Explore San Diego’s top dock and dine destinations

SAN DIEGO — The weather and many recreational activities in San Diego make taking your boat out for a spin in San Diego one of the best outings in the nation. One of the perks to being out on the water in San Diego: “Dock and Dine” destinations.

Dock and Dine options, which allow boaters to conveniently dock their vessels near local eateries, are abundant in San Diego.

In San Diego, Dock and Dine is encouraged by the Port of San Diego as a way for boaters to leave behind the hassle of traffic and finding a parking space.  A listing of top restaurants can be found on their website at portofsandiego.org/maritime/dock-and-dine.html.

The Log has compiled a few of our boater’s favorite locations that have their own docks.  Here’s just a flavor of what San Diego has to offer.

 

Bali Hai Restaurant

Vibe & History: News outlets across the nation, from Thrillist to The Log’s very own Capt. Nicole, have extensively covered Bali Hai, one of the last tiki-themed restaurants of its kind on the California Coast. While this location is known for its historical place in San Diego (and for the fantastic cocktails that came from Polynesian-inspired restaurants such as the Mai Tai), Bali Hai Restaurant is considered a go-to Dock and Dine destination. There is a reason it has been around for more than 50 years and continues to be a hot spot.

Cost: Moderate.

Menu items: Includes Polynesian-inspired fare, a brunch buffet with free-flowing champagne, gluten-free options and more.

Location: 2230 Shelter Island Drive

Contact: balihairestaurant.com; 619-222-1181

 

Pier 32Waterfront Grill

Vibe & History: Waterfront Grill, known for its relaxed atmosphere and being one of the only restaurants offering marina views in National City, is a great place for boaters to stop and grab a bite. The restaurant features a fresh menu prepared from scratch each day. It’s also a fairly affordable value and visitors won’t have to spend an arm and a leg. Terraced waterfront seating, outdoor dining and warm hospitality make this one of the best dock and dine locations on San Diego Bay.

Cost: Reasonable. Items vary from $5 for a beer to around $14 for an entrée.

Menu items: Various American cuisines are offered, from hot sandwiches, salads and appetizers.

Location: 3201 Marina Way, National City

Contact: mywaterfrontgrill.com; 619-718-6240

 

Coronado Ferry Landing

Vibe & History: Coronado Ferry Landing is a shopping, dining and on-water activities destination with much to do for the whole family. It hosts an array of delicious restaurants from inexpensive to top-dollar cuisine. Every Saturday and Sunday there is a free Weekend Concert Series, which could be fun for boaters who are also big music fans. There is also a ferry service that takes passengers to Broadway Pier and the San Diego Convention Center.

Cost: Price levels for everyone’s wallet.

Menu items: Enjoy top dining experiences such as Il Fornaio or Peohe’s or opt for fast-food options such as Burger King. Coronado Cupcakery and Cold Stone Cremery offer dessert for boaters with a sweet tooth.

Location: 1201 1st Street (at B Avenue), Coronado

Contact: coronadoferrylanding.com

 

Sun Harbor Marina & Point Loma Seafood’s

Vibe & History: One of the friendliest marinas in San Diego, Sun Harbor Marina welcomes guest boaters to dock here with application to berth. In this area, you can also find some of the most delicious and iconic foods San Diego has to offer, such as Point Loma Seafood’s, which has been providing some of the freshest seafood San Diego has to offer since 1963. Started by married couple, Kelly and Marie Christianson, Point Loma Seafood’s began as a simple fish market. Over time it expanded into a restaurant that is a go-to for lovers of seafood.

Cost: Affordable.

Menu items: Explore a variety of delicious seafood options from cocktails, soup, salads, sandwiches, sushi and dinner plates. Don’t forget to try the famous house tartar sauce.

Location: 5000 North Harbor Drive; 2805 Emerson Street

Contact: sun-harbor.com, 619-222-1167; pointlomaseafoods.com, 619-223-1109