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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 the Cabrillo National Monument, sportfishing, Liberty Station and more.

Following San Diego's Earliest Footprints

As a peninsula jutting into the sea, it's easy to think of Point Loma as a dead end—"land's end" in fact. As the site where Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo "discovered" San Diego, it seems more appropriate to consider Point Loma as a starting point—the start of a new land, a new dream, a new way of looking at things.

Explore the Point Loma Peninsula, from it's earliest days to the present.

Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo statue at the Cabrillo National Monument

A Voyage of Discovery

The 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, waterfront hiking trail and 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 stood watch over San Diego for over 160 years! Now standing as a museum, it's never too late to learn a little bit about the historical reenactors and the lighthouse keepers. For the ghost hunters, some say the final lighthouse keeper, Captain Robert Decautur 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 in Point Loma, home to the world's largest sportfishing fleet. From yellowtail to white sea bass, set sail into the deep blue for the freshest catch.

> 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 adaptability to the thriving arts and culture scene. Established in 1923, the area aims to inspire the community to collect memories while living for the present. Watch a sunset paint the San Diego sky as a concert begins at the NTC Promenade, enjoy freshbaked bread and unique plates at Liberty Public Market and explore historic landmarks as you wander through the 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

Have a whale of a good time in San Diego! Over 20,000 grey whales make their migration north every spring. You can be a part of that magic in the Point Loma Peninsula, where the Whale Overlook at Cabrillo National Monument offers the best views for spotting these gentle giants.

> 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, discover the historic footprints of Gaspar De Portolá and Father Junipero Serra while capturing a panoramic view of the 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 city are closely connected by the Yokohama Friendship Bell. Presented by the citizens of Yokohama, Japan, in 1958, this majestic bronze bell in Shelter Island marks the everlasting relationship between the sister cities.

> Explore Shelter Island

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