Point Loma is the peninsula that guards San Diego Bay from the Pacific Ocean. It’s a long, narrow finger of land — steep cliffs on the ocean side, the harbor and naval base on the bay side — and at its very tip sits Cabrillo National Monument, where you can see from Mexico to the mountains to downtown to the open ocean in a single 360-degree turn.
I’ve lived in San Diego for 25 years and I still make the drive to the tip of Point Loma when I need perspective — literally and figuratively. There’s something about standing at the highest coastal point in the city, watching Navy ships pass below and pelicans ride the thermals, that puts everything in proportion.
But Point Loma is more than a viewpoint. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park lines the western edge with some of the most dramatic coastline in California. The sportfishing fleet at the base of the peninsula is where San Diego’s fishing heritage lives. And Liberty Station — the converted Naval Training Center — has quietly become one of the best food and arts destinations in the city.
What Makes Point Loma Different?
Point Loma is where San Diego’s military history, natural beauty, and neighborhood character converge. The naval base occupies much of the peninsula’s bay side (restricted access), but everything on the ocean side is accessible and spectacular.
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park stretches for a mile along the coast. These aren’t gentle bluffs — the sandstone drops vertically into the ocean, creating sea caves, arches, and tide pools that rival La Jolla. Unlike La Jolla’s Cove, Sunset Cliffs rarely draws tourist crowds. On any given evening, you’ll share the sunset with a few dozen locals and their dogs.
The neighborhood itself is residential and quiet — old Point Loma families, military officers, and people who chose this peninsula specifically because it’s not a scene. The restaurants are clustered at Liberty Station and along Rosecrans Street, and they’re reliably good without the hype or prices of La Jolla or the Gaslamp.
Edge of the Continent
Sandstone cliffs plunge into the Pacific as the sun drops toward the horizon — Sunset Cliffs at its most dramatic.
Where to Eat in Point Loma?
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens — Stone’s flagship restaurant in the old Liberty Station mess hall. Massive beer garden, 40+ taps, and elevated pub food ($18-35 entrees). The smoked brisket and garlic fries are standouts. This is San Diego craft beer history in a glass.
Liberty Public Market — A food hall in Liberty Station with 30+ vendors. Highlights: Wicked Maine Lobster (lobster rolls, $18), Stuffed! (artisan sandwiches, $12-14), and Mastiff Sausage (handmade sausages, $10-14). Browse, graze, and eat your way through.
Point Loma Seafoods — Counter-service seafood market at the harbor. Fish tacos ($5-6), clam chowder ($6), and smoked fish. You eat outside with views of the sportfishing boats. It’s been here since 1963 and it’s the real deal. Cash or card, no pretension.
Voltaire Beach House — Neighborhood bar and restaurant on Voltaire Street. Good burgers ($14-16), craft beers on tap, and a patio. It’s where Point Loma locals actually hang out.
Where to Stay in Point Loma?
Homewood Suites Liberty Station — All-suite hotel with kitchens, pool, and walking distance to Liberty Station dining and arts. $200-380/night. Best value in Point Loma, especially for families.
Humphrey’s Half Moon Inn — On Shelter Island with bay views and a marina. The outdoor concert venue hosts acts all summer. $200-400/night. Retro-tropical vibe.
The Pearl Hotel — Boutique hotel on Rosecrans with a saltwater pool and Wednesday “dive-in movies” (float in the pool watching a projected film). $170-300/night. Small, quirky, and charming.
What to Do in Point Loma?
Is Cabrillo National Monument Worth the Drive?
Yes — it’s one of San Diego’s best attractions and still somehow under-visited. The old Point Loma Lighthouse (1854) sits at the highest point with 360-degree views. The visitor center covers Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s 1542 landing. The tide pools on the ocean side are among the best in the county (low tide only). And from December-March, the gray whale migration passes right offshore — bring binoculars. $20/vehicle, valid for 7 days.
Should You Go Sportfishing?
Point Loma’s sportfishing fleet operates year-round from the docks at the base of the peninsula. Half-day trips ($55-85, 5-6 hours) target local species like yellowtail and calico bass. Full-day trips ($150-250) head further out for tuna and dorado. No experience needed — the crew baits hooks and untangles lines. They provide everything except lunch and sunscreen.
What About Liberty Station?
The former Naval Training Center (active 1923-1997) has been transformed into a mixed-use district with restaurants, galleries, museums, and parks. The ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station hosts 90+ working artists in studio spaces you can visit. The Liberty Public Market is the food destination. NTC Park, with views across the bay to downtown, is perfect for a morning walk.
Where the Bay Meets the Sea
From Cabrillo's lighthouse, the entire story of San Diego unfolds — downtown towers, Coronado's beaches, and the vast Pacific stretching to the horizon.
Scott’s Pro Tips
- Getting There: From downtown, take Harbor Drive to Rosecrans Street. For Cabrillo Monument, continue south on Catalina Blvd to the end of the peninsula. Sunset Cliffs: Sunset Cliffs Blvd off Point Loma Blvd. No direct transit to Cabrillo — car or rideshare required.
- Cabrillo Timing: Go early (9-10am) for parking and before the haze builds. Check tide charts for tide pool access — you need a negative low tide for the best pools. Winter mornings are best for whale watching.
- Sunset Cliffs Safety: The sandstone is crumbly and people fall every year. Stay behind the fences and established viewpoints. The cliff-edge selfie isn't worth it. The views from safe spots are just as good.
- Fishing Tips: Half-day boats leave at 6am and noon. Noon departures are better for families and non-morning-people. Bring warm layers even in summer — it's 10-15°F cooler on the water. Dramamine if you're prone to seasickness.
- Liberty Station: Saturday mornings are best for the Public Market and art galleries. The park is great for kids. Stone Brewing gets busy Friday-Saturday evenings — go at 4pm for happy hour seating.
- Combined Trip: Do Cabrillo Monument in the morning, lunch at Point Loma Seafoods, afternoon at Liberty Station, and sunset at Sunset Cliffs. That's a complete Point Loma day.
Point Loma doesn’t shout for attention like Pacific Beach or the Gaslamp. It sits quietly at the edge of the continent, guarding the harbor, hosting the Navy, and offering anyone who makes the drive some of the most spectacular views and genuine experiences in San Diego. The sunset from those cliffs — watched by locals with their dogs and a bottle of wine — is the real San Diego. No tourists needed.