Things to do

Things to do in Point Loma

Peninsula of Navy housing, Liberty Station, and the tide pools at Cabrillo. Sunset Cliffs on the ocean side.

Things to do

Old Point Loma LighthouseMuseum
First lit Nov. 15, 1855, and retired in 1891 when a new lighthouse was built nearer sea level.
Cabrillo Tide PoolsPark
Rocky intertidal zone on the ocean side of the monument, best in late fall and winter when daytime tides drop to minus one foot or lower.
Whale OverlookPark
Established in 1950 just south of the old lighthouse, it is billed as the world's first public whale-watching lookout; gray whales pass December through March.
Shelter IslandPark
A landfill peninsula lined with marinas, a fishing pier, bayfront walkway and the Friendship Bell.
Humphreys Concerts by the BayArts
Outdoor concert venue on Shelter Island with seasonal shows on the water; it won Best Live Music Venue (under 3,000) in the Union-Tribune's 2026 readers poll.
2241 Shelter Island Dr
Fort Rosecrans National CemeteryLandmark
Military cemetery on the peninsula's ridge with white headstones overlooking both the ocean and the bay.
New Americans MuseumMuseum
Museum at Liberty Station exploring immigration through art and exhibitions.

The tip of Point Loma, where Cabrillo landed in 1542 — sweeping harbor views, a historic lighthouse and some of the county's best tide pools.

Attraction

A former naval training center turned arts, food and shopping district, with galleries, a public market and walkable waterfront paths.

Attraction

Dramatic seaside bluffs along Point Loma made for sunsets, tide pools and clifftop walks. Free, and busiest right at golden hour.

Attraction

Point Loma SeafoodsSeafood market
A Shelter Island-area institution since 1963 for fried fish, sushi and sandwiches.
Bali HaiPolynesian restaurant
Operating on Shelter Island since 1954 and known for mai tais and downtown views.
Liberty Public MarketFood hall
Thirty-plus vendors in a restored Navy building at Liberty Station.
Stone Brewing World Bistro & GardensBrewery restaurant
Large garden brewpub at Liberty Station with dozens of taps.
Jennings House EateryCafe
Breakfast and lunch in what is billed as Point Loma's oldest house.
Con Pane Rustic Breads and CafeBakery
Stone-hearth bakery at Liberty Station.
Fathom Bistro, Bait & TacklePier bar
Beer and sausages at the Shelter Island fishing pier.

Festa do Espirito SantoLate spring (around Pentecost)
Portuguese Holy Spirit festival and parade staged in Point Loma annually since 1910, the city's oldest ethnic tradition.
Cabrillo FestivalFall (near the Sept. 28 landing anniversary)
Reenactment of Cabrillo's 1542 landing with cultural performances and food.
Humphreys Concerts by the Bay seasonSpring through fall
Outdoor concerts on Shelter Island.