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Explore Point Loma Peninsula's History

A starting point for discovering San Diego

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:

Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo statue at the Cabrillo National Monument

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.

> Embark on a Journey to the Cabrillo National Monument

Cabrillo Lighthouse at the Cabrillo National Monument

Shining a Light on Point Loma

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.

Fishing fleet in a Point Loma harbor

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.

> Find out more about Sportsfishing in San Diego

Liberty Station on the Point Loma Peninsula

San Diego's Military Roots

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.

> Learn more about Liberty Station

Whale bones at the Whale Overlook at the Cabrillo National Monument

A Whale of a Good Time

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.

> Book your Whale Watching Excursion

Spanish Landing Park on the Point Loma Peninsula

Footprints of Early Spanish Expeditions

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.

Yokohama Friendship Bell on Shelter Island on the Point Loma Peninsula

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.

> Explore Shelter Island

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