OUR CLASSIC CRUISE GLIDES YOU
with GRACE and EASE PAST SENSATIONAL
SAN DIEGO SIGHTS
See the Sights of San Diego Bay
SAN DIEGO BAY PRESENTS A NUMBER OF UNIQUE PLACES to be
DISCOVERED
The 12-mile long stretch of the open sunny Bay is impressive for anyone to see, whether a unique perspective for a longtime local — or the first-time visitor from across the country or world. But beyond the spectacular skyline and expansive Coronado Bridge there presents a number of unique and culturally rich sights.
SUN AND RELAXED SOCAL VIBES WITH PLENTY OF HISTORY
No.
01
Look Across the Water
The sweep of history is written on 12-mile-long San Diego Bay – from the ancient peoples who lived here 12,000 years ago and the first European to claim the bay in 1542; to the influence of Spain and Mexico; to California’s statehood in 1846.
And now the US Naval, commercial, hospitality and cultural engines that drive San Diego’s economy today and dot the bay’s 34 miles of waterfront.
No.
02
The Bay’s Military Might
A natural harbor and deepwater port, San Diego Bay is home to more than 60 U.S. Navy ships in the Pacific Fleet – aircraft carriers, assault ships and destroyers among them. It’s the largest Navy base on the West Coast with as many as 39,000 military personnel.
On Coronado’s North Island, you’ll see the Naval Air Station considered the birthplace of Naval aviation. Coronado also houses the Navy’s SEAL teams. And guarding the bay’s entrance is Naval Base Point Loma with its submarine squadrons.
No.
03
San Diego Bay doesn’t just boast Navy ships, subs and planes, its port also welcomes cruise ships, sea cargo, and commercial and sport fishing operations. Pleasure and working craft tie up at more than a dozen marinas, many on Harbor and Shelter Island.
From 1910 to the 1970s, the bay was famous for tuna fishing and canning. The waterfront also houses six shipyards that build, repair and maintain Navy and commercial vessels. At the far end of the bay, in Chula Vista, lie commercial salt flats.
No.
04
The Coronado Bridge
Completed in 1969, the curved, 2.1-mile steel and concrete girder bridge spans the bay from San Diego to Coronado Island. Passenger ferries still cross the bay but no longer carry cars.
Two-hundred feet at its highest point, the bridge was designed to allow the biggest of Naval vessels to pass beneath it.
No.
05
Along the bay’s waterfront are many tourist and local attractions. Perhaps the best known is the USS Midway Museum. The historic carrier, with more than 30 aircraft on its deck, is among San Diego’s most-visited spots.
Along the waterfront you'll surely notice the tall masts of the HMS Surprise replica and the 1863 Star of India. Another treasure is the San Salvador, a replica of the Spanish galleon that sailed into the bay in 1542.
The distinctive Rady Shell on the waterfront, is the summer home of the San Diego Symphony. Shops and restaurants are plentiful at nearby Seaport Village.
No.
06
Cabrillo National Monument
Look up toward Point Loma and you’ll see the large white statue of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo overlooking the water, the first European to sail into the bay he called San Miguel.
In 1602, the explorer Sebastian Vizcaino renamed it San Diego de Alcala. But the region was believed to have been inhabited as long ago as 12,000 years by native peoples, most significantly the Kumeyaay.
No.
07
The bay you see today is not exactly what Cabrillo stepped into when his ship nudged the sand at Ballast Point (which isn’t just a craft beer!) Military and commercial operations changed the depth and contours of the bay through dredging. The “spoils” created Shelter and Harbor islands, which house hotels, restaurants, marinas, businesses and boat launches, and also North Island's runways and a peninsula for the SEALs.
And Ballast Point? In 1795 colonists built Fort Guijarros at the entry to San Diego Bay for protection. Considered a great place to land ships, Ballast Point was important to the leather trade. And it provided ballast stones for empty ships' journies homeward.
12
MILES OF INCREDIBLE SIGHTS IN SAN DIEGO BAY
60
U.S. NAVY SHIPS CALL THE BAY HOME
2.1
MILES IS THE LENGTH OF CORONADO BRIDGE
1542
THE YEAR THE EUROPEANS ARRIVED
We Curate Private Yachting Experiences on San Diego Bay for:
ANNIVERSARIES
DATE EXPERIENCES
SERENE ESCAPES
Explore More About Our Unique Cruising Experience
