girl in front of pool
01 Mar 2026

Solo in San Diego: A Spring Guide to Shelter Island & Beyond

By Humphreys Half Moon Inn

Spring break travel is often associated with family vacations or group trips filled with busy schedules and nonstop plans. While that can be fun, a slower-paced, wellness-focused solo escape can be just as rewarding. In fact, many travelers are turning towards “soft travel,” a trend centered on relaxation, flexibility, and meaningful experiences at a gentler pace. With our year-round sunshine, beautiful waterfront views, and laid-back coastal lifestyle, San Diego is the perfect destination for a solo spring getaway where you can unwind, explore, and recharge on your own schedule.

What is “Soft Travel” & Why is This Trending With Millennials and Gen Z?

a woman relaxing in her room

"Soft travel" is a modern term that defines the newest travel trend with millennials and Gen Z, where they are looking for vacations that include peaceful wellness escapes, low-pressure trips, and quiet getaways where the focus is on a slower, more relaxing vibe, where they can choose what they want to do and explore at their own pace. The ideal solo travel plan is to create a relaxing vacation experience that recharges and motivates, rather than a jam-packed schedule that can be exhausting and even overwhelming.

The Growing Trend for Solo Travel Opportunities

girl standing in pool with a drink

According to recent travel industry reports, the trend for solo soft travel opportunities continues to grow and is expected to surge this spring. Statistics indicate there is already a growth rate of 90% for spring solo travel plans compared to last year’s travelers. Not only is the solo travel experience trending up, but these relaxation mode specialists are also doubling the number of vacation days, making their downtime a priority… and we’re here for it!

Spring break isn’t just for groups anymore. Today’s spring breaker is looking for a trip that will recharge and motivate. Here are the top things a typical solo traveler is looking for when planning a San Diego vacation adventure.

Top 5 Things Solo Travelers Want in a Vacation Destination:

  1. Walkable neighborhoods to explore
  2. Plenty of fun activities nearby
  3. Safe, comfortable place to stay and relax
  4. A splash of local culture to experience
  5. Lots of local dining options worthy of foodies

Why Humphreys is Perfect for Solo Travelers

wine by marina

Photo: @photosbycece93

Humphreys Half Moon Inn on Shelter Island is the perfect place for solo spring break travelers who are looking for the best San Diego hotel for their vacation experience. In fact, we have created a special package just for our solo travelers called One Happy Traveler that includes a King Bed and a Welcome Bottle of Wine!

In addition to amazing accommodations with water and tropical view suites, our solo guests at Humphreys Half Moon Inn will also enjoy resort-style amenities, including waterfront dining at Humphreys SoCAL Dining & Music, an outdoor pool and spa, a fireside terrace, onsite bicycle rentals, a modern fitness center, onsite massage services, and even a private marina and music venue! Our Shelter Island hotel is the perfect place to escape the grind and unwind during your solo vacation in San Diego.

Solo Traveler Places to Visit in San Diego:

On-site at Humphreys Half Moon Inn:

  • Enjoy a concert during your stay in San Diego at Humphreys Backstage LIVE or Humphreys Concerts by the Bay, which are both located onsite at our Shelter Island hotel.
  • Treat yourself to a massage during your stay at Humphreys Half Moon Inn in our treatment room or in the comfort of your own suite! Choose from a variety of treatments, including deep tissue, aromatherapy, hot lava shells, and more.
  • Guests are invited to hop on your complimentary bicycle rental and explore Shelter Island via the paved seaside trails for a relaxing day near the water in San Diego.
  • Enjoy the amazing onsite resort-style amenities that range from a relaxing hot tub and pool to an onsite restaurant and waterfront bar.

