arrow-down arrow-left arrow-right arrow-up play-button plus tab-indicator dots close menu search facebook google-plus instagram pinterest rss twitter tiktok youtube rss-two heart Check FeaturedBadge linkedin minus apps placeholder linkedin

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 Cabrillo National Monument, sportfishing, Liberty Station and more.

Following San Diego's Earliest Footprints

Looked at in one way, Point Loma is land's end — a peninsula jutting into the Pacific and surrounded on both sides by water. But as the site where Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo became the first European to lay eyes on San Diego, it also makes sense to consider Point Loma a starting point — the beginning of a new territory, a new dream, a new way of looking at things.

Come with us to explore the Point Loma Peninsula, from its earliest days to the present:

Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo statue at the Cabrillo National Monument

A Voyage of Discovery

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 and waterfront hiking trail 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 looked out over San Diego Bay since 1855. Now a museum, the lighthouse is a place of fascinating history. Some ghost-hunters even say the final lighthouse keeper, Capt. Robert D. 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 out of Point Loma, home to the world's largest sportfishing fleet. Set sail into the deep blue for the freshest catch, from yellowtail to white sea bass.

> 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 embrace of a thriving arts and culture scene. Established as a recruit facility in 1923, the transformed base now offers recreation, retail outlets, restaurants, cultural happenings and much more. Watch a sunset paint the San Diego sky as a concert begins at ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station,  enjoy a delicious variety of food and beverages at Liberty Public Market and explore historic landmarks as you wander through Liberty Station's 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

Over 20,000 gray whales migrate south in early winter, hugging the San Diego coast on their way to lagoons in Baja California. You can witness part of the magic from Point Loma, where the Whale Overlook at Cabrillo National Monument offers great views of these gentle giants. Or, hop aboard a whale excursion boat for closer views on the water.

> 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, the park is an ideal place to discover the historic footprints of Gaspar De Portolá and Father Junipero Serra while taking in a panoramic view of 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, Japan, are closely connected by the Yokohama Friendship Bell. Presented by the citizens of Yokohama in 1958, this majestic bronze bell on Shelter Island commemorates the lasting bonds between the sister cities.

> Explore Shelter Island

Find a place to stay

Book online or call 1-800-350-6205 to speak with a local expert

Related Articles and Features

Deals just for you

Tours & Sightseeing

Save 20% on an Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Amazing Scavenger Hunts by Urban Adventure Quest
Valid: Feb 2, 2024 - ongoing

Turn San Diego's Old Town or Balboa Park into a giant game board with this fun Scavenger Hunt Adventure. Combine the excitement of the Amazing Race with a three-hour city tour. Guided from any smart...

Accommodation

Breakfast for Two

Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina
Valid: Aug 9 - ongoing

No matter how you plan to spend your time in San Diego make the most of every day with a hearty meal to kick-start your mornings. It’s breakfast on us, for each night you stay. Rumorosa...

Accommodation

San Diego Zoo & You

Humphreys Half Moon Inn
Valid: Sep 16, 2024 - ongoing

Your Zoo Escape Awaits!  Unleash your wild side at Humphreys and the San Diego Zoo! Reserve our new package and immerse yourself in the newly refreshed Panda Ridge Exhibit, where you can...

Events to check out

Event

Thanksgiving Brunch

Humphreys Half Moon Inn
Nov 28, 2024

Feast on fall favorites like our Wild Berry Ricotta Cheese Blintz, Harbor Banks Smoked Salmon, and other classic Thanksgiving fare, from 11am-5pm on November 28, 2024!

Event

Thanksgiving at Vessel Restaurant + Bar

Kona Kai San Diego Resort
Nov 28, 2024

Feast with us this Thanksgiving, Thursday November 28 from 11:00am - 4:00pm.

Event

Liberty Station - Self-Guided Exploration Game

San Diego Walks
Mar 20, 2024 - ongoing

Explore San Diego’s Liberty Station, once known as “the cradle of the Navy,” while solving the mystery of the Ghost Submarine in this fun neighborhood exploration game.  

Stay in touch

Sign up to receive the latest news, events, and updates about San Diego. Our monthly and weekly newsletters will keep you informed about the latest and greatest happenings in the destination.

Sign Up

Partners

Explore

Plan

Stay

Follow Us

Language:

English | Change Language

Select your country or region

China
Germany
Great Britain
Japan
Mexico
Korea
Switzerland
Brazil
France
Australia
Canada
USA

Or use Google Translate

Afrikaans
Albanian
Arabic
Belarusian
Bulgarian
Croatian
Danish
Deutsch
Español
Estonian
Filipino
Finnish
Francais
Georgian
Greek
Haitian-Creole
Hebrew
Hindi
Hungarian
Icelandic
Indonesian
Irish
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Latvian
Lithuanian
Macedonian
Malay
Maltese
Nederlands
Norwegian
Persian
Polish
Portuguese
Romanian
Russian
Serbian
Slovak
Slovenian
Swahili
Swedish
Telugu
Thai
Turkish
Ukranian
Vietnamese
Yiddish