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COURTESY PHOTOGRAPHY Weekend at the Docks A NGLING FOR A WEEKEND getaway, I decided that Point Loma was the perfect place to explore San Diego's seafaring roots — and sample fresh seafood. So, I checked into Monsaraz, a cool little boutique hotel with a relaxed atmosphere at 1451 Rosecrans, close to Liberty Station, Fisherman's Landing, Sunset Cliffs, and more. Now part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, the 93-room hotel's striking mid-century modern design by Kirk Nix of KNA Design in Los Angeles pays homage to the Portuguese fishing community that once flourished here, making San Diego the "Tuna Capital of the World." "e Portuguese touches are woven like a continuous thread throughout the property," says Nix, including vintage posters, artwork, and Delft-style tiles at the front desk. In the stunning two-story lobby, columns are wrapped in nautical rope and light fixtures resemble fishermen's traps. An attractive surf- themed dining room and bar opens onto an expansive open-air, landscaped courtyard that is an inviting place to read or relax after a day of exploring the area. "e coastal, nautical touches are intrinsic to the sense of place: Point Loma," notes Nix. "We wanted a unique experience, which was coastal and effortless, to help celebrate the California indoor/outdoor lifestyle." Guests can sip cocktails and watch the sunset from a third-floor "Hideaway" terrace that overlooks Fisherman's Landing across the street, lined with a fleet of sportfishing boats, tackle shops, restaurants, and seafood markets. 619.790.5700, themonsaraz.com At the landing, a bronze statue reads that it is "dedicated to Captain Bill Poole and all the devoted captains who have made San Diego home port to the world's finest sportfishing fleet." Poole, considered a pioneer of long-range sportfishing, explored the ocean to find new fishing grounds and established new fishing techniques. He was also a far-sighted entrepreneur, fostering the development of landings, fuel docks, and boat yards to build high-tech sportfishing boats. e monument, which also depicts a school of bronze fish, "serves as a tribute to all who have enjoyed the magical moments that have occurred on these docks and at sea. e fleet continues to ensure that San Diego is the premier destination for sport fishermen throughout the world." Explore Point Loma for fun, fish, and history BY ANDREA NAVERSEN detour destinations ranchandcoast.com 68 MAY 2024 RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE Monsaraz