THINGS TO DO NEAR SHELTER ISLAND
Locals' shortlist for a day or night around Shelter Island.
Shelter Island is one of San Diego's prettiest waterfront stretches — a curved spit of land in Point Loma lined with marinas, fishing charters, hotels, and a long waterfront park. Here's what locals actually do around it on a half-day, a date night, or a long Saturday. (Spoiler: we usually end up at Harbor Town Pub.)
Daytime
- Walk the Shelter Island waterfront park — flat, dog-friendly, bay views the whole way.
- Charter a fishing trip from Fisherman's Landing — half-day, full-day, overnight. Tuna, yellowtail, the works.
- Rent a kayak or SUP — calm marina water, easy paddle.
- Cabrillo National Monument — fifteen minutes south, lighthouse + tidepools + view of all of San Diego Bay.
- Sunset Cliffs — slightly further south on the ocean side, best at golden hour.
Eat & drink
Hotel bars on Shelter Island itself are good for one drink with a view. For a full meal, locals drive five minutes back to Rosecrans:
- Harbor Town Pub — neighborhood pub, dog-friendly patio, full menu, sports on. The local default.
- Bali Hai — tiki classic on the island for sunset mai tais.
- Humphreys Backstage Live — live music nights only.
For more: best bars near Shelter Island.
Evening
Catch the Padres on Power Hour at Harbor Town, hit the arcade in the back, or stay for happy hour near Shelter Island (Mon–Fri 3–6). On Friday and Saturday late, Point Loma stays casual — see the nightlife guide.
Weekend morning
Walk Shelter Island first thing, then breakfast at Harbor Town — Sat & Sun 8am–1pm. Full menu on the weekend breakfast page.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
- What is there to do near Shelter Island in Point Loma?
- Walk the waterfront park, charter a fishing trip from Fisherman's Landing, kayak the marina, visit Cabrillo National Monument or Sunset Cliffs, and grab food and drinks at Harbor Town Pub on Rosecrans.
- Where do locals eat near Shelter Island?
- Harbor Town Pub — five minutes back on Rosecrans. Full pub menu, dog-friendly patio, sports on. The local default.
- What's the best happy hour near Shelter Island?
- Harbor Town Pub, Mon–Fri 3–6pm. See the happy hour near Shelter Island page for details.
- Can I walk from Shelter Island to Harbor Town?
- It's about a 15-minute walk or a five-minute drive back toward Rosecrans.
VISIT HARBOR TOWN PUB
1125 Rosecrans St · Point Loma · Open daily 11am–late.