Neighborhood Guide
Point Loma Neighborhood Guide
Point Loma has two characters, funky laid back Ocean Beach on the west, and more refined Point Loma Village to the east with its yacht clubs and boat-centric culture. And the former Navy Training Center, now revamped and branded as Liberty Station is Point Loma's newest neighborhood, with its 9-hole Sail Ho golf course, shops, restaurants, and bay-front park.
- Favorite Places to Go and Things to Do in Point Loma
- Where to Shop In Point Loma
- Point Loma Restaurants
Favorite Places to Go and Things to Do in Point Loma
Cabrillo National Monument
Bike or drive to this national monument at the end of Catalina Blvd. and take in the spectacular 360-degree view. Or drive down the hill just past the entrance to explore the tidepools. Your admission fee covers the Historic Lighthouse, Visitor Center, hiking trails, and migrating whale viewing center.
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
For a beautiful seaside walk, start at the corner of Adair St. and Sunset Cliffs Blvd. and walk south all the way to where Sunset Cliffs ends at Ladera Street. Take in the world class surfing breaks, seabirds and wildlife, gorgeous sunsets, and, if you're lucky, the elusive "green flash" that appears at sunset on a clear day.
La Playa Walking Path
This lovely path begins at the intersection of Talbot Street and Anchorage Lane, near San Diego Yacht Club. Wind your way south and enjoy views of the bay on your left and private homes on the right. After a short section on San Antonio Lane, the path continues past several secluded bayside beaches.
Kellogg Beach
Hidden away in the exclusive La Playa neighborhood of Point Loma, this low-key beach on the bay is great for families with small children. Enjoy peaceful views of nearby yacht clubs and marinas. Good place to launch a kayak. Park at the foot of McCall or Kellog Streets to the east of Rosecrans. No facilities.
Ocean Beach
Quintessential southern California beach, great for body surfing, boogie boarding, and surfing. Free public parking at the foot of Santa Monica and Voltaire Streets. If you're at the Tower 2 area near Santa Monica Street, you can easily walk to many casual eateries on Santa Monica and Newport Streets.
Sail Ho Golf Course 2960 Truxton Road
The old Navy Training Center has been transformed into Liberty Station, Point Loma's newest neighborhood. This lovely 9-hole course was recently renovated and features practice facilities, pro-shop and restaurant. Opens at 6:30am. Greens fees $10-$15.
Shelter Island
Shelter Island is actually a peninsula, and a man-made one at that. For decades it was just a sand bar. But in the early-'50s, the city and developers turned it into an "island" that could give shelter to yachts ? and to people. Now it's 1.2 miles of well-landscaped hotels, boatworks, yacht clubs, a beach, a boat launch, playground and scenic walking path. Some of the best views of downtown can be had as you reach the island from Shelter Island Drive. Picnic tables and benches dotting the length of the walking path make this a great spot for a picnic.
Humphrey's Concerts by the Bay - 2241 Shelter Island Drive
This tropical themed hotel on Shelter Island is famous for their extensive summer concert series. Acts like Pat Metheny, Tom Jones, Diana Krall, Robert Cray Band, and the Doobie Brothers have performed at the intimate outdoor venue. Catch dinner first at Humphreys' excellent restaurant.
Point Loma Summer Concert Series
July and August, Point Loma Community Park
For five Friday evenings in Point Loma Park, music lovers of all ages gather to picnic and enjoy free concerts produced by the Point Loma Association and Willis Allen Real Estate. Just finishing its seventh year, the concert series has become a wildly popular tradition in this friendly community. Stop by the Willis Allen Real Estate office during the summer to pick up a schedule.
Where to Shop In Point Loma
Clients moving to the area often ask me for recommendation on where to buy groceries. We are fortunate to have access to some of the finest organic produce and fresh seafood right at our fingertips!
Ocean Beach Farmer's Market
Wednesdays from 4-7, 4-8 in the summer, Newport Avenue between Cable and Bacon.
From homemade tortillas and organic vegetables to African stews, fresh crepes, ginger juice, flowers, and chocolate-dipped strawberries, the Ocean Beach farmer's market has something for everyone. Spend a fun afternoon meandering through the stalls and assembling what you want to eat for dinner. The crowd evolves from families with babies in strollers in the afternoon, to an edgier group as night falls. There are always entertainers to watch and activities for the kids like face painting, astro-jumps, and llama rides. In recent years they've expanded to include vendors of non-food related items such as jewelry and clothing. Farmer Steve (south side of street, in front of Pacific Shores) always has a friendly smile and sells the sweetest citrus in the world.
