Set Sail to These 5 California Places This Summer
The sun-kissed coast, the salty breeze, and the rolling waves – sailing in California is an unforgettable experience. With seemingly never-ending summers and 840 miles of Pacific coastline, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the Golden State by sailboat.
When it comes to enjoying the open water, California has some of the best coastal areas and inland waterways in the world. From the gorgeous San Francisco Bay to the stunning turquoise waters of the Channel Islands, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful and relaxing cruise or a thrilling, high-adrenalin excursion, the key to a successful voyage is preparation. With the right California boat insurance and the right attitude, you can make sure every voyage is a safe and enjoyable one!
Here are just a few of our favorite destinations to check out this season of the sun.
1. San Francisco Bay
There’s hardly an American city that’s as inviting to boat travelers as the City by the Bay. San Francisco Bay offers countless harbors and marinas for docking your vessel. Many feature close-up views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the downtown skyline.
In addition to its namesake city, San Francisco Bay also encompasses the cities of Oakland and San Jose, as well as Silicon Valley. So there’s plenty to see and do here once you’ve docked.
If you want to maintain the water theme, you’ll find countless coves and white-sand beaches for sunning and swimming. A favorite place to both dock, explore, and seek entertainment is Aquatic Park Cove. It’s not for motorized boats, so you’ll only see sailboat sailors like yourself docking here this summer. Then begin exploring this grand city, perhaps by starting with the Maritime Museum.
2. Santa Catalina Island
If you sail from Los Angeles, you’ll find Santa Catalina Island only some 22 miles to the southwest. More commonly known as Catalina Island, this destination is at the southernmost part of the Channel Islands National Park and is a major draw for boaters interested in scuba diving at Casino Point Dive Park or elsewhere.
Other summertime activities that are popular here include whale watching, kayaking, fishing, hiking, parasailing, and exploring the quaint, historic island town of Avalon and the rustic village of Two Harbors. You’ll also find appealing beaches all over the island to make the most of your California experience. There are more than 360 mooring sites on the island, which definitely invites boaters.
3. Channel Islands National Park
As mentioned, Catalina Island is part of this cluster of islands near LA, but that’s by no means the only attraction here. In all, Channel Islands National Park consists of five islands in which the environment has been protected, and visitors can see the sort of wildlife that all Californians might have witnessed on a regular basis a century or more ago.
While this is a four-season destination, with something to do every month of the year, the summers are ideal for blue whale and humpback whale watching. You might also catch a glimpse of baby California sea lions and northern fur seals.
Favorite summertime activities here, and the key word is “active,” include swimming, diving, snorkeling, backcountry beach camping, and kayaking, in addition to exploring by sailboat. In other words, you’ll find something for everyone once you sail your way to Channel Islands National Park.

4. Monterey Bay
Just south of San Francisco Bay, neighboring Monterey Bay on California’s Central Coast is home to bottlenose dolphins, harbor seals, gray whales, and humpback whales. Cities in the bay area include Santa Cruz, Monterey, Carmel, and Carmel-by-the-Sea, perhaps most famous for its one-time mayor, Clint Eastwood.
The City of Monterey’s Harbor and Marina is an ideal place to dock your sailboat while you go exploring. Monterey alone boasts such unique destinations as the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, Old Fisherman’s Wharf, and the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
Summer and year-long activities you’ll enjoy in the bay include shopping, dining, sightseeing, and wine tasting in Carmel.
5. San Diego Bay
Sail south. Really far south. When you’re almost in Mexico, you’ll dock at one of the dozens of marinas that make up the natural bay that is San Diego Bay.
You’ll find an abundance of restaurants, hotels, and public park spaces on the bay’s Harbor Island and Shelter Island. Visit the USS Midway Museum on the bay, take a tour of the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, and stroll and take advantage of multiple recreational opportunities at the waterfront’s Seaport Village.
If you set sail to San Diego Bay around the Independence Day holiday, make sure you take in the Big Bay Boom. This Fourth of July celebration features what is claimed to be one of the largest annual fireworks shows in the country.
Sailing California’s Coastlines with Peace of Mind
Safety is key while sailing, so make sure to enjoy the beauty of the open water with a plan for any unexpected circumstances that may arise, such as having a backup anchor, extra lines, and emergency supplies. Having a well-thought-out plan is a great way to be prepared and stay safe while out on the water.
It’s a great idea to be proactive and protect your boat from any potential damage, too. There are many ways your watercraft could be damaged, whether on the Pacific Ocean, behind your car on a trailer being transported to your destination, or even while stored off-season. While the costs of owning a boat can be expensive, boat insurance doesn’t have to be. It can actually be surprisingly affordable to protect your investment.
Working with an independent boat insurance agent can be a great way to get the coverage you need at the best rate. After all, an independent agent is here to provide you with knowledgeable and supportive assistance in finding the perfect policy for your individual needs at the most competitive price possible!
Enjoy the peacefulness of being on the open water, with the assurance that you have taken the necessary safety precautions and preparations for a worry-free journey.
Set Sail on Your California Adventure with Affordable Boat Insurance
With a sailboat and a little time, you have an entire Golden State to explore. Choose from the destinations described or another of your choice to find nautical adventures you’ll remember forever.
At Cost-U-Less Insurance, we’ll help you find the California boat insurance coverage that will protect your finances and keep you sailing all summer long. Call us at (800) 390-4071, or get a quick and easy cost quote online. You can also find a California office location near you.