The ocean has always been a rather mysterious place that has drawn mankind to it since our first days so long ago. It’s not hard to see why though, for there is nothing quite as relaxing and enjoyable as lying upon the beach as the warm sun beats down upon your body and you listen to the waves crashing against the shore like a giant hand upon a drum. This is not to mention that one could quite literally sustain themselves with all that the ocean provides from seaweed to more fish than we probably could ever comprehend. So, why not have your own boating trip and experience the joys of the ocean at Point Loma Marina, and we’ve put together a boating trip guide to help you along the way!
The Marina
Before we start discussing the fun and excitement of the surrounding area, let’s examine the marina which will provides everything you’ll need to ensure a peaceful and stress-free boating trip. You’ll find the typical amenities such as laundry facilities, restrooms, storage lockers, free Wi-fi and power. However, on top of this you’ll be able to sleep peacefully knowing that you’re being protected and guarded by 25 security cameras around the property, all of which are monitored and recorded to ensure both yours, as well as your belongings, safety.
While the Marina itself provides security and comfort, its location ensures that you will never be questioning what to do with your day, nor will you know the meaning of boredom. You’ll find yourself floating at the foothills of Point Loma and will be but three miles from the open ocean and all the freedom and adventures that inherently come with it. Further, you will find yourself just minutes away from the San Diego Bay and all the fishing, boating, exploring, and more that one can find there.
Entertainment Ashore – Point Loma Marina
While the open ocean provides its own host of entertainment, don’t forget to explore all there is to do ashore while you are visiting the beautiful area. Within a short distance of the marina, you’ll find an assortment of various trails to explore and loose yourself within. For instance, you’ll find one path whose head starts at Shelter Island, and then wanders through the land to America’s Cup Harbor. While the Bessemer path begins at the San Diego Yacht Club and curves along the San Diego Bay, giving you beautiful views of the ocean and surf. If one is really feeling up to a trip, follow Catalina Boulevard up to the Cabrillo National Monument, where you will be greeted to breathtaking views of the deep blue ocean, the shores of Mexico, the Coronado Islands, and the San Diego Bay. Make sure to bring some binoculars with you though, as it’s not uncommon to see whales playing out in the distance. Afterwards you might like to head over to the Point Loma Tide Pools, which when exposed during the low tide, can give you insight into the diverse ecosystem that is the ocean. However, make sure you leave time to visit the Old Point Loma Lighthouse which has been standing tall since 1855!
If you’re not feeling up to a hike and would prefer to just a relaxing day embracing your studious side, then head on down the NTC arts district in Liberty Stations and enjoy the beautiful creations of local minds and talent. You might also enjoy stopping by the Women’s Museum of California, or possibly even the New Americans Museum. One could stop by the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery and be not only humbled but gain insight into the area’s military past. While doing all this don’t forget to stop the Jean Isaacs San Diego Dance Theater and see if you’ll get lucky enough to catch a show.
Perhaps you are looking forward to just perusing the local shops that dot the area. Well, in that case you must head down to the Liberty Public Market, where you will find everything from local butchers and fishers selling their catches and steaks to farmers selling fresh produce, a stand-up oyster bar, gelato stands, and even live music on Sundays at the mess hall. Head back to Liberty Station, though this time peruse the dozens of art stores, craft shops, boutiques, yoga studios and more!
Fun on The Water
Now that you have properly explored the city and gotten a taste for the rich culture hidden here, head out on your boat and enjoy the endless adventures and fun that can be had on the water. There are of course the usuals such as swimming, snorkeling, or just lounging around on deck. However, there is world-class fishing found all around the area, both near to shore and out to sea. Our fully equipped fishing boats can help you reel in your biggest catch yet! Once you are ready to catch some dinner for the night, head on out and test your skill.
If you find yourself preferring to stay closer to the safety of the shore, keep an eye out for the various fish that like to hide out amongst the waters. You’ll find a variety of inshore catches such as calico bass, halibut, rockfish, sheepshead, croaker, corbina, white sea bass, and more! Even if you’re looking to just hangout on the docks or pier, you can still get your fishing in as a wide range of different fish prefer to hang out right up close to the docks, including sand bass, leopard sharks, bat rays, barracuda, bonito and more! Once you’ve spent the day casting a line, make sure to take your catches to shore as there are several places that will be happy to not only filet and process your catch but are happy to ship the filets back home for you.
The Joys of Dining
Now that you have an idea of the vast amount there is to occupy your time while staying at Point Loma Marina, you’ll need to know where to go to relax and have a good bite to eat. Luckily, there is a score of restaurants scattered across the area with everything from Italian to Chinese, Indian, American, and everything in-between. Even if you don’t feel like going far, never fear, for Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern is more then happy to let you dock and dine so long as you call ahead for a slip reservation. While there, make sure you check out their brunch which offers everything from bennies to seafood, bacon, and all else you could think of—plus, do so while enjoying bottomless mimosas!
If you’re looking for a true local fishmen hangout checkout Mitches which is your old school bay seafood joint. You can even check out Bali Hai, which gives jaw dropping views of the bay along with a buffet style brunch and a famous Mai Tai made up of five different rums. You could also go on the Shelter Island Drive and enjoy fish tacos and local beers of tap for you to try against your palate.
This is just a small taste of the sights to see at Point Loma, the fresh fish to cast for, and the delicious food to try while staying at this delightful marina. So, if your ready to have a boat trip you’ll always remember fondly, make sure you contact Carefree Boat Club at (619) 488-6630 today!
