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Part 2: Something of a local treasure, Humphrey’s is
a watering hole/restaurant/outdoor concert venue that has seen its share
of big acts, including Jimmy Buffett.
By Matt Trulio — Fall 2004
Last time he checked, Peterson had logged about 800,000
cruising miles, many of them to and through places, such as Tahiti, that
wouldn’t be a stretch to call paradise. He loves to boat close to
shore, far offshore, and everywhere in between. Short story: The man is
qualified to judge. And for him, paradise lies in and all around San Diego,
starting just beyond the boatyard that also serves as the Mikelson Yachts
corporate offices.
LOCAL LOWDOWN
Two long peninsulas form San Diego Bay—Point Loma to the north and,
to the south, Coronado Island. Point Loma is best-known for its whale-watching
opportunities. Coronado Island is known for its residential real estate
market, where lots less than $1 million are snatched up as bargains. Coronado
Island is not really an island but for some reason frequently is called
one. There actually is a group of islands off San Diego called—you
guessed it—the Coronado Islands, so perhaps that’s where the
confusion starts.
Whatever the explanation, Coronado is home to the famed
Hotel del Coronado, a historic landmark and a “don’t miss”
spot whenever Peterson cruises the bay. The striking resort is about a
block away from the Coronado Yacht Club, which offers dockage for visiting
members of affiliated clubs. Off Coronado Peninsula is Glorietta Bay,
a beautiful anchorage where Peterson likes to drop the hook.
“Whenever somebody comes into town, our first
stop is Coronado,” Peterson says. “We also head down to an
area called Coronado Cay, which has a lot of sandy coves you can anchor
off and then swim to shore.”
If a killer brunch is in order before a swim, Humphrey’s
By the Bay on Shelter Island, just a few minutes from Coronado, gets the
nod from Peterson. Something of a local treasure, Humphrey’s is
a watering hole/restaurant/outdoor concert venue that has seen its share
of big acts, including Jimmy Buffett. Local legend has it that one night
when Buffett played Humphrey’s, the power went out. Rather than
call it quits, he reportedly ordered 100 pizzas for the crowd and finished
the concert acoustic. “I was there,” Peterson says with authority.
For an onboard lunch with a city view as a backdrop,
Peterson suggests take-out fish and chips from Anthony’s Star of
the Sea. Located on Harbor Drive, which follows the eastern perimeter
of the bay, the restaurant offers short-term dockage. Across the bay is
Peohe’s, which also has substantial dock space and is one of Peterson’s
top spots for dinner.
Nearby North Island is his recommendation for boaters
who are curious about military vessels. Peterson likes to cruise right
by the aircraft carriers for an up-close look at the goings-on, and he
takes out-of-towners ashore for a tour aboard the USS
Midway. Its nearly 50-year history as America’s longest-serving
aircraft carrier spans from World War II to Desert Storm, all of which
is recounted in the naval aviation museum there.
>> Next page >>
Part
3: San Diego Bay’s greatest strength, Peterson says, is as a gateway
to the Sea of Cortez, which boasts some of the best fishing, diving, and
relaxed cruising in the world. Page
1,
2, 3,
4, 5,
6, 7
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