Point Loma
Historic Walking Areas • Geologic Formations
Read more
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Write a review
About
A lookout point above San Diego Bay and home of the Cabrillo monument.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Point Loma
See what travelers are saying
  • Gardengel-IoW
    West Sussex, United Kingdom692 contributions
    Allow a couple of hours
    $20 entry to NP. You really do need a couple of hours at least to get your moneys worth and it closes at 5 so if you are arriving after 3 ish save it for another time and watch the weather, views wont be any good if fog is in. Our first effort to get here was in vein as didnt realise was NP and got there after 4.30 to see first big barrier that says it closes at 5 so didnt want to get trapped and turned round. We were later told that gate doesnt close but is operated by Navy so guess they can close it when they wish. The pay booth is further on. We still hadnt allowed enough time not knowing what it was like, but enjoyed it none the less just wish had been more prepared. We drove down to the tidepools first as that closes earlier, it was a bit blustery but lots of families having fun searching the pools and ranger on hand for information. Up to the monument and the view is very good across bay and Naval area. We didnt have time to go in the visitor centre unfortunately.
    Visited February 2020
    Written March 2, 2020
  • Karen C
    St. John's, Canada3,130 contributions
    1st Stop in San Diego!
    We arrived in San Diego around lunchtime. After getting lunch this was our first stop. There are fantastic views of the city & harbour - I could sit there all day and watch the boats/ships & planes and helicopters going by. There are 2 lighthouses to see (1 is open to the public), tide pools & a visitors center at Cabrillo National Monument. There are hiking trails and it is just a beautiful area.
    Visited February 2020
    Written February 10, 2020
  • Meredith H
    Colts Neck, New Jersey24 contributions
    Gorgeous park with great views and trails
    Beautiful spots to hike (bring water and good shoes!) and the views of San Diego are perfect. Great panoramic photo ops fron the lighthouse area, and the Tidepools are so cool. Timing with low tide is tricky this time of year, but at high tide you can see and hear the force of the waves that have carved this gorgeous landscape. If you do decide to go down near the tidepools, bring a towel. Definitely family friendly as the trails are well marked, but caution must be taken with little ones near the edges because there are no railings.
    Visited June 2022
    Traveled with family
    Written June 30, 2022
  • jo blow fishing
    2 contributions
    first time on this boat last time.
    Seemed like only 3 hours of fishing for a 12 hour trip kinda pointless to pay so much for a bad experience . checked with other friends who booked on other charters and they had no problem getting their limits. really felt ripped off
    Visited September 2020
    Written September 6, 2020
  • tLynn18
    Boise, Idaho119 contributions
    Spectacular View spot
    This point has one road that takes you out and ends at the Cabrillo National Monument. You also pass through the Rosecrans National Cemetery which is worth stopping and seeing. At the National Monument there are maps that show you what you are seeing as you look out across the bay. It isn't a far drive out of San Diego and definately worth doing.
    Visited March 2020
    Written March 20, 2020
  • Steve K
    Hyde Park, New York71 contributions
    One of the "must do"s of San Diego
    Beautiful views of San Diego bay and downtown San Diego, along with views of the Pacific. The museum is also a nice place to learn about the history of San Diego. You can also drive down to the shoreline to explore tide pools.
    Visited March 2023
    Written May 20, 2023
  • CDV1125
    San Diego, California66 contributions
    Point Loma will always be among my Top 5 Happy Places
    I am a native Point Loman who has had an annual pass to Cabrillo Monument for many many years. The views on the peninsula are so striking! To the southwest, one sees the sparkling ocean, and to the east, downtown, Coronado, and San Diego Bay. I highly recommend any trip to PL, especially on a clear clear day!
    Visited November 2022
    Written November 26, 2022
  • Explorer801291
    6 contributions
    Don’t go unless you are driving in your own car
    Terrible unless you’re driving in. We were visiting and staying downtown so Uber everywhere. If you’re not driving in, I would not go. You get it at the top of the mountain and have to walk down along 2 Lane Rd. to get down to either of the trails. No bike or walking lane, dangerous honestly, and just car exhaust all the way down. They know it and they’re working on a trail that you can take down, but until then it’s not worth it if you’re walking the whole experience.
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 12, 2023
  • elm7501
    Saint Louis, Missouri180 contributions
    Beautiful view of San Diego!!
    Point Loma offers a great view of the entire San Diego coast! You can watch all the military ships and aircraft as well as personal boats. There is also a 2 mile hike that goes down to sea level which gets you below the haze at the top. It is also the home to the Cabrillo National monument (so you can use your Nat'l park pass to enter!). We were not able to enter the lighthouse because we did not have masks with us which was definitely a disappointment.
    Visited July 2021
    Written August 2, 2021
  • LOMrsPlatz
    Oregon13 contributions
    Guarantee you'll want to stay longer!
    Stunning views. History. Lighthouse. Beautiful walks in nature. What more could you want? Just double or triple the time you think you'll want to spend. Guarantee you'll want to stay longer.
    Visited January 2020
    Written February 15, 2020
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions

4.5
1,935 reviews
Excellent
1,345
Very good
499
Average
80
Poor
10
Terrible
1

jo blow fishing
2 contributions
Sep 2020
Seemed like only 3 hours of fishing for a 12 hour trip kinda pointless to pay so much for a bad experience . checked with other friends who booked on other charters and they had no problem getting their limits. really felt ripped off
Written September 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

tLynn18
Boise, ID119 contributions
Mar 2020
This point has one road that takes you out and ends at the Cabrillo National Monument. You also pass through the Rosecrans National Cemetery which is worth stopping and seeing. At the National Monument there are maps that show you what you are seeing as you look out across the bay. It isn't a far drive out of San Diego and definately worth doing.
Written March 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Steve K
Hyde Park, NY71 contributions
Mar 2023
Beautiful views of San Diego bay and downtown San Diego, along with views of the Pacific. The museum is also a nice place to learn about the history of San Diego. You can also drive down to the shoreline to explore tide pools.
Written May 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

CDV1125
San Diego, CA66 contributions
Nov 2022
I am a native Point Loman who has had an annual pass to Cabrillo Monument for many many years. The views on the peninsula are so striking! To the southwest, one sees the sparkling ocean, and to the east, downtown, Coronado, and San Diego Bay. I highly recommend any trip to PL, especially on a clear clear day!
Written November 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Explorer801291
6 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Terrible unless you’re driving in. We were visiting and staying downtown so Uber everywhere. If you’re not driving in, I would not go. You get it at the top of the mountain and have to walk down along 2 Lane Rd. to get down to either of the trails. No bike or walking lane, dangerous honestly, and just car exhaust all the way down. They know it and they’re working on a trail that you can take down, but until then it’s not worth it if you’re walking the whole experience.
Written June 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

elm7501
Saint Louis, MO180 contributions
Jul 2021
Point Loma offers a great view of the entire San Diego coast! You can watch all the military ships and aircraft as well as personal boats. There is also a 2 mile hike that goes down to sea level which gets you below the haze at the top. It is also the home to the Cabrillo National monument (so you can use your Nat'l park pass to enter!). We were not able to enter the lighthouse because we did not have masks with us which was definitely a disappointment.
Written August 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LOMrsPlatz
Oregon13 contributions
Jan 2020
Stunning views. History. Lighthouse. Beautiful walks in nature. What more could you want? Just double or triple the time you think you'll want to spend. Guarantee you'll want to stay longer.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kenneth F
Huddersfield, UK195 contributions
Mar 2023
I enjoyed a fantastic couple of hours here and would have stayed far longer if there had been dining options other than a vending machine with snacks in it. Choose a clear day and you will be rewarded with spectacular views of San Diego and the surrounding areas. There is so much to see and do here along with a very informative visitor centre with helpful and knowledgeable staff. My chances of visiting here again are minimal but if I was in the area I would, without hesitation, head for this iconic place that sits high on my list of favourite venues in the whole of the USA. I just wish there was a restaurant here.
Written March 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

WalnutBaron
Sacramento, CA181 contributions
Aug 2020
Point Loma is a beautiful place with lots to see just minutes from downtown San Diego. We enjoyed the commanding view of the Naval station and watching the fighter jets and transport planes taking off and landing. We enjoyed seeing the tidepools and the beautiful wildlife there. We enjoyed the old lighthouse and the brief tour available there. And we enjoyed Cabrillo Point where the 16th century explorer first landed.

All in all, it's a wonderful spot to spend at least a few hours if not an entire day.
Written October 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Michael Bethel, Jr
San Diego, CA41 contributions
Mar 2023 • Solo
Point Loma is not a place to take a vacation to (unless you have family there). The traffic is horrible, but has some nice things to do, and Point Loma has some inappropriate businesses. In all Point Loma can use some work, but has some great stuff also.
Written March 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

…
Showing results 1-10 of 1,656
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

Point Loma (San Diego) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Point Loma

Point Loma is open:
  • Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.

We recommend booking Point Loma tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 15 Point Loma tours on Tripadvisor

According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Point Loma: See all Point Loma experiences on Tripadvisor




Point Loma Information

Excellent Reviews1,345
Very Good Reviews499
Point Loma Photos618