Re: San Diego area?
Well, I'm from LA, but have boated and also work in San Diego some. Most serious freshwater boaters end up going to the lakes on and sections of the Colorado River. Closest portions to San Diego would be great for a 16 footer, but it is still a 4 hour drive. 5 - 6 hours to the bigger lakes. There are some smaller lakes too. Lake Cuyamaca is real pretty, but not somehwere you will go to on a regular basis.<br /><br />There is decent waterski type boating in Mission Bay (basically in the City). Saltwater but protected. San Diego Harbor is pretty good too. If you have interest in sportfishing and would consider a larger boat, a good Center Console or Walkaround would be perfect there. It can be cool, even in Summer, so full canvas is a good thing. This time of year there are Albacore and Bluefin Tuna, Some Yellow fin too within easy half day reach. Yellowtail (Amberjack) are really hot out of San Diego too and they are delicious. Their season is longer too. You can also run the boat into Mexico for even better fishing the farther south you go. Also, some fun to be had in Ensenada. Just depends on what you are into.<br /><br />One thing to be aware of is that the Pacific is colder than the Summer water you are used to. Just got into the low 70s and it won't stay there . . . It's what gives us our reasonably cool Summers with low humidity, but many are unpleasantly surprised when they go to the beach.
<br /><br />Many people act like California is some sort of curse. San Diego is beautiful and there is all kinds of stuff to do within 150 miles in any direction. I bet you'll rally love it especially after you go through one of our winters. You will find that traffic is tough in San Diego as LA. Make it a priority to understand the traffic when you are looking for a place to live, if that's not done already. Good luck!!!
