Why You’ll Love El Carmel Point
El Carmel Point is most notable for its boating activities. However, there are a few more reasons to enjoy visiting this cape in Mission Bay.
Mission Bay Yacht Club (MBYC)
El Carmel Point is home to the Mission Bay Yacht Club. Located on the south side of the cape, it has a history dating back to 1927.
The club is a center for racing sailboats in Mission Bay and out into the Pacific Ocean. It has boats competing at many different levels from juniors to regional regattas.
Additionally, the club offers classes for kids and a community for sailors in the area. As with many other sailing clubs, the Mission Bay Yacht Club spends a lot of time helping juniors get into sailing.
Visitors to the area can come and watch the boats racing. There are also regular events open to the public. Check out MBYC’s website for more details.
San Diego Rowing Clubs
There are several boathouses for rowing in the area. This includes the San Diego Rowing Club and the UCSD & USD rowing clubs.
The San Diego Rowing Club has been the area since around 1888 when it was founded as the Excelsior Rowing and Swim Club. It relocated to Mission Bay and the Coggeshall Rowing Center after A.W. Coggeshall, a longtime member, passed away in 1987 and left money to the club.
Mission Bay Yacht Club
El Carmel Point is home to the Mission Bay Yacht Club and the San Diego Rowing Club.
The rowing center also houses the universities’ rowing clubs in their own boat bays. Whenever the schools are in session, it is common to see rowing crews out in the bay early in the mornings.
Out of town rowers can join in the fun at the San Diego Rowing Club as a guest rower. There are no rentals, but guests can row with members.
Consistent Surf
On the ocean side of El Carmel Point in Mission Beach, there is very consistent surf that is ideal for surfers of all experience levels. The waves are beach breakers over a sandy bottom. They come in fast and fun with moderate power.
During the best days, the waves are average length, but they are typically less than 150 feet. Expect to see very few surfers there most days.
San Juan Cove Nature Preserve
On the north side of El Carmel Point lies San Juan Cove. This small cover is a nature preserve. If you want to just relax by the water and watch some of the boats and marine life, this is a pleasant place to do so.
There is a very small amount of sandy beach around the outside of the cove. This is far from prime San Diego beach. However, it is more than enough for relaxing for a little while.