Point Loma is located on a narrow peninsula between San Diego Bay and the open Pacific. It’s home to sea cliffs, a historic lighthouse, and the city’s best afternoon hangouts. Add in nearby Torrey Pines, and you have a full day of things to see and do. Here are five ways to spend your time in and around this corner of San Diego.
Set Sail on a Wild Ocean Safari
Most parasailing trips in San Diego launch from Mission Bay. Wild Ocean Safari takes a different route. This tour runs along the coastline between Mission Bay, Point Loma, and La Jolla. You get to see Point Loma from the water, not just the shore.
The boat holds a maximum of six passengers. That keeps the group small and the experience personal. You won’t be crammed onto a crowded deck with strangers.
This trip is built for wildlife lovers. Guests actively search for whales, dolphins, sea lions, and seals. Pelicans, seahawks, and sea otters also appear along the way. Sightings aren’t guaranteed. Wildlife follows its own schedule. But the crew uses modern marine technology to boost your odds.
US Coast Guard licensed captains and mates run the boat. Certified naturalist guides explain what you’re seeing as you go. The vessel is fast and stable. Thus, it spends less time traveling and more time near the animals. Drinks and refreshments are included on board.
If you want an ocean adventure that’s different from a hike or a museum stop, this one won’t disappoint.
Soak Up Golden-Hour Views at Sunset Cliffs
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park sits about seven miles west of downtown San Diego. The park runs a mile and a half along the western edge of the Point Loma peninsula. It covers 68 acres of sandstone cliffs and native plants.
You’ll need a car to get here. Once you arrive, the payoff is worth it. The cliffs drop straight into the Pacific, and the hiking trails hug the edge of the bluffs. Surfers paddle out below, and their favorite paths often mark the easiest way down to the water.
Sunset is the busiest time of day here. Want fewer crowds? Visit on a weekday instead of a weekend. Bring a light jacket too. The ocean breeze picks up fast once the sun starts to dip. There are no restrooms on site, so plan ahead before you go.
Give yourself one to two hours here. That’s enough time to walk a stretch of the cliffs and still catch the sunset without rushing.
Step Back in Time at the Old Point Loma Lighthouse
Explorer Juan Cabrillo landed at this point in 1542. Centuries later, it became home to one of the first eight lighthouses built on the West Coast. The Old Point Loma Lighthouse went up in 1855. It guided ships into San Diego Bay for 36 years.
Fog and low clouds often blocked the light from the water below. In 1891, the lighthouse was decommissioned, and a new one was built closer to the shoreline. The old structure still stands today, inside Cabrillo National Monument.
You can walk through the lighthouse on a self-guided tour. Rooms are furnished the way they looked in the 1880s. You’ll see the kitchen, dining room, and small bedrooms where the keeper’s family once lived. Step outside and you get 360 degree views of the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay.
Across the water, you can spot the island of Coronado and its naval base. On clear days, the red roofs of the Hotel del Coronado are visible too. Every winter, gray whales migrate past this stretch of coast. This is part of why a whalebone monument sits near the site.
The lighthouse is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is included with general park entry to Cabrillo National Monument. The main level is accessible for visitors with mobility needs. However, the tower stairs are narrow and steep.
Eat, Shop, and Unwind at Liberty Station
Liberty Station covers 361 acres in Point Loma, built on the former Naval Training Center San Diego. It’s about 10 minutes from the airport. The original buildings date back to 1923. They still carry their Spanish Colonial Revival style.
Everything here connects through wide, walkable promenades. Once you park, you don’t need your car again. Start at Liberty Public Market, open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Local vendors sell pretty much everything. From fresh seafood to pastries and specialty coffee, there’s hardly anything missing.
Beyond the market, the district has more than a dozen restaurants. Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens is a good pick for outdoor seating. Officine Buona Forchetta serves wood-fired Italian food. Con Pane Rustic Breads & Cafe is a great stop for fresh-baked bread alone.
If you want more than a meal, the Arts District houses over 30 working studios and galleries. NTC Park offers open green space right on the bay. There are playgrounds and picnic spots for families. The Loma Club, San Diego’s oldest golf course, has a 9-hole layout. It also has a mini golf option for a more relaxed afternoon.
Parking throughout Liberty Station is free. That makes it an easy stop before or after a day out on the water.
Trek Along the Scenic Trails of Torrey Pines
Torrey Pines State Reserve is situated on the north of Point Loma, near La Jolla. It protects 1,700 acres of coastal land and a rare pine tree in the country, the Torrey Pine. The reserve holds about eight miles of trails. Most stretches run under a mile long.
These trails suit hikers of nearly any skill level. Paths climb along the cliffs and open up to wide Pacific views. Bird-watchers come here often too, since the reserve draws a steady mix of coastal species.
Two beaches sit inside the park boundaries. Black’s Beach lines the southern edge. Torrey Pines State Beach stretches along the north. Both make up for a refreshing morning hike. So, pack a swimsuit if you plan to stay a while.
The reserve opens daily at 7:15 a.m. and closes at sunset. General admission is between $10 to $15. It depends on where you park and which day you visit. There’s no food or water sold inside the park. Bring your own bottle before you start walking.
Your Point Loma Adventure Starts on the Water
There’s a lot you can do in Point Loma. You can hike its cliffs, tour its lighthouse, and spend an afternoon at Liberty Station without ever running out of things to do. But the best way to see this coast is still from the water itself.
Book a flight with Go Parasailing and take in Mission Bay from 600 or 800 feet up. Then head out on a Wild Ocean Safari to trace the Point Loma coastline at sea level, searching for whales, dolphins, and everything in between. Between the cliffs, the lighthouse, and the ocean itself, Point Loma gives you plenty of reasons to come back.
FAQs
Is Point Loma San Diego worth visiting?
Yes, Point Loma is worth visiting for its coastal scenery, historic landmarks, and outdoor activities. You can watch the sunset at Sunset Cliffs, explore the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, or spend an afternoon at Liberty Station. A Wild Ocean Safari also lets you experience the peninsula from the water.
What is Point Loma famous for?
Point Loma is famous as the historic landing site where the first European explorer set foot in California.The peninsula also offers access to Cabrillo National Monument and scenic views of San Diego Bay.
What is there to do in Point Loma?
There are plenty of things to do in Point Loma, from walking along Sunset Cliffs to visiting the Old Point Loma Lighthouse. You can also visit the San Diego Zoo, explore Balboa Park, and see the seals at La Jolla Cove.
Is Point Loma a good area in San Diego?
Yes, Point Loma is a great area in San Diego, especially if you enjoy coastal scenery and outdoor recreation. The peninsula offers easy access to Cabrillo National Monument, Sunset Cliffs, and yacht harbors. It is also just 10 to 15 minutes from downtown and the airport, with quiet neighborhoods and lively spots like Liberty Station.