a boat.

Hotels like Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel and Marina is in the more affordable bracket and accommodates small boats ranging from 20 feet to larger yachts measuring 200 feet.

Amenities such as water, electricity, Wi-Fi and access to the hotel’s restaurants are included in the stay.

Shelter Island hosts abundant hotels with marinas, so boaters can take their pick at this destination.

Downtown San Diego

There is no shortage of lively enjoyment in Downtown San Diego, which is loaded with fun activities for the entire family, including the Gaslamp District, Coronado Ferry, Seaport Village and the Maritime Museum of San Diego. While boaters can set sail in San Diego Bay, family members who might not be as keen to spend the whole trip on a boat can find tons of shopping and other activities to keep them entertained.

One of the most reputable hotel and marina combos can be found in the heart of the downtown waterfront: Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina. Jerry Lewis, at one time, rumor has it, docked his boat here. The Marriott overlooks San Diego Bay, and has some of the best reviews in the city.

In addition, the Marriott offers many deals and discounts to military, AAA or CCC members and a reward point system for those who come to stay often.

Mission Bay

Home to SeaWorld, Mission Bay offers many outdoor activities to keep boaters busy. Sportfishing boats depart often for half-day, full-day and multi-day trips and there is an emphasis on all kinds of on-water activities such as surfing, sailing, paddleboarding, wake boarding and many other activities.

Paradise Point is one such hotel and marina where guests have tons of options when it comes to vacationing or stay-cationing. Modeled as a tropical island resort, Paradise Point has a private, full-service marina and offers dock and dine options for its restaurant Barefoot Bar & Grill. Various aquatic lessons, such as kayaking, motor boating, and jet skiing can be learned and enjoyed here.

Port of San Diego Reservations & Other Areas

San Diego is a large, sprawling county and there are many cities and neighborhoods that make up this recreational boating haven. It’s impossible to explore the entire area in one day and visitors, even locals, are sure to enjoy something new every time they visit.

Because San Diego has so many sailing events, regattas and more, Port of San Diego wanted to make those activities more accessible to boaters. For boaters who wish to bring their boats, but cannot make up their minds on which hotel to stay at or are staying with family or friends, the Port of San Diego provides temporary anchorage and guest dock areas. A reservation website can be viewed at portofsandiego.org/recreation/guest-slip-reservations.html. Anchorages can be reserved for a maximum of 72 hours, while guest docks allow stays up to 15 days in a 40-day period.

Wherever boaters decide to drop their anchors, they can be assured that they – and their vessels – will be welcomed in San Diego.

 

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