Feature Special
San Diego Bay
By Mark Cameron
(Summer 98')
The kids and I were
at it again this year, another boating run to an inland lake. But this time do
to the request of my 11 year old daughter, and her expressed interest of the San
Diego Zoo ( a must see along with the animal park ) we headed west via MD80 (TWAs
replacement of the 727) to check out boating on San Diego Bay. Flying makes it
tough to trailer boat but do to time constraints we had no choice. We would simply
rent. The first thing you will notice when crossing over the mountains between
the desert and ocean (or in our case stepping off the plane), is the air conditioning
outdoors. In June during our visit it was only in the lower 70s. Native boaters
of San Diego Bay have come accustomed to the cool weather 10 months out of the
year. What makes the bay so interesting is that you will find jet skis riding
along with the ranks of Air Craft Carriers ( it doesn't get more extreme
than that ), along with paddle boats, pleasure boats, yachts, and simple pleasure
craft (also stopping to take a leisurely dive). The bay starts at the entrance
near downtown bordered by North Island NAS Hasley Field and the lighthouse
which leads north up Catalina Blvd. to Old Mission / Ocean Beach area. While
passing into the bay one would notice San 
Diego
Bay Pier and Yacht Harbor on the left and eventually passing Lindbergh Airport
past downtown, (where the goodwill games were in progress) and then under the
famous Bay Bridge and into the hear of the bay itself. Several pleasure boaters
were running about during our visit and its amazing to compare the size of a typical
21 - 28 foot boat to a huge aircraft carrier. Several military ships were docked
on both sides while going south. On the western side lies Coronado, a quiet conservative
community with several shops and restaurants. If you were to drive across the
Bay Bridge you would drive right into Coronado. To the north lies hasley Field
and the south lies Glorietta Bay and Coronado Amphibious Base. Glorietta
Bay has marinas which offers slips and overall make it a great spot
for trailer boating. Farther south on Silver Strand Blvd. lies a rather
interesting housing community which includes the Lowes Resort Hotel. 
The
resort itself offers gated security and three outdoor pools and two whirlpools,
slips, boat rentals, jet ski rentals, and easy access to an old fashion California
style beach bon fire. There we ran into a family who lives on a 34 foot cabin
boat. Slips start around 12 dollars a foot per month and go from there. Many slips
include all the hook ups for year round living. The benefits that suprized me
was lower taxes and lower costs of living (on a boat!). I asked both of the teenage
kids (I will keep names anonymous) how they liked living on a boat, and they both
loved it. However do to having to tie things down like the computer,
dishes etc. they rarely take the boat out. With the weather as cool as it is (comfortable
most of the year round) there is no need for air conditioning, 
(I
even ran the heat in my hotel room at Lowes). Just on the other side of the inlet
to the bay are homes starting around 2.5 million. At those prices one would consider
living on a boat too especially if you want to be close to the water. You wouldn't
even feel an earthquake. The bay runs another 2 1/2 miles south where it ends
near Imperial Beach. Benefits to boating in the San Diego area include taking
breath taking views of the city, the military carriers, the weather and the life
style. Farther north lies another smaller inlet but great boating area Bonita
Bay. With an entrance channel to the Pacific you can go into the bay into Mission
Bay and run northeast to De Anza Cove. This area is popular the much smaller watercraft
and is home to Sea World. Other great places to visit in Southern California while
running on your next boating trip include, Tijuana, (home to the best bartering
in Mexico), Knots Berry Farm and Disneyland in Orange County (one hour north)
and The Salton Sea north of El Centro (about three hours east -see below) and
Laguna Salada (a salt water lake housing many species of birds across the border
south of El Centro). If you happen to be in the mood for great boating, great
weather, a little diving, theme attactions and the California atmosphere, then
boating in San Diego Bay is a must!.
Where to Trailer
- Most Marinas offer ramps, Coronado is suggested as one good spot.
Where to Lodge -
For night life, LaJolla, Mission Beach, Coronado for quiet atmosphere.
On a food Budget
- Imperial Beach offers nearby fast food and Taco stands for Coronado
Best Time of Year
- Anytime, the weather is great year round!.
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