Located along the southwestern edge of San Diego County, Point Loma is known for its stunning sea-cliff vistas, rich history, and well-established military community. This historic peninsula marks the spot of the first European contact in California back in 1542 by Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. While the Spanish established a military fort in Point Loma in the 1700s, it was later designated by President Fillmore as a key military defense outpost, notably as a heavily fortified bunker and battery station during WWII.
Much of this military history can still be seen in Point Loma today, including at the large Naval Base Point Loma. Indeed, many Point Loma landmarks served as filming locations for the 1986 movie Top Gun. With so much rich history and enchanting vistas, it’s no wonder thousands of people come to this seaside community every year. If you’re headed to the area, or live locally and are thinking of going into tourist-mode for a day, here are the top five places to visit and things to do. If you’ve got the time, you can even follow them in order for the ultimate Point Loma adventure!
#1: Visit the Cabrillo Monument
This world-famous attraction is positioned at the very tip of the Point Loma Peninsula, and offers amazing views of the Pacific Ocean, San Diego Bay, downtown, and Coronado. Named after the Spanish explorer who first visited the area, the Cabrillo National Monument. Check out one of the visitor center’s many interpretive exhibits before heading over to the Old Point Loma Lighthouse. This historic outpost, built in 1855, is like stepping back in maritime history. Learn about how lightkeepers kept it running, and climb up the narrow staircase for an up-close view of the lighthouse lens and the incredible views of the San Diego Bay.
Insider Tip: Make sure you check the tides at the visitor center if you want to visit the tidepools (see #2), and pack a jacket because it can be windy and cold at the monument even in summer.
#2: Hike the Oceanside Trail Down to the Tidepools
There are many trails at the Cabrillo National Monument, from easy jaunts along the top to steep climbs down to the water. The Bayside Trail is a 2.5-mile round-trip along mostly loose gravel and dirt, and offers a moderate climb on the way back. An easier, more family-friendly option is the one-mile Coastal Trail, which also offers access to the beach and tidepool area. The newest trail at Cabrillo is the Oceanside Trail, which offers a path directly from the monument down to the tidepools. This trail is 2.5 miles round-trip, but it is very steep, so wear appropriate shoes. Take note of the various observation bunkers, cannons, and mortars along this trail; remnants of this area’s crucial role in U.S. military defense during WWI and WWII. Once you make it down to the tidepools, look for sea anemones, hermit crabs, and even sea stars!
Insider Tip: The best time to hike down to the tidepools is during low tide, so plan accordingly!
#3: Have Lunch at the Liberty Public Market
No trip to Point Loma is complete without a visit to Liberty Station, a naval training base turned arts, food, and culture district. You’ll find art galleries, restaurants, breweries, shops, and performing arts. Take a stroll through the Rose Garden and stop for a pint at Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens, a latte at Birdrock Coffee Roasters, or a glass of pinot at Carruth Cellars. If you’d rather take your food to go, grab some sandwiches at Con Pane Rustic Breads & Cafe and head to Sunset Cliffs for the ultimate picnic (see below).
Insider Tip: Check out the classes at Liberty Station’s San Diego Craft Collective for an impromptu lesson on everything from woodworking and macrame to sewing and ceramics.
#4: Have a Picnic at Sunset Cliffs
The ultimate date spot, Sunset Cliffs offers stunning vistas, windswept sage brush, coastal trails, and—unsurprisingly—amazing sunsets. Check out the area’s mostly flat 2.1-mile out-and-back path, and if the tide is low, you can even explore some sea caves. If you’ve packed a lunch, head out on the path and find a secluded spot to plop down and enjoy the ultimate picnic (but beware, the seagulls will be interested in your food!).
Insider Tip: Parking at Sunset Cliffs is notoriously sparse. Your best bets are either street parking off Ladera Street, one of the small lots in the park area, or taking a ride share to avoid the hassle. It’s also worth noting that there are no restrooms available at Sunset Cliffs.
#5: Take a Sightseeing Tour on a Luxury Catamaran
Once you’ve spent a day traversing the cliffs of Point Loma, there really is no better way to end the day than in the waters of San Diego Bay. There are a number of ways to do this, from renting a kayak or paddleboard, splashing in the surf at one of the area’s many beaches, or enjoying a water-based sightseeing tour while sipping a cocktail. The Triton Luxury Catamaran sightseeing tour will cruise past San Diego landmarks like the USS Midway, the Star of India, and the Coronado Bridge. You can lie back and take that all-important boat-selfie while lounging on deck sofas and feeling that salty-fresh sea air on your face.
Insider Tip: Triton offers sightseeing tours a few times a day, but make sure to book the 6 p.m. sunset cruise early for the ultimate golden-hour photos and a luxurious vibe.
#6: Why Point Loma is One of San Diego’s Most Memorable Destinations
From historic lighthouses and challenging tidepool hikes to romantic picnics and sunset harbor cruises, Point Loma packs an incredible variety of experiences into one scenic peninsula. Whether you’re exploring centuries of maritime lore at Cabrillo National Monument, wandering through Liberty Station’s vibrant food and arts scene, or sailing beneath the Coronado Bay Bridge at sunset on a luxury catamaran, this coastal enclave delivers some of the most memorable views and adventures in Southern California. Follow this list for the perfect Point Loma day–or linger a little longer and discover why locals never seem to tire of this spectacular stretch of coastline.
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