Boat Life in San Diego: Weekend Itineraries from Your Slip
Explore the best of boating in San Diego—local anchorages, dock-and-dine gems, and ideas to make the most of your boat year-round.
Why San Diego is One of the Best Places to Own a Boat
If you’re lucky enough to have a slip in San Diego, you’re sitting on one of the most underutilized weekend getaways around… your boat! Thanks to our mild year-round climate, protected harbors, and abundant waterfront destinations, San Diego is a boater’s paradise that’s easy to explore and hard to leave.
Living the boat life in San Diego means you don’t have to travel far to feel a world away. Whether you’re moored in Shelter Island, Harbor Island, Mission Bay, downtown, Coronado, or South Bay, this region offers some of the best local boating adventures on the West Coast. From scenic anchorages to vibrant waterfront dining, the possibilities are endless, all just a short cruise from your slip.
Inspired by our popular Where to Anchor in San Diego and Dock and Dine in San Diego & Newport Beach guides, this blog is your go-to resource for curated San Diego weekend boating itineraries. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing staycation on the water, a social cruise with friends, or a more adventurous long weekend at Catalina, we’ve got your route planned.
Top Anchorages Around San Diego Bay
There’s no need to cross oceans to enjoy a relaxing night on the hook. San Diego is home to several protected anchorages ideal for paddleboarding, swimming, and sunset-watching.
Popular San Diego anchorages include:
- Glorietta Bay (Coronado): Calm, scenic, and perfect for a weekend escape.
- La Playa Cove (Point Loma): Only open Friday–Sunday nights, but a local favorite for raft-ups.
- Mariners Cove (Mission Bay): A fun, social anchorage near water toy rentals and calm conditions.
- South Bay Anchorage: Quieter and farther removed—great for solitude and bird watching.
San Diego Dock-and-Dine: Where to Tie Up and Eat
If you’re looking to dock and dine, San Diego has no shortage of waterfront restaurants with guest slips or nearby moorage. These spots let you pull in for lunch or dinner without ever leaving the water.
Dock & dine favorites:
- Bali Hai (Shelter Island): Tropical cocktails and Polynesian cuisine with views of downtown.
- Ketch Grill & Taps (Point Loma): A relaxed vibe with excellent seafood right on the docks.
- Portside Pier (Downtown): A popular, trendy spot with multiple different restaurants, including seafood and Mexican
- Coasterra (Harbor Island): Upscale Mexican food with unbeatable sunset views.
- Barefoot Bar & Grill (Mission Bay): A laid-back spot for families and friend groups.
- Bluewater Boathouse (Coronado): Located in the historic boathouse with great ambiance and a dinghy dock.
🚤 Pro Tip: Some restaurants have limited dock space, especially on weekends. Call ahead or use Dockwa to check slip availability.
Turn a Simple Cruise into a Mini-Vacation
Even if you’re not heading to Catalina, there are plenty of ways to turn your boat into a weekend retreat without leaving San Diego County.
Ideas to inspire local cruising:
- Overnight on the water: Anchor out or grab a guest slip at a nearby marina for a change of scenery.
- Theme nights onboard: Host a sunset happy hour, stargazing night, or floating movie night.
- Bring the dog: Many beaches and parks near the water are pet-friendly, like Fiesta Island and Kellogg Beach.
- Marine wildlife tours: Cruise past Point Loma or toward the kelp beds to spot sea lions, dolphins, and even whales.
Smart Tools for Planning Your San Diego Boat Weekends
Maximize your time on the water with the right resources at your fingertips:
- Dockwa: Reserve guest slips at marinas all over SoCal.
- Navionics or Aqua Map: For local charts, navigation, and anchor alerts.
- Windy, Tides Near Me, NOAA: Check marine forecasts, swell reports, and tide tables before departing.
- Marine radios: Stay updated with VHF channel 16 and local marina channels.
Boater’s Bonus: Sample Weekend Itineraries
Need a little inspiration to get started? Here are a few flexible itinerary ideas you can try—perfect for couples, families & friends, or a spontaneous solo trip:
Itinerary 1: The Relaxed Staycation – Glorietta Bay + Coronado
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- Day 1: Depart from your slip, cruise over to Glorietta Bay. Drop anchor and enjoy the skyline views. Paddleboard, swim, or float with a cocktail.
- Dinner: Dinghy ashore to Il Fornaio for sunset dinner on the patio.
- Overnight: Anchor in Glorietta Bay or reserve a guest slip at the Coronado Cays Yacht Club.
- Day 2: Brunch at Tartine or Clayton’s, then take a leisurely cruise back.
Itinerary 2: The Social Weekend – Mission Bay Marina + Dockside Fun
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- Day 1: Head north to Mission Bay, dock at Dana Landing or Marina Village.
- Lunch: Barefoot Bar & Grill or dock-and-dine at Draft.
- Afternoon: Anchor near Mariners Cove for water toys and sunshine.
- Dinner: Uber or bike to Liberty Station or stay local with firepit s’mores at Paradise Point.
- Day 2: Cruise the Mission Bay loop and head back through the jetty.
Itinerary 3: The Offshore Adventure – Catalina Sneak-Away (Long Weekend)
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- Day 1: Depart early and head to Avalon or Two Harbors (weather dependent).
- Dockage: Moor in Avalon and enjoy shops, beaches, and nightlife.
- Day 2: Hike, snorkel, or take a golf cart tour.
- Day 3: Early morning departure back to San Diego.
Final Thoughts: Use Your Boat Like It’s Meant to Be Used
Boating in San Diego offers a unique lifestyle, one that combines freedom, relaxation, and adventure, often just a few miles from home. If you’ve been leaving your boat tied up more often than not, now’s the time to explore more of what’s right in your backyard (or back bay).
Need help planning your next adventure or thinking about upgrading to a more cruising-friendly vessel?
Reach out to the team at 50 North Yachts. We’re happy to help you make the most of boat life in San Diego.
50 North Yachts
@ Kona Kai Resort & Marina
1551 Shelter Island Dr. Suite 102
San Diego, CA 92106
619-684-9266