SAN DIEGO — The next stop on our Dock, Drink and Dine series brings us to a newly polished gem on Shelter Island: The Bay Club Hotel & Marina and its freshly renovated Bay Club Bar & Grill.
Tucked within the marina-lined shores of San Diego Bay, this boutique waterfront escape offers more than just rooms with a view — it serves as a welcoming destination for boaters looking to tie up and enjoy good food, refreshing drinks, and the relaxing spirit of San Diego’s maritime culture. The Bay Club Bar & Grill has reopened with a new look, new menu, and plenty of charm to make it your next on-the-water go-to.
The restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and happy hour. Inside the newly redesigned space, guests can expect a fusion of local flavors and casual elegance. Coastal culinary staples dominate the menu, with standout dishes such as the Crab & Shrimp Cobb Salad, Spanish-Style Seafood Risotto, and a generous plate of Crab Tots served with remoulade. Happy Hour runs daily from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., featuring $6 cocktails, beers, and wines, plus a lineup of small and large plates ideal for sharing. Lunch is served from noon to 2:00 p.m., and dinner kicks off from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Breakfast is no afterthought here either — served daily from 7:00 to 11:00 a.m., it includes California-inspired favorites like avocado toast and hearty Mexican breakfast tacos.
Natalie Zaas, Director of Sales & Marketing at The Bay Club, shared that the restaurant’s recent transformation includes new flooring, wall coverings, furniture, televisions, and a reimagined upper dining room converted into a cozy fireplace lounge. “We also rebranded back to the restaurant’s original name, Bay Club Bar & Grill,” said Zaas. “We have indoor and outdoor seating available with marina views from every table.” The refreshed ambiance pairs naturally with the seafood-centric menu, designed to honor the region’s waterfront lifestyle and boating community. Dishes such as Portuguese Steamed Clams, Mussels, Branzino, and the classic Fish & Chips reflect the restaurant’s culinary ties to the harbor it overlooks.
Zaas noted that the marina caters to boaters seeking both transient and long-term stays. Out of 125 slips, 36 are dedicated liveaboard spaces for permanent residents, while overnight slip rentals are also available for visitors. “Any boaters renting a slip for a night or a few days can also enjoy these same amenities during their stay,” she said, including access to the pool, spa, fitness room, laundry, and restaurant. Guests interested in securing a transient slip can call the hotel directly at 619-224-8888 to check availability.
What makes the Bay Club truly stand out, according to Zaas, is the strong sense of community among marina tenants and staff alike. “Many of our marina tenants have been here for years and are close friends with one another,” she said. “A lot of them frequent the restaurant and bar and have also gotten to know our staff, which creates a family atmosphere.” That camaraderie extends to long-time hotel guests and local patrons, making the Bay Club a familiar and inviting place for all who pass through Shelter Island.
Boaters are especially welcome. The Bay Club Marina, directly connected to the hotel, is ready to accommodate vessels with guest slips available for $2.75 per foot per night. Guest slip reservations are first-come, first-served, and require proof of current registration and insurance. Each slip includes access to water, electricity, Wi-Fi, and all of the hotel’s amenities — including the pool, spa, fitness center, and even discounts at the hotel gift shop and the restaurant. Those staying in a hotel room under the vessel owner’s name can enjoy a 50% discount on the slip fee.
Slip leaseholders at Bay Club Marina also enjoy perks such as access to dock carts, marina restrooms, laundry facilities, morning coffee in the hotel lobby, and complimentary ice. Monthly slip rentals vary by size and location, ranging from 32 to 50 feet, and end ties are also available. The marina, known as the first “green” marina on the West Coast, offers the only underground parking on Shelter Island and is adjacent to Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay — making it a prime spot for both convenience and entertainment.
Boaters who already hold a slip anywhere on Shelter Island need not feel excluded. A visit to the Bay Club Bar & Grill is still an easy and welcoming option for a dock-and-dine outing. From any nearby mooring, it’s a short walk or dinghy ride to the Bay Club’s marina, where an afternoon on the terrace or an evening at the bar awaits.
For those without access to the Bay Club Marina, the Port of San Diego offers a public guest dock facility at 1401 Shelter Island Drive, near the Harbor Police Substation. This public marina has 26 slips, accommodates vessels up to 65 feet, and rents for $1.27 per foot per day. Each slip is equipped with 30-amp shore power and water connections. A stay of up to 15 days is permitted within a 40-day period, and facilities include a sanitary pump-out station. Reservations must be made by calling 619-686-6227 and require proof of ID and vessel registration. The Port also maintains free 72-hour anchorages and the Cruiser Anchorage, which are available with a permit and inspection.
In the heart of it all, the Bay Club Hotel & Marina balances marina-side charm with resort-style perks. It’s just minutes from downtown San Diego and walking distance from marine supply stores and other waterfront venues. But for many, the true draw is the chance to pull into port, step off your boat, and immediately settle into a plush seat at the newly updated Bay Club Bar & Grill, where friendly service and stunning views of Point Loma and the harbor await.
From start to finish, the Bay Club experience is curated with the modern boater in mind. Whether it’s for a casual cocktail at sunset or a multi-course seafood feast after a day at sea, this Shelter Island favorite has officially reentered the conversation — and it’s worth the trip.
For guest slip inquiries, email [email protected] or call 619-222-0314. For restaurant reservations, call 619-224-8888, option 3.
Cruise in, tie up, and dig in — Shelter Island’s Bay Club Hotel & Marina is ready to welcome you back.
