1. Best Western Island Palms Hotel & Marina
City: Shelter Island, CA
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (619) 222-0561, (877) 484-3275
Address: 2051 Shelter Island Drive
Description: A common sentiment among visitors is, why come to San Diego if you don’t stay on the water? The Island Palms sits beside the blue waters of San Diego Bay and offers a resortlike atmosphere for guests who want to get away from it all and still be close to San Diego’s attractions.The 97-room hotel has a bayside swimming pool and spa (but no swimming in the boat-filled bay), and most rooms and suites have spectacular bay views. If you plan to settle in for a while, take advantage of the oversize suites with full kitchens. The hotel’s waterfront restaurant is perfect for dining and unwinding with friends in the lounge. All rooms are designated nonsmoking.
2. Humphrey’S Half Moon Inn
City: Shelter Island, CA
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (619) 224-3411, (800) 542-7400
Address: 2303 Shelter Island Drive
Description: A tropical paradise on the bay is the best way to describe the Half Moon Inn on San Diego’s Shelter Island. Its 182 rooms and suites are nestled among lush gardens, palm trees, ponds, and waterfalls. Some are in need of remodeling. Ask to see a selection of rooms if you’re unhappy with your first choice. Humphrey’s Restaurant is on-site and in charge of room service. Guests who visit from June through October are in for a special treat. Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay series (see our Nightlife chapter) takes place right on the grounds of the hotel. Enjoy the evening breezes by the pool or from your balcony while you enjoy music from jazz and pop entertainers such as Kenny G, Ringo Starr, and more. Kids will enjoy the pool and the continuous Ping-Pong games.