From Wikitravel

The Old Point Loma lighthouse

Point Loma-Ocean Beach are two neighborhoods of San Diego. Located on a peninsula jutting out into the Pacific Ocean west of the San Diego International Airport and San Diego Bay, the area offers a pleasant diversion from the busy, tourist-filled neighborhoods and beaches nearby.

Map of Point Loma-Ocean Beach

There are three primary access points into Point Loma: Rosecrans Street from Old Town to the northeast, Harbor Drive past the airport from the east, and Nimitz Boulevard from Mission Bay to the north.

The Metropolitan Transportation System (MTS) [1] operates buses in San Diego. Route 28 on Rosecrans Street and Route 35 to Ocean Beach connect to the trolley station in Old Town, while Route 923 goes on Harbor Drive past the airport to Downtown.

A less conventional way of getting into the area is by taking a Water Taxi, +1 619 235-8294, [2]. These small boats serve San Diego Bay and offer service to Harbor Island and Shelter Island from Coronado and Downtown. They run from 3PM-10PM daily and cost $7 each way, and can be a good way to get to the yachts, hotels, and restaurants of Harbor and Shelter Islands, but if you're planning on heading virtually anywhere else in the Point Loma-Ocean Beach area, a Water Taxi isn't going to be much help.

• Fort Rosecrans is north of Cabrillo National Monument. Fort Rosecrans is a former WWII military outpost, situated on Point Loma to protect the Naval Base on Coronado from attack by sea. The fort contains bunkers, weapons emplacements and the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery [3], which holds a number of monuments including the USS Bennington Monument. An exhibit in Cabrillo National Monument displays some of the history of Fort Rosecrans.

Cabrillo National Monument

At the end of Catalina Boulevard, +1 619 557-5450, [4]. Open daily 9AM-5PM, $5 per vehicle, $3 per person walking, bicycling, or motorcycling in.

Located at the tip of Point Loma, Cabrillo National Monument commemorates Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, who led the first European exploration to what is now the west coast of the United States, in 1542. Point Loma was the one of the places he stopped, and the first contact Europeans made with what would one day be California. The monument has a statue of Cabrillo and exhibits on his expedition in the visitor center.

Being over 400 feet above the ocean, the views from Cabrillo are marvelous, overlooking the Pacific Ocean to the west and San Diego Bay, Coronado, the airport, and Downtown San Diego to the east. Mexico and several off-shore islands are also visible from this vantage point on a clear day. A short walk from the parking lot is the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, which was built in the 1850s to warn approaching sailors of rocks. However, the location proved poor and a new lighthouse was built closer to ocean, leaving the old lighthouse empty. Today the old lighthouse has been preserved and is open to tour. Each year, on the lighthouses birthday, the top of the lighthouse is opened for visitors to enjoy the same view that the lighthouse keeper had.

In addition to it's main sights, Cabrillo also offers a few other attractions:

• There is a Tidepool Area a few miles drive from the Visitor Center, down the cliff on the Pacific Ocean side, where visitors can explore a living tide pool ecosystem. Just be cautious of the marine life and slippery rocks! Wearing shoes with proper grips is a must when visiting any tidal ecosystem.
• An exhibit on the Military History of Point Loma is located near the parking lot, which preserves a few of the old coastal defense mechanisms which were in place during both world wars. Occasionally, a docent will be present to answer any questions about the military history of the area.
• A Whale Overlook, near the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, offers a great place to watch the annual Gray Whale migration every winter.
• The Bayside Trail gives you a chance to stroll through a native coastal scrubland. Sea lions are very often seen from this trail, playing on the buoys bobbing in the ocean below. The trail is one way.

Surfers at Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach is a small beach town without all of the usual bells and whistles typical of most popular beach towns. Trendy restaurants and shops are not on the menu here, but a relaxing day at the beach, a stroll around town or even a trip with the pooch to the dog beach – are. Ocean beach is approximately seven miles from San Diego on the California coast.

• Ocean Beach is well known for its two large sandy beaches, which cater to just about every beach-going type.
  • The regular beach [5] offers designated surfing and swimming zones, which are monitored by the local life guards, which are staffed year round at the main lifeguard station at 1950 Abbott St.
  • At the northern end of the beach, dog lovers can bring their pets along for a romp in the waves or a swim in the flood channel at Dog Beach.

• Ocean Beach Municipal Pier, at the south end of the beach, extends out over the waves and offers great views of the beautiful Pacific Ocean and coast. A tackle shop, located in the middle of the pier, provides bait and supplies for the many fishing enthusiasts who frequent the area. This is one of the few places that visitors can fish without a California fishing license. Pole rentals are available at the bait shop as well.

• The Ocean Beach Street Fair [6] takes place annually in late June and includes live entertainment and a chili cook-off festival.

