10 Jul 2025

Cool Off by the Coast in San Diego

By Humphreys Half Moon Inn

While the rest of the country is heating up, San Diego is serving ocean breezes, cool coastal temps, and endless ways to chill out by the water. Whether you're cruising along the bay on a breezy bike ride, diving into the refreshing pool at Humphreys Half Moon Inn, or treating yourself to something sweet by the shore, there's no better place to beat the heat than right here on the San Diego waterfront!

Pacific Beach

Where to Swim, Sip, or Relax Along the San Diego Waterfront

Make a Splash at our Tropical Pool & Bar

You don’t have to go far to beat the heat in San Diego this summer, with a refreshing dip in the sparkling waterfront pool at Humphreys Half Moon Inn in San Diego during your coastal getaway. Our Shelter Island hotel is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and enjoy the near-perfect weather and California sunshine. The heated outdoor pool and hot tub offer an island oasis where you can enjoy a hand-crafted cocktail or craft beer from the Oasis Pool Bar and lounge poolside for summer fun.

Enjoy Coastal Breezes by the Bay

Our bayside location in San Diego offers amazing winding paths that are perfect for a stroll along the shore or a casual coastal bike ride. Guests of Humphreys Half Moon Inn can explore the paths along the San Diego bayfront with our onsite San Diego bike rental and enjoy cool breezes and beautiful views! As part of our Half Moon Pass, guests can enjoy the first hour of biking for free daily, making it easy to explore the waterfront, soak in the views, and embark on a fun adventure.

Experience Waterfront Dining

The best place to beat the heat when dining in San Diego is definitely a place with a water view, making Humphreys SoCAL Dining and Music the perfect choice. Located just steps from our suite at Humphreys Half Moon Inn, this popular waterfront restaurant offers fresh California cuisine, signature creative cocktails, local craft beer, an extensive wine list, stunning marina views, and live music. Other nearby waterfront restaurants include local favorites C-Level Lounge for the perfect patio and amazing water views, and Tom Ham’s Lighthouse for fresh seafood and sunset watching!

woman drinking wine, overlooking the marina

Get Out on the Water

Early morning paddleboarding is a great way to beat the heat (and the crowds!) at the beach in San Diego. Enjoy an exhilarating paddle right from your Shelter Island hotel with direct access from the onsite marina to the bay. It's a great way to see the amazing coastal views, get some exercise, explore the local waterways, and soak up some rays! The perfect early morning paddleboarding experience in San Diego starts at Humphreys Half Moon Inn for a great day on the water in San Diego.

paddleboarding

Treat Yourself to Something Cold and Sweet

Nothing cools you quicker than a yummy, frosty cold treat when it’s hot outside. Grab a custom ice cream sandwich from the Baked Bear, one of the coolest places on the beach in San Diego! If you are looking for a healthy option, an Acai bowl from Ocean Café is a great choice. And if frozen yogurt is your thing, try Cake Batter fro-yo or Mango Sorbet from Yogurt on the Rocks, a popular place for cool treats near Humphreys Half Moon Inn in San Diego.

Evening Cruising When the Sun Goes Down

Relax and enjoy a sunset cruise along the San Diego waterfront for a vacation you will not soon forget! Spend the evening on the water under the stars with a dinner cruise from Flagship Cruises and Events. Enjoy a delicious dinner aboard a luxury yacht with stunning scenery and landmark views. Start the evening with a champagne toast, then a freshly prepared dinner on board with locally sourced ingredients. Indulge in creative cocktails, dancing, and sightseeing under the stars in San Diego for the perfect night on the water.

Sip Something Refreshing

Hit one of the best beach bars on the San Diego waterfront for a fun and fruity frozen concoction to keep you cool this summer. Local favorites along the coast include OB Surf Lodge in Ocean Beach, with a 1960s SoCal surf culture and cool patio! Also, popular is our own Oasis Pool Bar, onsite at Humphreys Half Moon Inn with craft cocktails, a delicious menu, a sparkling pool, and a refreshing hot tub for guests! And if experiencing an amazing rooftop bar is your thing, Cannonball at Belmont Park is a great place for a refreshing cocktail on Mission Beach, serving up fruity frozen concoctions, delicious sushi, and great ocean views.

Beat the Heat at Humphreys Half Moon Inn This Summer

Humphreys Half Moon Inn is the place to be this summer if you’re looking for cool coastal vibes with waterfront views. From the ideal location on Shelter Island to the amazing onsite resort-style amenities, including the live music at our summer concert series, the summer fun just doesn’t stop at Humphreys Half Moon Inn in San Diego.  

Are you ready for the perfect summer getaway to San Diego? Book your suite at Humphreys Half Moon Inn today with one of our Special Deals or Packages that are designed for every occasion, from a romantic retreat to a family adventure, or even an extended stay in San Diego. Our deals can elevate your getaway while helping you spend less! Our waterfront hotel in San Diego is the perfect escape to beat the summer heat in San Diego!    

09 Jan 2025

Best Spots to Watch a Winter Sunset in San Diego 

By Humphreys Half Moon Inn

Discover the magic of San Diego's coastline, where vibrant skies and breathtaking views are endless. The city’s iconic skyline and 70 miles of coastline offers some of the most stunning sunsets in Southern California, painting the horizon with a dazzling display every evening. Winter often brings some of the most vivid sunsets, thanks to the crisp, clear air and dramatic cloud formations that enhance the sky’s colors.

