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San Diego itself is a popular travel destination with its incredible weather and variety of food. At the edge of the city, along its coast, travelers can discover the rugged peninsula of Point Loma. Here travelers can do much more than simply take in stunning views of their surroundings or watch a sunset. This point offers travelers much more than just that.
Travelers can venture along trails that will take them to the shores to explore tidal pools and all the life inside them. They can learn a bit about the history of the area at the Cabrillo National Monument. They can also venture out into the water to dive into the kelp fields. When they are done, they can venture to the marina or former Naval Training Center for the evening's entertainment.
Why The Point Loma Neighborhood Is So Famous
Point Loma is a cliff-lined peninsula that is popular with travelers because of the natural aesthetic vista it creates, the Cabrillo National Monument at its point, trails down to tidal pools, and its active marina. It is also home to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, which is a go-to destination for sunsets, and the former Naval Training Center, which has been turned into a busy center that is home to many shops and restaurants. There is also a scattering of seafood eateries, and Humphreys Concerts by the Bay hosts live music.
- Humphreys Concerts by the Bay - Schedule
- Point Loma, Tidal Pools - Trail Map
- Cabrillo National Monument - About
What To Do In Point Loma Neighborhood
Point Loma may be a coastal destination, but there are no real beaches there. However, it is one of the best places in San Diego to take in the experience of watching waves crashing on cliffs and exploring the tide pools on the rocky reefs teeming with life. Visitors to Point Loma will be able to find the Cabrillo National Monument on the furthest tip of Point Loma. The monument is a tribute to explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. He led an expedition in 1542. The point is not just the home of the monument and accompanying coastal views but also the location for the access point to some of San Diego’s most impressive tide pools. Travelers should make sure to arrive during low tide. Here is a chart to check to make sure that it is easier to do.
Not too far away, travelers will be able to discover a working marina. It is usually full of excursions coming and going. There are sport fishing excursions as well as whale-watching excursions. For those looking to stay on land, they can discover a thriving arts district with historic architecture, great shops, restaurants, community events, Sunset Cliffs Park, a seaside park with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and stunning cliff rock formations.
Where to Go
Around Point Loma, there are more than a few worthwhile destinations to check out. Travelers may enjoy stunning coastal vistas or perhaps a walk along a marina, discovering a new place to eat. They will be able to find both here. Here are a few that travelers should keep in mind.
- Cabrillo National Monument - explore California history with breathtaking views of San Diego, the bay, the jagged pacific coastline, and if you time it well, gray whales, too.
- Point Loma Lighthouse - learn the history and the adjacent tide pools to see the creatures.
- Osprey Point - good fishing off the rocks and a textured retaining wall where rock climbers come to train.
- Point Loma Marina - shops, restaurants, sport fishing, and whale watching.
- Art District - Liberty Station for art, history, shops, restaurants, events, and a stroll along the waterfront park.
- Humphreys Concerts by the Bay - waterfront entertainment.
Popular Activities
There are a few activities in Point Loma that has served as a constant draw for travelers heading into the area. With such a stunning rocky coast, there are so many activities to partake in.
- Enjoying the Coastal Habitat - tide-pooling and watching sunsets.
- Scuba Diving - offshore in the kelp beds here is popular with divers. However, a boat is the only practical way to explore them.
- Sportfishing - boats line the harbor in Point Loma and take anglers for 1/2 day, 3/4 day, twilight, and overnight excursions.
When To Visit Point Loma Neighborhood
June, July, and August are always great bets for visiting Point Loma as the average rainfall per day during those months are close to zero. That being said, these middle months of the year are also the most popular for tourism to Loma Point. The weather is pretty nice year-round at Point Loma, so if travelers want to avoid crowds, then May and September also make for great times to visit. The most important part about timing is making sure to view the tidal pools at low tide as long as travelers make sure to do that.
- Suggestion (Crowds Okay) - June to August
- Suggestion (Crowds Not Okay) - May and September
- Low Tide Chart