Explore the Point Loma Peninsula, where there's history around every corner — including Cabrillo National Monument, sportfishing, Liberty Station and more.
Following San Diego's Earliest Footprints
Looked at in one way, Point Loma is land's end — a peninsula jutting into the Pacific and surrounded on both sides by water. But as the site where Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo became the first European to lay eyes on San Diego, it also makes sense to consider Point Loma a starting point — the beginning of a new territory, a new dream, a new way of looking at things.
Come with us to explore the Point Loma Peninsula, from its earliest days to the present:
A Voyage of Discovery
Cabrillo National Monument, home to a wealth of cultural and natural resources, tells the story of San Diego's discovery by Europeans. Embark on your own journey from the Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo statue, Old Point Loma Lighthouse, World War II battlements and waterfront hiking trail down to the Point Loma tide pools.
The Old Point Loma Lighthouse at Cabrillo National Monument has looked out over San Diego Bay since 1855. Now a museum, the lighthouse is a place of fascinating history. Some ghost-hunters even say the final lighthouse keeper, Capt. Robert D. Israel, has been spotted reporting for duty.
An Angler's Paradise
Pack up your tackle and prepare for a day of sportfishing out of Point Loma, home to the world's largest sportfishing fleet. Set sail into the deep blue for the freshest catch, from yellowtail to white sea bass.
As a former naval training center, Liberty Station embodies both San Diego's deep military roots and the city's embrace of a thriving arts and culture scene. Established as a recruit facility in 1923, the transformed base now offers recreation, retail outlets, restaurants, cultural happenings and much more. Watch a sunset paint the San Diego sky as a concert begins at ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station, enjoy a delicious variety of food and beverages at Liberty Public Market and explore historic landmarks as you wander through Liberty Station's spacious courts and plazas.
Over 20,000 gray whales migrate south in early winter, hugging the San Diego coast on their way to lagoons in Baja California. You can witness part of the magic from Point Loma, where the Whale Overlook at Cabrillo National Monument offers great views of these gentle giants. Or, hop aboard a whale excursion boat for closer views on the water.
The historic site where two of the most influential Spanish voyages to California converged in 1769, Spanish Landing Park is a celebration of the past and present. Featuring picnic pavilions, a bike path and the Callaway Carillon bell tower, the park is an ideal place to discover the historic footprints of Gaspar De Portolá and Father Junipero Serra while taking in a panoramic view of San Diego Bay.
Sounds of Friendship
Although located on opposite sides of the Pacific Ocean, San Diego and Yokohama, Japan, are closely connected by the Yokohama Friendship Bell. Presented by the citizens of Yokohama in 1958, this majestic bronze bell on Shelter Island commemorates the lasting bonds between the sister cities.
A diverse landscape unfolds as one leaves San Diego’s coast and travels to rural East County. The majestic Cuyamaca Mountains and vast Anza-Borrego Desert State Park provide scenic backdrops for numerous activities and diverse communities just waiting to be discovered and explored.
From the charming mountain community of Julian and desert enclave of Borrego Springs to historic highways and outdoor recreation galore, rural East County offers visitors another unique and extraordinary San Diego vacation experience.
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Hillcrest
Welcoming, vibrant, artistic and cultured
This urban San Diego mainstay is home to Balboa Park, a vibrant arts scene, LGBTQ+ history and some of the best restaurants in town.
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Pacific Beach
There's always something happening in PB
With tons of action, activities and restaurants to enjoy, this iconic San Diego neighborhood is the epitome of Southern California Cool.
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Food & Drink
7 Things to See and Do Along the Embarcadero
San Diego's Waterfront Prado
Downtown's scenic Embarcadero is a perfect place to dine, shop, sightsee and play outdoors. Curling along San Diego Bay, the expansive waterfront area boasts a rich maritime history, eye-catching public art, restaurants with incredible views, and lots of opportunities for fun on and along the water.
Visitors can explore popular maritime sites, shop in charming bayfront settings and tour around San Diego Bay while taking in U.S. Navy ships, aquatic wildlife and spectacular sites. Here's a roundup of seven things that just have to be experienced during your visit to San Diego's picturesque Embarcadero.
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