• Sunset Cliffs, along Sunset Cliffs Boulevard south of Ocean Beach. A lovely setting, Sunset Cliffs is an excellent place for sightseeing, picnics, watching sunsets (as the name suggests) or just driving along the rim of the beautiful cliffs along Sunset Cliffs Blvd. There is also a rather secluded beach there, but it's swim at your own risk. It is quite popular with the more adventurous and seasoned surfer as the surf is rather rough for the area. Be warned, however, that there are no lifeguards at this secluded beach and it is only accessible by scaling a gently eroding (but long-standing) cliff face. Local surfers have been kind enough to provide a rope that aids in 'safely' repelling down the cliff face. Some upper body strength is required to return to the top.

• Humphreys Concerts By the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, ☎ +1 619 220 8497, [7]. A concert series held every May through October, showcasing some famous entertainers (Crosby, Stills & Nash, Jewel, The Moody Blues, Bonnie Raitt) at Humphrey's Half Moon Inn & Suites. A wide variety of styles, from rock and jazz to comedy, blues and international music. Humphreys Restaurant also has live blues/jazz/disco/classic rock music every night in its lounge.  edit

Boating

Point Loma, as the home of Shelter Island and Harbor Island, offers plenty of opportunities for boating on the San Diego Bay.

• Shelter Island Boat Launching Ramp provides the closest access to the Pacific Ocean (approximately 3 miles away) of the four boat launch ramps on San Diego Bay. Restrooms and a large parking lot are immediately available. For visiting fishermen, the bait receivers, where anchovies and sardines can be purchased, are located on the right side of the channel as you exit the harbor. The bait barges are open 24 hours per day.
• There are two anchorages here; Cruiser Anchorage, located east of Harbor Island, is set aside for visiting boaters. A permit is required to anchor here; permits are valid up to 30 days at a time. Permits can be obtained at the Shelter Island Harbor Police Facility, 1401 Shelter Island Drive, +1 619 686-6272. La Playa Cove Anchorage, located near several yacht clubs in the Shelter Island yacht basin, has room for around 25 boats. La Playa allows stays on weekends only, up to 72 hours. Nearby yacht clubs include: San Diego Yacht Club [8] and Southwestern Yacht Club [9].
• Harbor Island West Marina [10] is a full-service marina that is also popular for convenience. Dock services include restroom/shower facilities, electric, water, telephone, dock boxes & carts, fuel dock/pumpout station, swimming pool, saunas, boathouse restaurant, deli/liquor store, boutique, sailing club, picnic area, and laundry facilities, to name a few. Liveaboards are also welcome. Sunroad Resort Marina [11] is on the east side of Harbor Island, with more than 600 boat slips. Dock services such as electrical hookups, telephone jacks, satellite television, wireless internet, fresh water service, and a waste pump-out station are available.
• There are also several moorings located throughout the Harbor for vessels ranging from two to 65 feet in length. They are available north of the Grape Street Pier and south of the Coast Guard Station, near Downtown. Mooring balls that are strictly for transients are also available. Visit the SD Mooring Company Office, 2040 N. Harbor Island Drive, +1 619 -291-0916, [12] for an application.

Buy

Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach offers a great variety of unique stores and boutiques. Any demographic can find something down Ocean Beach's main street. Once a week, typically on a Wednesday, you'll find a farmers market. The market offers food, fresh produce and other fare as well as live entertainment and small attractions. It takes up the entire two main blocks of the shopping district and typically lasts from 4-8pm.

• Antiques & Stuff by Ruth. This store imports antiques from all over the world, and specializes in furniture, glass chandeliers and collectibles.
• Cottage Antiques. English Country Cottage style antiques at this rather homey store, specializing in items such as English Chintz China, sterling silver and Staffordshire Dogs.
• Downwind Marine, 2804 Canon St, +1 619 224-2733, [13]. Boating materials, supplies, and equipment are available here.
• Homers. Antique store on Newport Avenue.
• Karen’s Consignment Gallery. The place to go for silver, crystal, china, oriental rugs and lamps, and has been highly rated since opening day.
• Seabreeze Limited, 1254 Scott St, +1 619 223-8989, [14]. M-Sa 10AM-6PM, Su 10AM-4PM. A lot of boating products here, like navigational charts, sailing guides, plotting tools, and nautical-themed books and gifts.
• Newport Avenue Antiques. Well known amongst antique collectors for the range of antique lighting and cigar and smoking accessories.