Around San Diego:

torrey pines
  • Learn to surf during your stay at Humphreys Half Moon Inn. San Diego Surf School in nearby Pacific Beach offers lessons with a pro that includes everything you need – from the wet suit to the surf board! Take a private lesson or join in on the group session.
  • Take an invigorating hike on an amazing San Diego trail! There are so many great places to take a hike in San Diego. From trails with water views to those with rugged cliffs, our unique and diverse trail system is popular with locals and visitors.
  • Visit the 18 museums at Balboa Park! No matter what your interests, you are sure to find a museum at this popular park to pique your interest! From the Comic-Con Museum to the Fleet Science Center, this is a great opportunity to explore at your own pace in San Diego.
  • Get yourself a ticket to the hottest game in town at Petco Park! Check out a San Diego Padres baseball game during your solo travels to San Diego! Cheer for the home team and enjoy a Major League Baseball experience while staying at Humphreys!
  • Explore Old Town San Diego and learn about our culture and the historic buildings. Enjoy the California sunshine as you walk downtown to visit the local shops and boutiques. Grab lunch or dinner at a fun restaurant and enjoy the adventure.

The Best Place for Solo Travelers in San Diego – Humphreys Half Moon Inn on Shelter Island

girl standing by marina with glass of wine

If you’re looking for a relaxing island oasis in San Diego that is still close to all the best attractions and things to do — Humphreys Half Moon Inn is exactly what you are looking for! We invite you to experience our peaceful Shelter Island location for the ultimate escape. You will enjoy a solo getaway with resort-style amenities and the best location in town that is still located near all the most popular things to do in San Diego! Book the One Happy Traveler solo package today for a comfortable room and an experience in San Diego you won’t soon forget.

01 Jan 2026

Post-Holiday Reset Getaway: Wellness by the Water in Sunny San Diego

By Humphreys Half Moon Inn

After the whirlwind of the holiday season, there’s no better time to slow down, reset, and reconnect by the water. January in San Diego offers sunshine, calm energy, and breathing room, making it the ideal moment for a wellness-forward escape. At Humphreys Half Moon Inn, your favorite bayfront hotel on Shelter Island, relaxation comes naturally thanks to tropical surroundings, waterfront accommodations, and resort-style amenities designed to help you truly unwind.

Whether your New Year intentions include fresh air, gentle movement, and sunshine, or you are simply craving a peaceful staycation to shake off holiday stress, Humphreys Half Moon Inn is the perfect place to start the year feeling refreshed.

From the moment you arrive, the marina views, palm-lined paths, and laid-back island atmosphere signal one simple truth: it is time to relax.

Why January Is One of the Best Times to Visit San Diego

Winter in San Diego looks a little different, and that is part of the magic. January brings mild temperatures, sunny days, and far fewer crowds, allowing you to experience the city at a slower, more enjoyable pace. Beaches are quieter, dining feels unhurried, and exploring is easier without the bustle of peak travel season. It is the perfect backdrop for a reset focused on ease, wellness, and simple pleasures.

Your Reset Begins the Moment You Arrive

Your wellness getaway starts as soon as you step onto Shelter Island. The calm rhythm of the marina, gentle ocean breezes, and tropical landscaping create an immediate sense of escape. There is no packed itinerary here, just space to slow down and do what feels good.

Start your mornings with a leisurely breakfast by the bay at Humphreys SoCAL Dining & Music, sipping coffee as boats drift past. Spend your afternoons enjoying sunshine, fresh air, and movement at your own pace. When evening arrives, let the glow of the marina set the tone for a perfectly relaxed night.

Resort-Style Relaxation, All in One Place

One of the best parts of staying at Humphreys Half Moon Inn is that everything you need for a restorative getaway is right onsite. Enjoy waterfront dining with standout dishes like Crab Cakes, Lobster Risotto, and Grilled Filet. Spend your evenings at Humphreys Backstage LIVE, where creative cocktails and live music pair beautifully with bay views. Wind down by the outdoor firepits, take a dip in the heated pool or hot tub, or treat yourself to an onsite massage overlooking the marina. Every experience is designed to help you relax, without effort.

Easy Outdoor Activities to Enjoy at Your Own Pace

San Diego’s winter weather makes January an ideal time to get outside without crowds or overexertion. Humphreys’ Shelter Island location offers effortless access to outdoor activities that feel restorative rather than exhausting.

Bike the Bayfront

Guests enjoy complimentary daily bicycle rentals, making it easy to explore Shelter Island’s scenic waterfront path. This flat, peaceful ride offers nonstop bay views, fresh air, and plenty of opportunities to pause and take it all in.

Paddleboarding and Kayaking

Kayaking

With direct access to the marina, guests can step right onto the calm waters of San Diego Bay. Paddleboarding and kayaking are relaxing ways to enjoy time on the water while soaking in views of the harbor and skyline.

Waterfront Walks and Harbor Watching

Prefer to stay on land? Shelter Island’s walking paths are ideal for gentle strolls. Watch sailboats glide by, spot seabirds, or simply enjoy the rhythmic calm of the harbor. It is one of the most peaceful ways to reset.

Sunrise and Sunset Moments by the Water

Some of the most memorable moments at Humphreys are also the simplest. Start your day with sunrise views over the marina or end it watching the sky shift colors as the sun sets over the bay. Whether enjoyed from your balcony, the firepits, or along the waterfront path, these quiet rituals add a sense of mindfulness to your stay.

Wellness Without the Pressure

a woman relaxing in her room

A Humphreys getaway is about wellness that feels natural, not scheduled or overwhelming. There is no pressure to follow a program or stick to a routine. Instead, wellness comes from gentle movement outdoors, time by the water, restful sleep, nourishing meals, and moments of stillness. It is the kind of reset that feels sustainable and genuinely refreshing.

Dry January and Mindful Sipping by the Bay

Whether you are participating in Dry January or simply leaning into balance, Humphreys offers plenty of ways to indulge mindfully. Enjoy fresh coastal cuisine, zero-proof options, and creative mocktails while still soaking up the social atmosphere at Humphreys Backstage LIVE. It is proof that a night out can still feel special without overindulging.

Work From the Water for a Midweek Reset

If you are working remotely, Humphreys Half Moon Inn makes it easy to blend productivity with relaxation. Spacious rooms, strong Wi-Fi, and peaceful waterfront views create an ideal work-from-anywhere environment. Take meetings in the morning, enjoy a bike ride or waterfront walk during lunch, and log off just in time for sunset. It is a midweek escape that feels productive and restorative.

Evenings Designed to Help You Unwind

Outdoor fireplace with guests drinking wine

Nights at Humphreys are calm, cozy, and unhurried. Enjoy live music without the chaos of downtown nightlife, sip a drink by the firepits, or relax in the heated pool and hot tub under the stars. It is the perfect way to end the day without feeling overstimulated or rushed.

Insider Tip: Plan a Weekday Getaway

Couple dancing in room with view of marina

For the most relaxing experience, plan your escape Sunday through Wednesday. Weekday stays offer lower rates, fewer crowds, quieter beaches, and a slower, more peaceful pace. It is the best way to experience San Diego and Humphreys at their most serene.

Your Perfect Waterfront Reset Awaits

When it is time to relax, refresh, and renew, Humphreys Half Moon Inn delivers the tropical calm you have been craving. From luxury waterfront suites and marina views to live music, exceptional dining, and a prime Shelter Island location, every detail is designed to help you leave stress behind. Book your stay today, settle into a marina-view suite, and let the post-holiday tension melt away. Your San Diego reset starts here.

terrace fire pit
08 Jan 2025

Escape the Winter Chill: Sunny San Diego's Top Winter Activities

By Humphreys Half Moon Inn

The weather is perfect in San Diego– even in January! The sunny days are here and are ready for you to enjoy during your winter visit to SoCAL. For those looking for an excellent locale for your winter escape, may we suggest live music in San Diego, exciting San Diego winter activities, and a variety of other popular things to do in San Diego this winter? Whether you are looking for an adventure or simply want to take in some local culture, Humphreys Half Moon Inn offers the perfect accommodations, various unique onsite amenities, the best popular San Diego winter activities, and a convenient location in the heart of it all.

Listen to Live Music on the Water (Onsite at Hotel)

Located onsite here at your favorite San Diego hotel, Humphrey's Half Moon Inn, is one of the best venues for live music in San Diego! Our waterfront bar and lounge, Backstage LIVE offers some of the greatest acts in town, amazing bay views, and you even get the opportunity to enjoy a phenomenal dinner and drinks experience with us just a few steps away from the lounge at Humphreys SoCAL Dining & Music. If you want to hear live music in San Diego, Humphreys Backstage LIVE is the place to be!

concert at Backstage Live

Enjoy a Winter Sunset (Onsite at Hotel)

Some of the best sunsets can be found right here at Humphreys Half Moon Inn this winter. Gorgeous views from Humphreys SoCAL Dining & Music offers amazing sunset views overlooking the marina. From the rugged coastline of Sunset Cliffs Natural Park to the panoramic views from Mount Soledad, there is nothing like a winter sunset in San Diego. Luckily, there is no shortage of amazing viewpoints around our coastal city to soak in all of the golden hour hues. Here are some of the best places to watch the sunset in San Diego.

woman drinking wine, overlooking the marina

Grab a Cozy Coffee Drink (Various Locations)

If caffeine is your thing, San Diego can serve up a great cuppa Joe at one of our endless amazing coffee shops! One of the coziest things to do this winter in San Diego is to cozy up at a local coffee shop and enjoy a house specialty brew. Right here at our hotel, Humphreys SoCAL Dining & Music offers made-to-order espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes. From Bird Rock Coffee Roasters and Portside Coffee & Gelato to Ocean Beach Coffee and Plants and Val’s Coffee Corner, there are plenty of other nearby options to explore!

coffee in front of ocean

Go Whale Watching (0.5 Miles From Hotel)

While whale watching season lasts all year in California, the best time to see the whales is during the winter months of November through February in San Diego. The team at Next Level Sailing provides the optimal whale-watching excursions with experienced guides and the best whale-watching tours in San Diego. Catch the boat from Shelter Island, just a short walk away from our San Diego hotel, and be prepared to be wowed by a variety of different types of whales and sea life! Don’t miss one of the top San Diego winter activities during your SoCAL vacation.

whale in ocean

Take a Hike (1.8 Miles From Hotel)

One of the most popular San Diego wintertime activities is hiking. Our year-round sunny, warm climate makes winter the perfect time to get out and explore the variety of unique places to hike in San Diego. You will enjoy coastal views as you hike along some of the best beaches in California with no crowds and plenty of amazing photo ops! With so many unique and beautiful trails, choose the one that best suits your adventure level and explore!

friends hiking by the ocean

Explore Liberty Station (2.0 Miles to Hotel)

Plan a visit to Liberty Station this winter. Enjoy a huge entertainment complex on 360 acres with a variety of restaurants, retail shops, art galleries, hotels, movie theaters, live entertainment, and more! So much to see and do no matter the winter weather in San Diego. Great for families, date nights, rainy days, lunch, dinner, and more! Liberty Station is just minutes away from your suite at Humphreys Half Moon Inn and is the perfect place to play this winter in San Diego.

The Liberty Public Market Sign in front of a building

Visit a Museum (Various Locations)

Discover exciting things to do in San Diego this winter with the popular Museum Month! For 29 days every February, you can explore over 70 museums, historic sites, gardens, zoos, and aquariums across San Diego County—at 50% off admission. It’s the perfect time to immerse yourself in the city’s rich culture, with special tours, virtual activities, and unique museum experiences available only during Museum Month. Don’t miss out on these exclusive opportunities to make the most of your winter getaway!

Birch Aquarium

Plan Your Winter Escape to Humphreys Half Moon Inn for the Best Winter Activities in San Diego

Escape the cold and embrace a San Diego winter filled with sunshine and endless fun! If snow and freezing temps aren’t your thing, pack your bags and head to California’s coastal gem for the ultimate winter getaway. From whale watching and scenic hikes to immersive museum tours and lively music events, San Diego has everything you need to make this winter unforgettable. Let the sunshine be your backdrop for the season’s best adventures!

Book your accommodations now with us here at Humphreys Half Moon Inn and prepare to spend your winter vacation in sunny and 70-degree weather and plenty of fun things to do in San Diego this winter.

a woman relaxing in her room