Humphreys Half Moon Inn & Suites

2303 Shelter Island Dr., San Diego, California, 92106, United States, San Diego, California, USA
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Why We Like It

Polynesian architecture, tropical landscaping, and bay views give Humphreys Half Moon Inn an island resort vibe. On Shelter Island (not an actual island), with panoramic views of the bay and San Diego skyline, Humphreys has a private marina, a palm-tree lined pool, and a bayfront walking path that runs right past the hotel. The landmark inn also features a live music club and a hugely popular summer concert series. All that’s missing is a lei upon arrival.

Fodor's Expert Review

It feels like a tropical getaway at this Polynesian-inspired resort on Shelter Island, a sliver of land that extends like a curled finger into the San Diego Bay. As it was developed in the ‘60s, the two-mile Shelter Island embraced a midcentury South Seas theme, with Trader Mort’s Liquor Store -- still there -- and several bayfront resorts with lush tropical landscaping and tiki motifs (there are no private residences on Shelter Island). Humphreys Half Moon Inn & Suites is known for its Hawaiian-style entry with a striking wood sculptural element that soars up beyond the A-frame roof like a giant outrigger. The laid-back resort has a private marina, attractive rooms with plantation-style details, and a turquoise pool bordered by palm trees.

Tip In the summer, the resort hosts the Humphreys Concert by the Bay series, which features acts ranging from Fleet Foxes and Weird “Al” Yankovic to Toto and Joan Baez. From the outdoor seating, you can see the bay -- many locals watch the concerts from the water floating in kayaks and inner tubes. Book in advance.

Recommended Fodor’s Video

Room

Rooms have Hawaii plantation-style wood ceilings and shutters, some that run floor-to-ceiling. The non-view rooms are nice, but if you can, spring for either the tropical view rooms, which look out on the pool and lush tropical gardens, or the water-facing rooms with marina and bay views. Contemporary decor featuring warm wood and beige and sky-blue or sea-green accents has a low-key coastal feel.

Bathroom

Bathrooms feature stone tile floors, dark wood shutter-door vanities with small vessel sinks, and shower-tub combos.

Lobby

The lobby’s gleaming wood-slat ceiling follows the curve of the grand entry’s Hawaiian-style roof, a standout feature complemented by soaring rock-clad walls and windows that frame tropical landscaping and the pink skies at sunset. The contemporary furniture has a ‘60s vibe, with clean-lined sofas and armchairs upholstered in bright teal-and-green fabrics.

Pool

The large pool is bordered by tropical landscaping and chaise lounges with chevron cushions and tropical landscaping. During the summer, there’s a seasonal poolside bar and ping-pong tables.

You Should Know Shelter Island doesn't have much in the way of beaches; there is a waterfront promenade that runs the length of it though.

Gym

A small gym features a treadmill, a crosstrainer, a stationary bike, a strength-training machine, and free weights.

Tip Psst: This is San Diego so get outside! A bayfront walking and biking path runs right past the hotel, and the hotel has bikes for guests to borrow. You can also rent kayaks.

Dining

The resort’s stylish contemporary restaurant, Humphreys So Cal Dining & Music, has windows that frame the private marina just outside and a menu that focuses on California modern cuisine. The restaurant’s popular Sunday Champagne Brunch features an upscale buffet spread with bay views on the side.

Drinking

Humphreys Backstage Live is a great venue that showcases music acts from a wide variety of genres.

What's Nearby

Getting Around

From Shelter Island, you’re best off having a car if you plan to do a lot of exploring. From the end of Shelter Island Drive, follow North Harbor Drive all along the bay until you hit Grape Street in Little Italy (turn left), which has an on-ramp for Interstate 5, or “The 5” as it’s known to locals. From I-5, a major south-north freeway, you can get to just about anywhere, either directly or via any number of highways and major roads.


Restaurants

For a quick bite, the budget-friendly Pearson Deli (3-minute walk) has bay views and serves delicious, generously sized sandwiches for breakfast and lunch. To keep your island vacay vibe going, head to the Bali Hai (5-minute walk) for dinner. You’ll know it by “The Goof on the Roof,” a large tiki head of unknown exact origin. The tiki-tastic decor extends inside the Polynesian restaurant, which is located on the scenic bay with views of the city skyline. It serves a mean mai tai too.


Bars

You’ll find plenty of bars if you leave Shelter Island and head into the Point Loma area. The closest is The Wine Pub (10-minute walk), a small neighborhood restaurant with a bar and a huge wine collection that’s just beyond the start of Shelter Island. Bali Hai (5-minute walk) is worth another mention here: The restaurant’s bar has been serving mean mai tais for decades. Or stock up on rare rums and liquors at decades-old tiki-themed booze shop Trader Mort’s Liquor (5-minute walk).

Quick Facts

HOTEL INFO

Phones: 619-224–3411;800-542–7400