• 3rd Corner, 2265 Bacon Street, +1 619 223-2700. Mediterranean fare and seafood.
• Bali Ha'i Restaurant, 2230 Shelter Island Dr, +1 619 222-1181, [15]. Polynesian-themed restaurant.
• Boathouse Inc Restaurant, 2040 Harbor Island Drive, +1 619 291-8011, [16].
• Hodads Restaurant, 5010 Newport Avenue, +1 619 224-4623. This restaurant is very popular, especially on weekends; sometimes the line outside reaches the street corner; their logo is a caricatured surfing burger with a caricature Hispanic person riding on top. they also have a Hodads van parked outside. It's a burger joint with fries and shirts and shoes are not required. A pair of seats inside is shaped like a car, and you sit in the driver seats. Their milkshakes are huge and should not be ordered with a meal.
• Hudson Bay Seafood, 1403 Scott Street, +1 619 222-8787, [17]. Daily 8AM-8PM (extended hours on weekends and in summer). $7-$15.
• Humphreys by the Bay, 2241 Shelter Island Drive, +1 619 224-3577, [18].
• Kaiserhof, 2253 Sunset Cliffs Blvd, +1 619 224-0606.
• Miguel's Cocina Mexican Food, 2912 Shelter Island Dr, +1 619 224-2401, [19]. M-Sa 11AM-10PM, Su 10AM-10PM.
• Nati's Mexican Restaurant, 1852 Bacon St, +1 619 224-3369, [20]. Nate's has great food and a lovely patio seating area.
• Ocean Beach Pier Cafe, on the Ocean Beach Pier.
• Old Townhouse Restaurant, 4941 Newport Ave., +1 619 222-1880, [21]. Daily 6AM-3PM. Family owned and operated for over 35 years; a local favorite for breakfast. They will also serve you bottomless cups of coffee.
• Old Venice Italian Restaurant, 2910 Canon Street, +1 619 222-5888, [22].
• Pizza Nova, 5050 N Harbor Drive, +1 619 226-0268, [23].
• Point Loma Beach Cafe, 1424 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., +1 619 758-1776, [24]. Great food, including wraps, burritos, sandwiches, salads, and smoothies.
• Point Loma Seafoods, 2805 Emerson St, +1 619 223-1109, [25]. M-Sa 9AM-6:30PM, Su 11AM-6:30PM.
• Tom Ham's Lighthouse, 2150 Harbor Island Dr, +1 619 291-9110, [26].
• Tower Two Beach Cafe 5083 Santa Monica Ave (across from the Lifeguard Tower Two on Ocean Beach), +1 619 223-4059. This is a family-friendly atmosphere where childless singles can enjoy a good time.

• Shades, 5083 Santa Monica Ave, +1 619 222-0501, [27]. Daily 6:30AM-9PM (10PM in the summer). Happy Hour from 4PM-6PM. Outdoor porch, indoor seating and bar — windows overlook the pier and sunsets over the ocean.

• AAA Bungalow Vacation Homes, +1 619 861-4262.[28]
• Best Western Island Palms Hotel, 2051 Shelter Island Dr, +1 619 222-0561, [29].
• Elsbree House Bed & Breakfast, 5054 Narragansett Ave, +1 619 226-4133, [30].
• Harbor Vacations Club (Shell Vacations Hospitality), 1880 Harbor Island Drive, ☎ +1 619 297-9484, [31]. checkin: 3:00pm; checkout: 11:00am. These accommodations vary according to vessel. Yachts have private staterooms, salons with television, DVD/VCR and stereo, galley and dining area. Each villa is a floating home, with bedrooms, showers, washer and dryers, galleys, TV, and DVD/VCR. $209.  edit
• Holiday Inn - Bayside, 4875 N. Harbor Drive, ☎ +1 619 224-3621, +1 800 662-8899, [32]. Located near the San Diego International Airport.  edit
• Hostelling International San Diego Point Loma, 3790 Udall St, +1 619 223-4778, [33]. A friendly and clean hostel, with dorm rooms at $17-19/night and private rooms in the $40 range.
• Humphrey's Half Moon Inn, 2303 Shelter Island Dr, +1 619 224-3411, [34]. Located on Shelter Island, this resort offers many activities including live concerts [35].
• Ocean Beach Hotel, 5080 Newport Ave, ☎ +1 619 223-7191, [36]. Located next to the beach in San Diego. Minutes from Sea World, Downtown, and the Zoo.  edit
• Ocean Beach International Hostel, 4961 Newport Ave (In Ocean Beach), +1 619 223-7873. A popular hostel with backpackers and budget travelers. There is a bus line on Cable Street that makes it possible to reach the San Diego airport.
• Quality Inn, 2901 Nimitz Blvd, ☎ +1 619 224-3655 (fax: +1 619 224-4025), [37]. 100 percent non-smoking hotel one mile from the San Diego International Airport. Free airport transportation is available.  edit
• Sheraton San Diego Hotel, 1380 Harbor Island Dr, +1 866 716-8130, [38].
• Vagabond Inn Point Loma, 1325 Scott St, ☎ +1 619 224-3371, +1 800 522-1555, [39]. . Newly renovated rooms including suites with kitchenettes.  edit