Things to do |

Find art installations and bay views on this Shelter Island walk

This walk along the San Diego Bay passes by several art pieces and offers views of downtown San Diego and Point Loma.

The roughly 2-mile out-and-back walk follows a paved path along the southeastern side of the Shelter Island. It’s not much of a hike, but it took about 45 minutes to complete, so the excursion felt like an easy way to add some quality outdoor time to my week.

On the way, walkers will come across art installations by San Diego County-based artist James Hubbell, including a pearl-shaped fountain and mosaic titled “Pearl of the Pacific,” which honors international unity. They will also see the Tunaman’s Memorial, which commemorates the history of the tuna fishing industry in San Diego.

The walk also passes by the Shelter Island Playground and several benches and picnic tables, making this an ideal place for families.

Some walkers may do this hike as a loop around Shelter Island; there’s a walkway on the northwestern side, though it can be slightly difficult to access as it passes behind the Kona Kai San Diego Resort.

Whether visitors decide to do the loop or the out-and-back walk, they can begin by parking in the large free lot next to Shoreline Park.

From here, begin walking southwest — whether through the parking lot or on the nearby grass — to reach the paved path that continues toward the other end.

The first James Hubbell art pieces — including a gazebo and trellis titled “Pacific Portal” — are located on the grass just before the path begins.

Once on the sidewalk, the route is easy to navigate. Walkers will simply follow it to the end. There are several bougainvillea-covered trellises to pass under, plus large shady trees that accompany the views of boats floating in the bay.

I also enjoyed seeing Cabrillo National Monument in the distance.

Around 0.8 miles — just after passing the playground — walkers will pass by the Tunaman’s Memorial. The impressive monument, dedicated in 1988, features three fishermen catching a large tuna.

The additional art pieces are located around the 1-mile mark of the walk. First, walkers will pass by the “Pacific Spirit” — a sculpture of a woman seemingly coming out of a wave — before reaching the “Pearl of the Pacific,” which Hubbell constructed with the help of students and volunteers and which honors the cultures and countries of the U.S., Russia, China and Mexico.

After admiring the art, walkers can head back along the path toward their vehicles, taking in the view of the bay and downtown San Diego as they head northeast.