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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Encounter the World's Largest Mammals Up Close with a whale watching excursion.
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Sprinkled along San Diego's stunning coastline, intertidal ecosystems can be found where the land greets the sea.
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This don't miss public market offers food, beer, wine, arts, crafts and specialty shops in Point Loma.
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Oct 16 - Oct 20, 2024
✨23 YEARS OF FILM, CONVERSATION & CELEBRATIONS✨
The 23rd Annual San Diego International Film Festival is ’Celebrating the Power of Film’ October 16-20! Film Lovers and Filmmakers from around the world will come together to celebrate the art of cinematic storytelling.
The 5-day festival will feature Red Carpet events, including the Opening Night Film Premiere and Reception in Balboa Park and the Night of the Stars Tribute in La Jolla.Enjoy Studio and Independent Features, Documentary and Short Film screenings along with Filmmaker Q&As and Panels at AMC UTC 14 @ Westfield UTC.
Attendees can also look forward the ‘always sold out’ Culinary Cinema as well as the Fest Lounge, VIP exclusives, parties, food, drinks and networking events!
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Sep 22 - Sep 29, 2024
San Diego Restaurant Week, hosted by the California Restaurant Association, returns with over 100 restaurants across 30+ neighborhoods for eight days of dining.
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Jul 28 - Aug 31, 2024
The San Diego Watercolor Society proudly presents “Scintillation”, juried by award-winning artist, Robin Erickson. The water-based media exhibition runs July 28 to August 31, 2024, at our Gallery in The ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station. The Opening Reception is Friday, August 2, 5-8pm with over 95 ready-to-hang original paintings plus refreshments and the fellowship of other art enthusiasts. The Gallery is open Weds-Sun, 11am – 3pm. The paintings can also be viewed and purchased online. Please visit www.sdws.org for more information.
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Aug 18, 2024
San Diego’s most scenic half marathon - run from the Cabrillo National Monument atop the tip of Point Loma, along San Diego Bay, Harbor Island, Embarcadero, past the Star of India, through downtown San Diego to a rousing finish in historic Balboa Park.
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Oct 16 - Oct 20, 2024
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Aug 18, 2024
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Surfing & Stand Up Paddleboard
A Pro’s Guide to Surfing San Diego
San Diego is a surfer’s dream, from easy beginner swells to challenging waves for the experts to rip. One of those experts is pro surfer Mele Saili. A San Diego local, she knows San Diego’s surf scene better than anyone, and she’s giving her take on the best of the best.
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Biking
From the Gaslamp to historic Liberty Station
The San Diego County Bicycle Coalition's recommended route incorporates almost six miles one way of flat, scenic bike paths along the northeast corner of San Diego Bay. With the exception of one short section and the easy going roads of Liberty Station, this bike route is vehicle free.
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Action Sports
Life on a Board is a Life Never Bored
From the early days of action sports, San Diego was at the center of it. Surfingand skating both grew up in the streets and on the beaches of this destination, and it remains an awesome board-topia to this day. Action sports expert Chris Cote has spent his life in the thick of it, and is here to show you why San Diego is a true paradise of the surf and skate world.
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Activities
Perfect for romantic dates or quality family time
Whether celebrating a special occasion or just because, a picnic can be a romantic date with a special someone or a fun family outing. San Diego's wide-open spaces, dazzling waterfront views, and beautiful parks offer the perfect setting for a lovely escapade or quality family time. And with many San Diego restaurants offering delicious take-out options, it's easy to plan the perfect picnic.
Grab your blanket, order take-out, and head out to one of these seven San Diego picnic spots.
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