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.

san diego skyline from the water
10 Feb 2026

Day to Night: The Best San Diego Date Ideas

By Humphreys Half Moon Inn

Romance is always in the air in your favorite seaside city, so if you’re looking for the best San Diego date ideas, there are plenty of unique experiences that are sure to please! From fun-filled afternoon dates at a local seaside park to an evening concert by the bay, there are so many ways to enjoy a romantic date in San Diego.

And the best part is that all of these popular San Diego date night ideas are just minutes away from your suite at Humphreys Half Moon Inn. Here are some of the most popular San Diego date ideas to consider during your stay at Humphreys on Shelter Island.

Best Daytime Date Ideas in San Diego

Explore Shelter Island Together (Onsite at Hotel) 

Shelter Island

Your perfect day date in San Diego starts at Humphreys SoCAL Dining & Music with a delicious breakfast just steps from your suite at Humphreys Half Moon Inn. Next, take advantage of the complimentary bicycle rentals with our Half Moon Pass and spend the day exploring Shelter Island. Enjoy a picnic at nearby scenic Shoreline Park with bay and downtown views or grab a cup of Joe from Portside Gelato & Coffee for the perfect day date in San Diego. If you want to celebrate your sweetheart on the holiday, join us for a special Valentine’s Day dinner at our onsite restaurant, Humphreys SoCAL Dining & Music, for a real treat!

Liberty Station Public Market (2.4 Miles from Hotel) 

san diego liberty station

For the perfect lunch date in San Diego, grab a bite to eat at a popular local restaurant like Stone Brewing, Fig Tree Cafe, or Buona Forchetta. Also, be sure to check out the local shops like Pigment, Moniker General, and Sea Hive Station for a fun afternoon at Liberty Station Public Market. It’s also a fun place to see a movie at the Lot, a luxury movie theater perfect for a date, and wine at Carruth Cellars to wrap up the night.

Brunch and Views in Little Italy (4.5 Miles from Hotel) 

The perfect weekend date in San Diego starts at the Farmers Market in Little Italy! Treat yourself to everything from fresh fruits and veggies to gifts from local artisans. Next, grab a coffee or a delicious brunch at Nolita Hall, Coco Maya, or Morning Glory, where you will have amazing skyline and harbor views as you enjoy watching the planes fly overhead!

Balboa Park/San Diego Zoo (7.3 Miles from Hotel) 

Balboa Park

Since Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo are located right beside each other, make plans to explore both during your date in San Diego! The San Diego Zoo is just a short drive from Humphreys Half Moon Inn and is home to over 3,700 animals where you can explore exhibits, take guided tours, and enjoy family-friendly activities! Balboa Park is home to a variety of museums, the new Botanical Garden, and an original menagerie carousel to ride on!

Kayak in La Jolla Sea Caves (12.9 Miles from Hotel) 

la jolla cove kayaking

If you’re an adventurous couple looking for a fun date in San Diego, make plans to explore the La Jolla Sea Caves for an exciting kayak tour! You’ll also have fun enjoying local shopping, eating at seaside restaurants, seeing the La Jolla seals, and a relaxing walk on the beach for a romantic date in San Diego!

Torrey Pines Gliderport (14.7 Miles from Hotel) 

torrey pines glider port

For a unique date in San Diego, head over to Torrey Pines Gliderport to watch exciting paragliders in the sky with a backdrop of amazing ocean views! Torrey Pines is also one of the most popular places for hiking in San Diego with a variety of trails from the beginner to the expert trailblazer. Such a thrilling idea for a date in San Diego.

Best Nighttime Date Ideas in San Diego

Settle in on Shelter Island (Onsite at Hotel) 

Humphreys_Property_Aerial_Marina

Date night is a breeze at Humphreys Half Moon Inn where you have your choice of a variety of exciting activities. Start the evening with dinner at Humphreys SoCAL Dining & Music, our waterfront restaurant with fresh California cuisine and marina views. Also, be sure to make plans for our Valentine’s Day Dinner Special at Humphreys with a thoughtfully crafted three-course dinner by Executive Chef Percy Oani. You also have the option of seeing a concert at Humphreys Backstage Live and Humphreys Concerts by the Bay during your San Diego date night. Check out the concert lineup with great acts like Cheap Trick, Ringo Starr, and more! After dinner and a show, relax in the waterfront Jacuzzi and enjoy your favorite cocktail and amazing views with an easy walk to your suite.

Go Speakeasy Hopping (Miles from Hotel Varies) 

Cocktail glass with lime slice and bar utensils arranged among books on the bar counter

San Diego is known for the unique and popular speakeasy locations throughout the city. From the Grass Skirt to Noble Experiment and Raised by Wolves, a mysterious speakeasy is a trendy and sexy way to spend a date night in San Diego during your stay at Humphreys Half Moon Inn. Can you find the secret entrance? Do you know the code? Enter if you can!

Late-Night Dessert Date (Miles from Hotel Varies) 

dessert

Indulge in a delicious date night at one of the most popular dessert spots in San Diego. We suggest the absolute best cake from Extraordinary Desserts, a Tacolate from Salt & Straw, or a scoop of Baklava Cheesecake from Stella Jean’s for a sweet date night in San Diego!

Catch a Comedy Show (Miles from Hotel Varies) 

guy doing stand up

Nothing says date night fun like live comedy at a local club with national headline acts. Popular choices include American Comedy Co, The Comedy Store, and Mic Drop Comedy, which are all great choices for a fun date night in San Diego that are close to Humphreys Half Moon Inn!

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park (2.0 Miles from Hotel) 

sunset cliffs

Nothing says romantic date night in San Diego like a sunset picnic at beautiful Sunset Cliffs. The 68-acre park extends 1.5 miles along the Point Loma shoreline and offers a unique coastal environment with expansive ocean views, dramatic cliff formations, and interesting sea caves. It’s the perfect place for a picnic date with an amazing sunset view!

Harbor Dinner Cruise (4.7 Miles from Hotel) 

dinner cruise

Enjoy a dinner cruise on the harbor for a perfect date night in San Diego from Flagship Cruises and Events. You’ll enjoy an amazing 3-course dinner, complimentary glasses of champagne, dancing to music from a DJ on the water, and a full bar. You will also experience some of the best San Diego skyline views around.

Belmont Park (5.7 Miles from Hotel) 

drink overlooking beach

Enjoy a fun date night at nearby Belmont Park where you can play games on the midway, enjoy ocean views, and treat your date to dinner at the popular Cannonball restaurant, drinks at Draft, rides on the exciting Big Dipper, and a concert at Fit Social all in one night!

Plan the Best Date Night in San Diego with These Exciting Date Ideas

exterior at night

Get your couples getaway to San Diego started at our secluded and “oh-so-romantic” Shelter Island hotel for the perfect escape. Humphreys Half Moon Inn has some great date opportunities without even leaving the resort and is definitely the perfect “homebase” for your romantic San Diego vacation. In addition to our amazing onsite resort-style amenities, luxury waterfront suites, and private location away from the bustling city, we are also super close to downtown, beaches, and all the best places for a date in San Diego.

Make plans now to escape to San Diego for a special Valentine’s getaway or a romantic weekday trip for two!

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