If it can be done on the water, you'll find people doing it off the shores of San Diego. With over 26 marinas throughout the county, sailing, boating, kayaking and windsurfing enthusiasts take advantage of the ideal conditions from Oceanside all the way south to Imperial Beach.
San Diego Bay is one of the most beautiful natural harbors anywhere; a crescent-shaped bay opening to the ocean between Point Loma to the west and North Island to the east, this 14.5-mile waterway serves as the homeport for thousands of pleasure craft aside from the Navy and commercial vessels. Pleasure craft owners concentrate most of their activity to the north of the bay. Marinas and resort hotels are centered at Harbor and Shelter Islands, which can accommodate visiting craft. Marinas in Coronado, National City and Chula Vista feature launching ramps and yacht basins for small pleasure craft.
Mission Bay is the place to head to for water sport of every kind, and the many marinas offer a full range of watercraft to buy, rent, or charter. A strict speed limit inhibiting motor boats allows the sailboat to reign supreme over the western cove of Mission Bay. Many major sailing regattas are held here each year, and several fleets of sailboats can be seen in stiff competition almost every weekend throughout the year. If you want lessons or a pleasant few hours' rental in anything from sailing to kayaking to canoeing to windsurfing, the Mission Bay Sportcenter is a great one-stop location in the area. If you're strictly looking for the sailboat experience, then Harbor Island Yacht Club offers a full line of superbly maintained models of sailboats--skippered and lessons available according to your needs.