Some of our favorite locations to sail.
Santa Monica Bay
As a member of Fairwinds Yacht Club and Women’s Sailing Association Santa Monica Bay, I sail out of Marina del Rey. Once leaving the harbor, we turn right for Malibu and usually turn around at Santa Monica Pier. Or if I’m racing in the Sunset Series, our local beer can races, we sail west into the sunset with everyone flying their colorful spinnakers with the setting sun to our backs. It’s very common to see dolphins and the weather is usually warm with moderate breezes. When my out of town friends visit in the winter, they’re astonished that we can sail in the winter with barely a windbreaker and jeans. It’s an easy destination to love.
Ensenada, Mexico
If you’re in Southern California, a trip to Ensenada, Baja California is just south of 65 nautical miles south of San Diego. When you sail into Ensenada, be careful of the fishing farms off the coast and be wary of any fishing lines and crab pots. There are a few great yards like Baja Naval if you need a haul out. While you’re getting your boat fixed, a trip to Valle de Guadalupe is worth it. With over 100 wineries, the valley is a foodies paradise. Don’t miss the fish market right in Ensenada - especially the giant shrimp and the smoked marlin.
If you’re sailing further south to Cabo San Lucas, don’t be alarmed by the customs rigamarole. Just make sure your Boat’s TIP is updated and in your name.
Another way to go is to sail the 125NM in the Newport to Ensenada race aka N2E.
Sausalito, California
Sausalito is a European style seaside town located in Marin County, just north of San Francisco. You can arrive by Golden Gate Ferry or the Blue and Gold Fleet and grab an ice cream and walk around town or head to Bar Bocce for sunset, pizza and bocce ball. Two hidden gems well known to locals are Le Garage Bistro and Fish.
For a list of harbors and marinas, visit the City of Sausalito’s website. It has all the info you need for marinas and yacht clubs. Modern Sailing is a charter club and sailing school which offers top notch service, including skippered team sailing corporate events. I’m a Creative in Residence at The Battery and we chartered four boats for about 16 guests to race a mini-regatta. It was so much fun!
Hot tip when sailing: be mindful of the anchor outs on the north side of the harbor and check the tide charts. And enjoy the view of the house boats. They’re so pretty! My favorite is the Taj Mahal houseboat, successfully saved from sinking!
Catalina Island
There’s a reason the song “26 Miles Across the Sea” by The Four Preps topped the charts in the 1950’s and 60’s and why Hollywood stars flocked to the island off the coast of California. A short distance from Los Angeles, it feels remote yet pretty close.
Prior to the modern era, Santa Catalina was inhabited by Gabrielino/Tongva tribe who referred to themselves as Pimuvit or Pimugnans and called the island Pimu. It was then colonized by the Spain, Mexico and United States and is currently managed by Catalina Island Conservancy.
Favorite spots to overnight are Two Harbors, Emerald Bay and Cat Harbor. I highly recommend the book Anchoring in Catalina: No Moorings? No Problem by Marc Hughston
Newport Beach
With approximately 9000 boats in the harbor, Newport Harbor is one of the largest recreational harbors on the West Coast of California. It’s also home to The School of Sailing & Seamanship and The Professional Mariner Training Center on the OCC Waterfront Campus. The recreational sailing instruction is under US Sailing and the Professional Center classes are certifications that meet US Coast Guard standards.
If you cruise there and don’t have reciprocity with a yacht club, there are beautiful guest docks at Marina Park Community and Sailing Center or a small anchorage at the end of the harbor between four yellow buoys.
There are no shortages of restaurants but one of my favorites is The Lido House, Fly N Fish Oyster Bar & Grill, Louie’s By the Bay, and Bear Flag Fish Co. If you have kids, head over to the pier & boardwalk on Balboa Island. If you are a fancy lady who likes to shop shiny objects, don’t miss Amaree’s. If you’re a salty dog who likes boat jewelry, head over to Minney’s Yacht Surplus, one of the best chandleries in SoCal.
Sea of Cortez
If you’re lucky enough to sail in the Sea of Cortez, you know why Jacques Cousteau called it “the world’s aquarium.” Depending on the season, the arid desert mountains against the turquoise waters are surreal. One season, we were there after a torrential storm and the mountains were emerald green - a sight to behold!
For a wonderful details on anchorages, visit OCG - online cruising guide or buy the Sea of Cortez - A Cruisers Guidebook for your boat. The details in this are immensely helpful and often times more accurate than your electronic charts.
Closer to Loreto, The Coronado Islands are remote and beautiful. I really enjoyed the sunken ship and abandoned salt mine in Salinas as well as the sugar white beaches. Another favorite of mine is San Juanico though many love Agua Verde. The terrain is other worldly - it’s remote and rugged. Provision in Loreto - you’ll have to dinghy in while anchored outside.
Pay the visitor fee and walk 1/4 mile to the market. The town is small but cute. There’s a big gringo market or a cheaper local market for produce. You’ll have to go to the liquor store separately. Or go to Puerto Escondido for a protected and full service marina or mooring field and take a 20 minute taxi. The marina can arrange it for you.
If you’re looking for more amenities, shopping and restaurants, you’re better off going to The Med or Caribbean.
San Francisco Bay
The impressive views of San Francisco Bay and the dynamic weather is an iconic place for salty sailors to play. No two days are the same. Heck! No two hours are the same!
Depending on where you depart, your itinerary can take you from one end of the Bay with the opportunity to choose from three different bridges to sail under, several islands to circumnavigate, cruise by incredible city views and you can even catch a baseball game from McCovey Cove if you want.
Personally, I love sailing out of Sausalito because you’re so close to Golden Gate Bridge which if tides and winds are favorable, you can sail out and feel the intensity of the Great Pacific Ocean and hopefully ride the flooding tide in for a spectacular sail. The Bay keeps you on your toes because there can be commercial traffic, a flock of kitesurfers, any number of regattas on the weekends and even an occasional lost whale!
If you can’t get on a private boat, ride the multiple ferries or catch a water taxi. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the city from the water. Or you can charter the AC76, an American’s Cup yacht that is a sporty ride. Hitch a timed slot or book it for private charter.
La Paz, Baja California
If you don’t know anything about sailing, consider taking a week long sailing course like Go Sailing Baja in La Paz, a well known secret amongst gringo snowbird sailors.
Cruisers who are already there: you probably already know about Club Cruceros where expats congregate there for daily coffee and swap sailing stories. They’ll receive your mail, including boat parts shipped from the USA. If you don’t know it already, be sure to stop by in person or check the website for amazing tips on cruising the Sea of Cortez. There’s a steady stream of international cruisers, veterans of the Baja Haha and beyond.
Favorite spots in Espíritu Santo National Park "The Islands" include Grande Ensenada and La Partida and if you can make it to Isla San Francisco, you won’t be disappointed. If you have time and the season is right, be sure to book a snorkel dive with the whale sharks! I went with Buceo Carey in Marina La Paz - in the same parking lot as Club Cruceros and the local laundromat which is fantastic because you can drop off your load and it comes back smelling fresh and folded.
San Simeon
This is one I’d like to gatekeep but since it’s so remote, there’s no reason to. If you’re going up or down the coast of California and want a magical anchorage, look no further. Situation north of Port San Luis and south of Morro Bay, San Simeon is also home to Hearst Castle. I highly recommend after dropping your hook, put your dinghy in the water and go to shore. Have lunch at Hearst Winery. Make a reservation for the wine tasting or you can order at Seaside Foods inside and picnic at one of the tables. Bring a bag for the wine you’re going to buy. They also have a small fridge with Niman Ranch steaks and sausages.