Things to Do in Lakeside

The paddle wheels of The Sternwheelers' two signature boats churn through the blue-green waters of Mission Bay, transporting passengers back more than a century to when steamboats dominated America's rivers. Across the 100-foot-long William D. Evans, festive events with up to 600 passengers unfold under ornamental pressed-tin ceilings, handcrafted lamps, and the astronaut-crafted stars viewable on the open-air top deck. Handmade masts at the bow lead the ship's way, and its hundreds of decorative bulbs illuminate the bay at night. Bahia Belle, William D. Evans' smaller sibling, offers a more intimate space for gatherings. Its Victorian decor and architecture make way for a stained-glass skylight that beams vivid colors across its interior, resplendent with cast-iron staircases and red-velvet curtains. Weddings, banquets, and other events also take place on the boats between public cruises, each craft's rich detailing setting the tone for trips to remember.

Fusionglass Company, is a local gallery and working studio focused on promoting the arts through exhibitiing, teaching, & hosting Art events. Come tour our gallery & studio or book an event, from Afterhours shopping to birthday parties & fundraisers. Groups up to 20 people. Bring your own snacks and make it an event

[[m:####South Sun Products

Bursting with beads and jewel-crafting necessities, South Sun Products' inventory equips do-it-yourself jewelers with the tools to craft delicate adornments at home or in myriad classes. South Sun Products manufactured jewelry for two decades before opening its enormous retail store, giving the public access to its colorful treasure trove of rare and natural gemstones and beads. The staffers also stock chains, earwires, and other necessary parts to help crafters easily affix their beaded creations to a loved one's wrist without painful hot glue. An ever-rotating schedule of classes keeps curious beaders enthralled with wire-working, beading, and other jewelry-smithing workshops.:m]]

Flagship Cruises and Events' full San Diego Bay tour carries cruisegoers on a 25-mile, fully narrated journey, with ocean views of some of San Diego's most beloved sights. Take a seat in the comfort of an interior cabin, or saunter up and down the deck as you take in the panoramic views of the Naval Air Station North Island, Harbor Island, Shelter Island, the Navy submarine base, and the Cabrillo National Monument on the North leg of the tour, and then switch seats like a sightseeing Benedict Arnold for the South leg of the tour, which features a close encounter of the tall kind with the Star of India (viewable on the North leg as well), views of the U.S. Navy surface fleet, and gawking opportunities at the Coronado Bridge and the industriousness of the harbor workers along the busy shipyards. The tour's guide will provide morsels of naval knowledge, local lore, and other secrets only the tides can reveal. The two-hour tour is offered six times daily between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

From two outposts on the shores of Mission Bay, Adventure Water Sports, LLC launches vessels and seafaring classes to introduce customers to the joy of cutting through veils of spray and sunshine. Both launching points are near the bay's full-speed zone, so captains hoping to tote skiers behind powerboats or do donuts on a scuba diver’s lawn in waverunners don't waste valuable time idling through the no-wake zone. Kayaks, pedal boats, and paddleboards cut across the steel-blue mirror of the no-wake zone, an ideal stretch for learning and exploring.

Instructors from Adventure Water Sports impart nautical wisdom to youngsters in summer youth classes that focus on anything from waterskiing and wakeboarding to riding aqua cycles. The waterfront retailers also rent out single and tandem terrestrial bicycles for those looking to cruise the Mission Beach boardwalk or simply explain the motorcycle noises they are making with their mouths.

Speed Boat Adventures combines the excitement of piloting a speedboat with the ease of a guided tour. Slipping up to 10 guests into the cushioned seats of 13-foot F-13 mini speedboats, guides lead them on tours and communicate via two-way radio and fire beacons atop buoys. For those aged 18 and older, the business requires no experience or boating license to pilot the vessels, which can seat up to three and are equipped with a simple throttle-and-steer system. Swaddling each participant in US Coast Guard–approved life jackets, guides whisk them along 13 miles of the Big Bay while pointing out sites such as aircraft carriers, historic ships of the Maritime Museum of San Diego, and Seaport Village, with the San Diego city skyline as their backdrop.