History, Views, a Full Working Marina & More!

There are, in fact, no real beaches on Point Loma, but it’s one of the best places in San Diego to meditate on waves crashing on the cliffs and explore tidepools in the rocky reefs full of marine life. At the furthest tip of Point Loma, you’ll find Cabrillo National Monument, a tribute to explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo who led the brave expedition in 1542. The monument—with panoramic views of the bay and ocean—is also home to the Point Loma Lighthouse and is the access point to some of San Diego’s most impressive tide pools. Just be sure and check the schedule for low tides. (Note: The Old Point Loma Lighthouse will be closed through the end of August 2024 for renovation work.)

Here you’ll also find a full working marina, with daily sport fishing and seasonal whale watching excursions; Liberty Station, located at the former Naval Training Center, now a thriving arts district with historic architecture, great shops, restaurants and community events; and Sunset Cliffs Park, a seaside park with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and stunning cliff rock formations.

Where to go

• Cabrillo National Monument is the place to explore California history, with breathtaking views of San Diego, the bay, the jagged pacific coastline, and if you time it well, gray whales, too.
• Point Loma Lighthouse to learn the history and the adjacent tide pools to see the creatures.
• Osprey Point for good fishing off the rocks and a textured retaining wall where rock climbers come to train.
• Point Loma Marina for shops, restaurants, sport fishing and whale watching.
• ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station for art, history, shops, restaurants, events and a stroll along the waterfront park.
• Humphreys Concerts by the Bay for waterfront entertainment.
• Several surf breaks including Luscomb's, Garbage Reef, AB's and New Break and only accessible only by boat a winter break called Dolphin Tanks or the summer break called Ralph's.

Lifeguards, Bathrooms and Showers

• Point Loma's beaches are not for recreational beach goers and lack the usual San Diego beach amenities.

Popular Activities

• Tidepooling and watching sunsets.
• There's great scuba diving offshore in the kelp beds here, however a boat is the only practical way to explore them.
• Sportfishing boats line the harbor in Point Loma and take anglers for 1/2 day, 3/4 day, twilight and overnight excersions.

Directions to Point Loma beaches

• Take the I-8 freeway west, left on Sunset Cliffs Blvd. Parking can be found in small unpaved turnouts on the seaward side of Sunset Cliffs, with curbside parking all along the inland side.
• To visit Cabrillo National Monument, take the Rosecrans / Highway 209 Exit, stay on Rosecrans Street into Point Loma, turn right onto Canon Street, turn left onto Catalina Blvd. (also known as Cabrillo Memorial Drive), then follow Catalina Blvd. all the way to the end.

Warning

• You can get a good view from your car, but if you should decide to stop for a closer look, know that the sea cliffs here can be unstable and dangerous. Always obey posted signs and do not cross barriers.
• If you plan to surf, be aware of big swells and breaks close to the rocks. Also mind the local crowd, which can be protective of their spot and the cliffs which can make getting to and from the water an adventure all its own.