This seaside community sits on the rugged peninsula that is bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the West and South, San Diego Bay & Old Town on the East, and the San Diego River on the North. Historically, it is where the first European expedition to present-day California landed in 1542. Today, it is home to 2 military bases, a national cemetery, Cabrillo National Park, and Point Loma Nazarene University, and is known for its breathtaking views of both the Pacific and the Downtown skyline.
Point Loma is made up of several unique neighborhoods, each with their own distinct vibe and personality.
La Playa is a community on the bay side of the peninsula and features some of the most expensive homes in San Diego, many with private piers.
The Wooded Area sits in the hills above La Playa and is so named for the abundance of mature trees.
Sunset Cliffs on the west side of the hill is aptly named for its breathtaking sunsets over the Pacific.
The neighborhoods of Roseville and Fleetridge are among the oldest settled neighborhoods on the peninsula and are the home of the tuna-fishing fleet.
To the north sits Loma Portal on the bayside hills. This neighborhood sits directly underneath the flight path of departing flights from San Diego International, and is home to the famous “Point Loma Pause”, where conversations will cease as planes soar overhead, and promptly resume where they left off.
Ocean Beach, or( "OB", as locals call it) On the northernmost end of the peninsula, and is known as a vibrant, bohemian beach town that features the only beaches on the peninsula and the famous Ocean Beach Pier and the Ocean Beach Dog Beach (my dog’s personal favorite!).
Liberty Station is a former naval base and is the newest neighborhood just east of Loma Portal and features parks, restaurants, art galleries and museums in the former barracks.
Shelter Island is connected to the peninsula by a causeway and is home to many hotels/restaurants and marinas.
With its stunning views, upscale homes, and easy to access location, homes in Point Loma are a bit more expensive than the surrounding areas. The median list price for a detached home currently sits near $1.695 million as of January 2024.
Among Point Loma’s other fantastic qualities is the wide selection of outstanding shopping and dining. Living the oceanside lifestyle doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the convenience of being near it all.
Around town, you can start your errand run at Jensen’s Foods—which offers a premium grocery shopping experience, a sizable selection of organic food, and some of the freshest meats in town. If you’re closer to Rosecrans Street, you can pick up your weekly groceries at either Ralphs, Vons, or Trader Joe’s. Throughout town, you’ll find many other local and regional supermarkets and other essential small businesses to meet your daily needs.
From breakfast to dinner, you can enjoy delectable meals in every part of town. As a new resident, be sure to try local favorites such as Cesarina, Ulivo Restaurant, The Venetian Point Loma, Pizza Nova, Bali Hai Restaurant, Brigantine, and Eppig Brewing. Spend a day at the Liberty Public Market food hall in Liberty Station and sample food from around the world. On the first Friday evening of every month, the Liberty Station Art Walk is a major draw, where you can sample all of the art galleries and purchase unique artwork from local artists.
As you may have already guessed, the top things to do in Point Loma are ocean-centric. From taking the yacht out on the harbor for a relaxing afternoon to catching the perfect wave on your surfboard, those who love being on/in the water will always have something to do.
One unique feature of this peninsula is its two distinct sides—each offering unique beach and marine experiences. Nestled closest to the city are places like Shoreline Park, Kellogg Beach, and the Shelter Island pier, playground, and boat ramp. On the other side of town, you’ll have direct access to the Pacific Ocean at Sunset Cliffs Beach, Ocean Beach City Beach, and Bermuda Beach.
If you’re up for something a bit more unique, Point Loma is also home to several seaside caves, as well as the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the unmatched beauty of these coastal locales. Or make your way to Cabrillo National Monument at the southern tip of the peninsula to explore the historic Point Loma Lighthouse, hike the tidal pools or enjoy views overlooking Downtown, Coronado Island and towards Mexico.
Point Loma is home to several excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include: