If you are searching for a once in a lifetime experience to enjoy on the water, sailing in San Diego might be just what you’re looking for!
Spending the day with the wind in your sails is a thrilling adventure, sure to promise lifelong memories. Whether you’re visiting the area as a solo traveler, with friends, or your family, everyone can enjoy the day sailing on the waters of San Diego.
I personally think the main reasons San Diego offers memorable sailing opportunities is because of its beautiful scenery and mild year-round weather. So no matter if you are visiting or live in the area, sailing in San Diego with a sailing tour or with a sailboat rental is an activity I really think you should try.
Sailing off of Mission Bay Yacht Club on El Carmel Point
How to Go Sailing in San Diego
There are a few good options for sailing in San Diego.
My son is learning to sail out of the San Diego Yacht Club. There is also the Mission Bay Yacht Club, Harbor Island Yacht and SailTime Yacht Club to name a few. It may be possible to rent a sailboat and even take a sailing lesson from these locations.
If you’d prefer to sit back and enjoy the ride rather than sail yourself, San Diego offers some really beautiful sailing tours like my personal favorite, the San Diego Sunset and Day Sailing Excursion with Drinks.
The Beautiful Star of India
San Diego’s Sailing History
San Diego has a rich sailing history that dates back hundreds of years.
The Kumeyaay were skilled seafarers that traveled the coast in canoes made of pine or redwood. Their intimate knowledge of the bay, currents, and sea life was an essential part of San Diego pre-colonization.
In the mid 1500s, Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo first visited the area and in the late 1700s, the Spanish established a permanent settlement, using sailing vessels for trade, communication and transportation around the coast.
The 19th century turned sailing into a recreational activity! The founding of one of the first yacht clubs on the West Coast took place here in 1852.
In 1911, the U.S. Navy established a permanent presence in the area, using its strategic location, natural harbor, and proximity to the Pacific Ocean as an ideal base, further cementing sailing with San Diego’s economy, heritage, and culture.
Maritime Museum in Harborview, San Diego
The Maritime Museum of San Diego
If you’re interested in sailing and San Diego history, consider visiting the Maritime Museum of San Diego where you can view world-class National Historic Landmark Vessels.
With a Go City San Diego pass you can combine your visit with top attractions throughout the city, including the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum and San Diego Zoo. Use the discount code GVSD5OFF for a bonus savings!
Sail Bay Beach in Front of the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
Where to Stay When Sailing in San Diego
If you’d like to go sailing on one of the many sailing tours on your next trip to San Diego and would like my overall choice for a place to stay, I suggest you consider the beachfront Polynesian-themed Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa for your stay.
Situated on the north edge of Mission Bay between Mission Beach and Pacific Beach, you’ll be well located for a sailing trip on Mission Bay or from the San Diego Bay.
With 310 guest rooms, luxury amenities, and San Diego’s only beachfront spa, your stay is guaranteed to have something for everyone in your group.
Plus, with a Zagat-rated on-site restaurant, cafes, lush, tropical gardens, and access to their private beach, you’ll feel like you’re in a little world of your own.