Olive Tree Marketplace 4805 Narragansett, at Sunset Cliffs
This small market boasts a surprisingly comprehensive selection of groceries (fresh herbs, produce, rotisserie chicken, El Indio tortilla chips, Bread & Cie artisan bread, meat and poultry) as well as wine, beer, and a deli. If you live in Sunset Cliffs or Ocean Beach, this is most convenient place to stop on your way home. Ample parking in back.
Ocean Beach People's Organic Food Co-Op, 4765 Voltaire Street
I feel so healthy shopping at this light, bright, organic grocery store! Their produce is perfect and they have a big selection of bulk items like grains, nuts and legumes. Other highlights include a selection of organic wines, imported pastas, gourmet cheeses, and natural health and beauty products. Don't miss their upstairs restaurant with hot and cold vegetarian fare that is surprisingly tasty. Keep in mind that the Co-Op does not sell meat, poultry or fish.
Trader Joes, 2401 Truxton Rd, in Liberty Station
Pick up your favorite products from TJs, as well as a large selection of reasonably priced wines.
Henry's MarketPlace, 3315 Rosecrans, at Midway Dr.
Part of the Wild Oats Market chain, this store offers a large selection of organic produce and natural products, as well as conventional groceries and wine/beer.
Point Loma Seafoods Market and Restaurant, 2805 Emerson
Hands down, this is THE place to find the freshest seafood in town. This family owned business has their own fishing fleet and if you walk out back, you can often see fresh albacore being unloaded from boats and filleted on the spot. In addition to a wide selection of impeccable fresh fish, the market sells smoked fish and live shellfish from tanks. They also do a brisk take-out or eat-in restaurant business (sandwiches, seafood cocktails and salads, fish plates, fish tacos, sushi and sashimi.) Order at the counter then wait until they call your number. Beer and wine available.
Point Loma Restaurants
The Third Corner, 2265 Bacon Street, at West Point Loma Blvd.
This Wine Shop and Bistro combines a retail wine shop and restaurant under the same roof. Creative and delicious menu featuring small plates to full entrees. Lively atmosphere. Intriguing and value oriented wine selections. Open until 1am.
Wine Steals - 2970 Truxton Rd. in Liberty Station
Casual and busy wine bar and retail store with patio overlooking Sail Ho golf course. Delicious thin-crust pizzas. Cheese and fruit plates to go with wine. Happy hour bargains from 4-6pm. Get a table on the patio and watch the sun go down as the last golfers finish their game.
Pizza Nova - 5050 North Harbor Drive
California Style wood fired pizza, pastas, salads, and some entrees served in a bright, contemporary atmosphere overlooking the bay and marina. Kid's menu. Check out the beautiful mosaic fountain in the courtyard in front.
Nick's at the Pier - 5083 Santa Monica Ave, across from the lifeguard tower in Ocean Beach.
Seafood, pasta, salads, and tasty appetizers in a bright contemporary setting with great views of Ocean Beach and the Pier. Full bar.
South Beach Bar - 5059 Newport Ave.
Overlooking the Pier in Ocean Beach, a young and lively apres-beach scene in a casual atmosphere. They serve some tasty bar food in addition to the usual selection of beers on tap and cocktails. Try the fish or lobster tacos and the Mexican style shrimp cocktail.
The Vine - 1851 Bacon Street
A nice place to enjoy a glass of wine and a bite, just a block from the OB pier and the shops on Newport. Cheese boards, salad, ahi tartar, brushetta, and larger meals. Half price wine by the glass 7 days a week from 4 to 6pm.
Santana's - 1480 Rosecrans Street
Take-out Mexican food with several locations. Try the carnitas tacos or carne asada burritos. Ask for both the red and green salsa.
Ranchos Cocina - 1830 Sunset Cliffs Blvd, between Niagara and Narragansett
This popular spot serves "healthy" Mexican food and offers many vegetarian options. I like their carne asada tacos, fish burrito, and tofu-veggie burrito. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Ortega's - 4888 Newport Ave
This OB restaurant offers solid San Diego style Mexican food. They sell their tasty tamales in front of the Newport Street location during the Farmer's Market on Wednesday afternoon.
The Venetian - 3663 Voltaire Street
Run by the same family for decades, The Venetian serves old-school Italian food in a family friendly setting. Their popular pizza has top-quality ingredients piled thickly onto a dense crust. Also good for take-out.
Island Prime - 880 Harbor Island Drive
Though not technically in Point Loma, this chic steak and seafood restaurant is just minutes away. The drop dead gorgeous views of downtown will dazzle visitors and locals alike. The menu offers some tasty first courses followed by customizable steak and seafood entrees. Pricey but good. Try the risotto with scallops and any of the fish preparations. If you're in the mood for something more casual, try the adjacent C-Level lounge for lunch or bar-style appetizers (although not as good as the food in the main dining room).
