Guide to Point Loma: Coastal Views, History & Local Eats
- San Diego Beach Review
- Jan 19
- 6 min read
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Point Loma is one of San Diego’s most scenic coastal neighborhoods, with a blend of rugged cliffs, historic landmarks, calm bayfront parks, local restaurants, and some of the best waterfront views in the county.
Whether you’re here for tide pooling, a lighthouse tour, a date-night sunset, or a relaxed day by the water, this part of San Diego delivers a little bit of everything.
This guide breaks down the best things to see, where to eat, how to plan your day, and how to connect your visit with nearby La Jolla, Sunset Cliffs, and Coronado visits for a full coastal trip.
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Getting to Point Loma & Parking Tips
Point Loma is easy to get to from both downtown and the beach communities, but parking varies by area:
Cabrillo National Monument - Plenty of designated parking, but can be crowded on weekends, so arrive early. Entrance fee required.
Sunset Cliffs - Street parking and it fills quickly near the most popular cliff overlooks. Arrive early for sunset.
Shelter Island - Ample free parking along the waterfront, especially near Shoreline Park and the fishing pier.
Kellogg Beach / La Playa - Street parking in a quiet residential area. Respect signage and drive slowly.
Liberty Station - Large free lots throughout the complex. No issue finding a space on most days.
Cabrillo National Monument – History, Views & Tide Pools
Cabrillo is one of the most iconic spots in Point Loma, known for its sweeping views and historic lighthouse perched high on the peninsula.
What to See
Old Point Loma Lighthouse – A restored lighthouse from 1855 with exhibits and incredible views over the ocean and bay.
Whale Overlook – Peak gray whale season runs December through March.
Bayside Trail – A 2.5-mile round-trip trail with panoramic views of downtown and Coronado.
Tide Pools – One of San Diego’s best tide pooling zones. Check tide charts before you go for low tides!
Local Tips
Weekdays are the best time to avoid crowds.
Mornings are also less crowded, and going when they open can prevent lines at entrance station.
Bring water as there’s little shade.
More to explore: Guide to Cabrillo National Monument | Exploring San Diego Tide Pools
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park – Dramatic Coastline & Golden Hour Views
Sunset Cliffs is the place to go for beautiful cliffs, sea caves, and some of the best sunsets in San Diego.
What to Expect
A walkable coastal path with postcard-worthy views
Surf spots below the cliffs
Natural bridges and rock formations
Large overlooks perfect for picnics or photos
Safety Note
Do not climb over cliff edges or unstable rock areas. The drop-offs are steep and waves can surge unexpectedly.
Parking
Street parking along Sunset Cliffs Boulevard and nearby residential streets. Arrive early for sunset.
More to explore: Guide to Sunset Cliffs
Shelter Island – Skyline Views, Marinas & Waterfront Dining
Shelter Island sits on San Diego Bay and offers the best skyline views anywhere in the city.
Why Visit
Wide waterfront walk perfect for a morning stroll
Calm bay water with sailboats and fishing boats
Views of San Diego skyline
What to Do
Rent kayaks or paddleboards
Walk Shoreline Park
Watch the nighttime city lights over the water
Where to Eat
Shelter Island has several restaurants with spectacular views:
Bali Hai – Polynesian-inspired menu and unmatched skyline views.
Ketch Grill & Taps – Casual bites with a harbor backdrop.
More to explore: Best Spots for Enjoying San Diego Bay
Kellogg Beach (La Playa) – Quiet, Calm & Local
Kellogg Beach is one of the few sandy beaches on the bay side of Point Loma. It’s small and perfect if you want a mellow day by the water.
What to Expect
Calm water
Peaceful views of sailboats
A relaxed, neighborhood atmosphere
Good For
Reading, picnicking, early morning walks, and families with small children.
Parking
Street parking in a residential area. Keep noise down and be respectful of residents.
Liberty Station – Food, Parks & Waterfront Paths
Once a naval training center, Liberty Station is now a massive waterfront hub for food, local shops, and green space.
What to Do
Explore Liberty Public Market for local vendors
Bring kids to the large grassy park areas
Visit art galleries and historic exhibits in the Arts District
More to explore: Best Brunch Spots in San Diego
Best Coastal Views in Point Loma
If you’re here for scenery, these are the can’t-miss viewpoints:
Cabrillo National Monument Overlook – Clear ocean, bay, downtown skyline, and Coronado views.
Sunset Cliffs Viewpoints – Golden hour perfection.
Shelter Island Shoreline Park – Skyline + sailboats combination.
Bessemer Path – Calm water and yacht club views.
Best Eats with a Water View
Point Loma has some standout restaurants if you want to pair ocean breezes with good food.
On the Bay / Skyline Views
Coffee & Casual Bites
Portside Coffee & Gelato
More to explore: Beach Cafés in San Diego
One-Day Point Loma Itinerary
Morning:
Start at Cabrillo, walk the lighthouse trail, then head down to the tide pools at low tide.
Midday:
Grab lunch at Liberty Station.
Afternoon:
Relax at Kellogg Beach or stroll Shelter Island.
Evening:
Head to Sunset Cliffs for golden hour and sunset.
FAQ: Point Loma
Q: What’s the best spot in Point Loma for sunset?
Sunset Cliffs offers the most dramatic west-facing views.
Q: Is Point Loma walkable?
Certain areas are very walkable (Liberty Station, Shelter Island), but others like Cabrillo and Sunset Cliffs require short drives between viewpoints.
Q: Are dogs allowed?
Dogs on leashes are allowed along most bayfront paths and parks. They are not allowed at Cabrillo’s tide
pools or some of the cliffs.
Q: Can you swim at any Point Loma beaches?
Kellogg Beach has calm bay water suitable for wading and light swimming. Sunset Cliffs is typically not safe for swimming due to the reef and strong currents.
Q: Is there an entrance fee for Cabrillo National Monument?
Yes, there is a per-vehicle fee. It’s valid for multiple days.
You May Also Like
If you’re exploring more of the coast, these guides make a great next stop:
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a visit to Point Loma and want to experience the coast beyond the viewpoints, here are a few options worth checking out. These also pair well with Cabrillo, Sunset Cliffs, and the tide pools:
Recommended Experiences:
San Diego’s Beaches & Bluffs Ultimate Coastal Driving Tour: a great way to see multiple scenic overlooks in one afternoon.
San Diego Harbor & Skyline Cruise: perfect if you want to catch sunset colors from the water. You can also check out the best sunset cruises in San Diego.
Whale Watching Tours: peak season runs December through April, with some of the best vantage points right off Point Loma. However, you can typically see whales year round if you're lucky! See our guide to San Diego whale watching for more information.
These tours tend to fill up quickly during weekends and sunset hours, so booking ahead helps.
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