6 things to do in Point Loma, California
There are no shortage of activities and outdoor adventures to enjoy in Point Loma, one of San Diego's oldest and most-visited neighborhoods.
In Point Loma, the views of the Pacific Ocean, San Diego Bay, the downtown skyline, and Coronado are unparalleled. There's more to see and do than just beautiful views; some popular and lesser-known activities include the Lighthouse or the Fort Rosecrans Cemetary, for example.
You'll find plenty to see and do when you travel to San Diego, especially if you visit the Point Loma neighborhood.
01
The Old Point Loma Lighthouse is a must-see
Old Point Loma Lighthouse, Cabrillo National Monument, 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
Overlooking Point Loma Peninsula, Cabrillo National Monument is dominated by the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, built by the United States Government in 1855.
Located 462 feet above sea level, the old lighthouse held the world record for being the highest one ever. The lighthouse was the tallest in the U.S. until 1891, when it was replaced by a lower lighthouse closer to the shore. Because the Old Point Loma Lighthouse was at an altitude so high, incoming vessels could not see it in foggy weather.
Lighthouses have long been discontinued, but the San Diego landmark has been restored and is now an iconic landmark. On clear days, visitors are able to gaze at the spectacular, panoramic view of the city and ocean from this museum, which is part of the Cabrillo National Monument.
02
Visit the Point Loma Tide Pools to learn about sea life
It is at Cabrillo National Monument that you can find some of the best tide pools in California due to their protected status. The rocky intertidal zone at the southern tip of the Point Loma Peninsula offers a glimpse into San Diego's ocean ecosystem after your visit to the Old Point Loma Lighthouse. In these rocky depressions, children and adults can see how fragile and vital this ecosystem is, as sea anemones, starfish, sea cucumbers, crabs, and sea urchins can be seen.
03
Visit the Sunset Cliffs and enjoy the view
In Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, a 68-acre park with 400-foot sea cliff formations, sea caves, and coastal sage scrub, you'll find an environment that's unique. It's a beautiful place any time of day, but it's especially nice during sunset, when the sky turns stunning shades of orange, yellow, and pink. Sunset Cliffs isn't a sandy beach for frolicking, but it's a popular spot for surfers willing to scramble down the slippery rocks. Visitors should look for gray whales as they migrate up the coast from December to early April.
04
Tour Shelter Island
A 12-mile-long sliver of land connects Shelter Island to the mainland, making it an isthmus, but it's also Point Loma's most popular neighborhood for tourists and locals alike to enjoy recreational activities.
In addition to a public boat launch, Sail San Diego and Next Level Sailing offer sailing trips and whale-watching excursions from Shelter Island. Picnic areas line Shoreline Par, which is a great place to take in spectacular views of the skyline. On Shelter Island, locals cast their lines and hope for a catch on the fishing pier. A number of hotels on Shelter Island are tourist-oriented, Polynesian-themed, including Kona Kai Resort & Spa and Humphreys Half Moon Inn.
05
Relax at Ocean Beach
As one of San Diego's beach communities, Ocean Beach (also known as OB) perhaps exemplifies the spirit of community and neighborhood more than any other. Geographically, Ocean Beach anchors the northwest portion of Point Loma, but some would argue that it is not a part of it.
This neighborhood is affectionately known as "the neighborhood that time forgot" because it still has a hippie feel from the 1960s and 1970s. Other beach communities have embraced commercialism, but Ocean Beach remains fiercely independent and skeptical. On Wednesday evenings, the Ocean Beach Farmers Market offers fresh flowers, bread, kombucha, and other goods. The market is open from 4 to 8 p.m. An Oktoberfest with live music and a beer garden takes place in the neighborhood every fall.
06
The Liberty Station offers a variety of shops among history
San Diego's Naval Training Center (NTC) served Liberty Station from 1923 to 1997. As a result, the 361-acre property has evolved into a residential community, with commercial, retail, and cultural tenants incorporated into many of the preserved historical buildings. Located right in the middle of the city, this 46-acre green space offers a great place to explore, stroll, shop, dine, and play. Explore Liberty Station's history on a self-guided walking tour, stopping at the former NTC Commissary / Mess Hall and Luce Auditorium, which has hosted Nat King Cole, Bob Hope, and Lawrence Welk among others.