Discover Point Loma Beaches
Spectacular views, rich history and excellent tidepools make Point Loma a don't miss destination
Point Loma Beaches Basics
Hidden Gems, History & More!
Point Loma is one of the best places in San Diego to meditate on waves crashing on the cliffs and explore tidepools in the rocky reefs full of marine life. At the furthest tip of Point Loma, you’ll find Cabrillo National Monument, a tribute to explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo who led the brave expedition in 1542. The monument—with panoramic views of the bay and ocean—is also home to the Point Loma Lighthouse and is the access point to some of San Diego’s most impressive tide pools. Just be sure and check the schedule for low tides.
Popular Activities
- Tidepooling and watching sunsets.
- There's great scuba diving offshore in the kelp beds here, however a boat is the only practical way to explore them.
- Sportfishing boats line the harbor in Point Loma and take anglers for 1/2 day, 3/4 day, twilight and overnight excursions.
What to Know
- Point Loma offers beautiful views, a great neighborhood community and plenty to do but does not offer swimming or a sandy beach.
- You can get a good view from your car, but if you should decide to stop for a closer look, know that the sea cliffs here can be unstable and dangerous. Always obey posted signs and do not cross barriers.
- If you plan to surf, be aware of big swells and breaks close to the rocks. Also mind the local crowd, which can be protective of their spot and the cliffs which can make getting to and from the water an adventure all its own.
What to Love
- Point Loma Seafood located on the Harbor off of Emerson Street serves up great fresh fish and excellent views.
- Cabrillo National Monument and lighthouse at the west end of the peninsula offers sweeping views of the Pacific and San Diego's beautiful skyline.
- Tide pooling at low tide just below the Cabrillo National Monument—some of the best in San Diego.
- Sportfishing from Point Loma or Mission Bay—the crews are friendly and there's usually something exciting to catch.
- Humphreys Concerts by the Bay is a great way to end a day after some time on the sands of Grace Beach.
Where to Go
- Kellogg's Beach, tucked inside the southern hook of Shelter Island, is a gem of a beach that's popular with locals and little ones.
- Grace Beach on Shelter Island offers the calm waters of San Diego Bay with views of downtown and opportunities to let a day at the beach stretch into the night with first-come, first-served bonfire pits.
- Several surf breaks including Luscomb's, Garbage Reef, AB's and New Break and only accessible only by boat, a winter break called Dolphin Tanks or the summer break called Ralph's.
Services
Lifeguards, Bathrooms and Showers
- Kellogg's Beach lack the usual San Diego beach amenities.
- At Grace Beach, bathrooms are available by the Shelter Island Fishing Pier and there are no lifeguards on duty.
Directions & Parking
Directions
- To visit Kellogg's Beach, take the Rosecrans / Highway 209 Exit, stay on Rosecrans Street into Point Loma and turn left onto McCall Street.
- To visit Grace Beach, take the Rosecrans / Highway 209 Exit, stay on Rosecrans Street into Point Loma, turn left onto Shelter Island Drive, and stay to the right at the roundabout. Grace beach will be on the left right across from The Bay Club Hotel & Marina.
Parking
- Parking near Kellogg's Beach is on-street residential, so please be considerate of those who live in the neighborhood.
- There are multiple parking lots along Shelter Island when visiting Grace Beach.