Festival of Sail – Best Western Plus Island Palms
The romance of the high seas is still alive. Admire the beauty and glamor of the tall ships on parade, and feel the wind in your hair when you step on board and set sail. The Festival of Sail is hosted by the Maritime Museum of San Diego over Labor Day weekend and is the largest tall ship festival on the West Coast. Best of all, you get a great view of these stately tall ships from right in front of our hotel!
Join in the Parade of Ships
The Festival of Sail starts with the Parade of Ships sailing from the mouth of San Diego Bay past downtown and arriving at the Maritime Museum. You can admire the tall ships from land, or book passage on one of the ships and experience the excitement on board.
Explore the Maritime Museum
Your Festival of Sail ticket gives you admission to the Maritime Museum, with exhibits that explore nautical adventures from the days of sailing ships through the development of steam power right up to modern vessels. You can go on board the museum’s own ships, plus the tall ships that are visiting for the festival.
Many tall ships were naval vessels built for battle. The Festival of Sail includes two mock cannon battles per day; join the tall ship crew and fight for victory. For more peaceful sailing on San Diego Bay, choose a cruise on the museum’s pilot boat or classic sailboat. The sunset cruise option is a lovely way to end your day.
Enjoy the Water at Your Hotel
When you stay at Best Western Plus Island Palms, you can enjoy the beautiful San Diego Bay even after the tall ships have passed by. Our Shelter Island location gives you water views from the hotel, along with a location that’s convenient to all the San Diego attractions. Whether you’re a born sailor or an affirmed landlubber, we’ll help you make the most of your San Diego stay by land and by sea.