West of downtown San Diego, you'll find Point Loma, Harbor Island and Shelter Island, all of which offer great restaurants, activities, a variety of accommodations and stunning views of San Diego's skyline.
Point Loma
Point Loma is home to the Cabrillo National Monument commemorating the landing of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, who sailed his ship the San Salvador in to San Diego Bay in 1542, to become the first European to set foot in California. Contemplate his remarkable journey as you stand next to the statue of Cabrillo and enjoy sweeping views of the bay and downtown San Diego skyline. Visit the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and discover some of the best tide pooling in San Diego, when low tide reveals flowery anemones, crabs, mollusks and a myriad of other sea creatures inhabiting the reef. Point Loma is also home to the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, a solemn memorial for those who have served our country and a tranquil setting for reflection.
> Learn More about Point Loma's History
Liberty Station
Liberty Station in Point Loma is a waterfront urban village in the redeveloped Naval Training Center that includes hotels, restaurants, breweries, and the popular Liberty Public Market, offering stalls filled with prepared foods, beer, wine, pastries and crafts. More than 48 museums, galleries, artist and design studios, dance companies and other organizations showcase San Diego's creative community in Liberty Station. The center also features the The Loma Club Golf Course, a funky nine-hole course left over from the naval training facility. If you're looking for great surf, Point Loma offers several quality surf breaks along the western edge but most are hard to access without a boat.
> Learn More about Liberty Station
Harbor Island
For a thin strip of land directly south of the airport, Harbor Island packs a lot into its two miles of real estate. Large hotels, marinas and several view-centric restaurants, including Island Prime, Coasterra and Tom Ham's Lighthouse, call this island home. A shoreline path complete with a steady ocean breeze keeps walkers, joggers, skaters and bikers cool while they enjoy panoramic views of the San Diego skyline, Coronado Island and the Big Bay. Several grassy areas provide ample picnic spots. Harbor Island is also an ideal place to enjoy the city lights by night, firework shows on the 4th of July, the annual boat Parade of Lights in December and sailing races, such as the America's Cup, when they are taking place.
> Learn More about Harbor Island
Shelter Island
A nautical atmosphere prevails on Shelter Island, one of San Diego's principal boating centers, where marinas, resort hotels, restaurants and bayside parks welcome sailors and landlubbers with recreational amenities. Many short and long-range sportfishing trips depart from here, with anglers catching a host of Pacific fish like Yellowtail, Albacore, Halibut, Dorado, Calico Bass and a variety of rock fish. Shelter Island is also home to , and their summer Concerts By The Bay, which attracts nationally known musicians and comedians. At the end of Shelter Island, you'll find the Yokohama Friendship Bell, a large bronze bell housed in a pagoda structure, that was a gift from the city of Yokohama, Japan in 1958 to commemorate the sister city relationship between San Diego and Yokohama.
> Learn More about Shelter Island
Point Loma Peninsula is bordered on the west and south by the Pacific Ocean, the east by the San Diego Bay and Old Town, and the north by the San Diego River. Together with the Silver Strand / Coronado peninsula, the Point Loma peninsula defines San Diego Bay and separates it from the Pacific Ocean. The area sits adjacent to the airport for easy access within minutes. There is also access from both the I-5 and I-8 freeways and the area is well serviced by bus and hotel shuttles.
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Beaches & Bays
Everyone can enjoy the water in San Diego
Paralympian Alana Nichols has competed around the world as a multi-sport athlete and Gold Medalist, but her favorite place to get out on the water is right here in San Diego. You’ll find her surfing Cardiff Reef, kayaking the caves of La Jolla Cove, sailing on the open ocean and even training in Mission Bay for sprint kayak in the Paralympic Games! As an athlete with a disability, she also knows San Diego’s adaptive community and the accessible ways to get out and enjoy the water.
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Fishing
With year round fishing seasons in San Diego and the world's largest sport fishing fleet it's no wonder more fish are caught here than anywhere else!
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Parks & Gardens
Places to play fetch or doggy-paddle
Find dog-friendly beaches and off-leash dog parks in San Diego that are great for your dog to perfect its doggy-paddle, play fetch, or have a snore-fest on the warm sand.
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Spectacular Views and Bayside Charm
Experience great restaurants, exciting water activities and stunning views of San Diego Bay and downtown’s dynamic skyline.
Located within minutes of downtownand next door to San Diego International Airport, the bayside Harbor Island has plenty to offer whether you are seeking a delicious seafood dinner, sunset happy hour, thrilling bay tour, or relaxing bike ride, all with incredible views.
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