During your winter getaway, make the most of these incredible sights near your stay with us at Humphreys Half Moon Inn. Our laid-back, resort-style hotel combines tropical charm with modern amenities, putting you just minutes from the top sunset spots in San Diego. Sip on poolside cocktails, groove to live music at Backstage LIVE, and immerse yourself in the beauty of our lush surroundings—all while soaking in the gorgeous golden hour hues that make every evening in our coastal city extraordinary.

Shelter Island Shoreline Park (0 Miles From Hotel)

Enjoy pastel-lit sunset skies from a cozy bench at the Shelter Island Shoreline Park this winter for an amazing San Diego skyline viewpoint. Conveniently located just outside of Humphrey’s Half Moon Inn, this popular outdoor spot is the perfect place to enjoy unobstructed views of the sunset and skyline each night, no matter the season. You can’t beat these amazing views right from your San Diego hotel!

san diego skyline at sunset

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park (2.8 Miles From Hotel)

Perched along the dramatic coastline of Point Loma, Sunset Cliffs Natural Park offers an unparalleled front-row seat to nature’s most mesmerizing light show. True to its name, this stunning spot provides unobstructed views of the sun dipping into the endless Pacific Ocean, painting the sky with a breathtaking palette of warm, vivid hues. The cliffs themselves form a natural amphitheater, perfect for savoring this nightly masterpiece. Bring a blanket, find your favorite perch, and let the beauty of the sunset take your breath away.

Ocean Beach Pier (3.4 Miles From Hotel)

Stretching proudly into the Pacific, the Ocean Beach Pier—one of the longest concrete piers on the West Coast—offers an unforgettable vantage point for sunset lovers. Just a short drive from our Shelter Island hotel, this iconic spot provides sweeping views of the ocean as the sun dips below the horizon. Stroll along the pier, listen to the soothing waves below, and watch as the sky ignites in a stunning array of colors. Whether you’re snapping photos or simply soaking in the moment, the Ocean Beach Pier is a must-visit destination for sunset seekers.

sunset ocean beach pier

Sunset Point Park (4.8 Miles From Hotel)

Located on Mission Bay, Sunset Point Park is the perfect location to spend during sunset hours. Plan the perfect evening along the California coast as you relax and toast marshmallows with friends, catch a great, romantic dinner at a local restaurant with views, or do a little seaside shopping at the local shops and boutiques at the park. All while you bask in the glow of a Southern California sunset – one of the best views in San Diego!

Mission Bay park

Kate Sessions Memorial Park (7.7 Miles From Hotel)

Nestled high above the city, Kate Sessions Park is a local favorite for unforgettable sunset picnics. Just a quick trip from our Shelter Island hotel, this serene spot offers panoramic views of Mission Bay, downtown San Diego, and the sparkling Pacific beyond. As the sun begins to set, spread out a blanket, enjoy your favorite picnic fare, and watch the sky come alive with vibrant hues. Known for its peaceful ambiance and breathtaking vistas, Kate Sessions Park is the perfect setting to unwind and savor San Diego’s natural beauty.

picnic at kate sessions
(Photo: @meganhealytv)

Mount Soledad (10.1 Miles From Hotel)

Standing 823 feet tall, this popular memorial offers mountaintop, breathtaking views of the sunset and San Diego skyline. Enjoy one of the best views in San Diego from Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial, which is surrounded by palm trees, ocean and coastline scenes, as well as views of the area's most popular city landmarks. Take in the amazing San Diego sunsets from the sky and take some of the most amazing photos of your life from one of the best San Diego viewpoints in the area.

(Photo: @mccleanphotography)

La Jolla Cove (12.5 Miles From Hotel)

Also called Seal Beach, La Jolla Cove is one of the best San Diego viewpoints for sunset views and observing marine life, including the ever-popular seals along the Cali coast. The beautiful clear water in La Jolla Cove, its ruggedly handsome coastline, the unique sea caves, and unobstructed sunset views make this a popular sunset spot with locals and visitors of the area. Take a stroll along the beach or venture up to the cliffs for the most amazing San Diego sunset spots!

la jolla cove

Windansea Beach (12.7 Miles From Hotel)

If you are looking for an unforgettable San Diego skyline viewpoint to take in the beautiful coastal landscape, Windansea Beach is a unique and stunning place to soak it all in. The unmatched naturally sculpted rock formations are like no other, making it one of the most popular places to catch a sunset in the state of California! The perfect place for a romantic date night or an evening with friends for great views, Windansea Beach is an utterly unique place that you will not soon forget once you watch the sun set over the ocean from this popular San Diego beach!

beach at sunset

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (18 Miles From Hotel)

Adventure seekers will enjoy chasing sunsets at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and will not be disappointed when visiting this popular San Diego skyline viewpoint. Hike the scenic trails for the adventure of a lifetime that includes gorgeous sunsets, amazing wind-carved cliffs, never-ending ocean views, and some of the best views in San Diego as the sun sets each night.

torrey pines

Are You Ready to Plan Your Winter Trip to San Diego with a Sunset View?

Book your room or suite at Humphreys Half Moon Inn this winter for a front row view of all the best San Diego skyline viewpoints! From breathtaking sunset views over the ocean to some of the most stunning San Diego skyline scenes, Humphreys Half Moon Inn is the place to be for all the views! You will also enjoy top-notch resort amenities as you are transported to an island oasis this winter where you will feel worlds away while still in the heart of San Diego. Perfect for business or pleasure, our resort offers everything you need to indulge in the coastal California lifestyle you’ve been craving.

sunset