Visitors and residents alike come to California’s coastal towns to rest, relax, recharge, and enjoy the ocean and beaches and all the fun activities the coast has to offer. Set sail for fun on the water in a boat provided by Carefree Boat Club. After a day on the water, or for a break to explore Point Loma activities and the surround area, there are many other activities to enjoy, too.
Sunset Cliffs
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is a 68-acre park boasting 400-foot sea cliff formations, sea caves, native coastal sage scrub, and more. Come around the time of day the cliffs are named for – sunset – and watch the sky change colors. If your visit comes from December-April, be on the lookout for gray whales as they will be migrating up the coast. The beach is not a sandy swimming beach, but surfers who can brave the rocky shoreline are in for a great time on the water.
Old Point Loma Lighthouse
The historic lighthouse was the first lighthouse to guide sailors on the waters of San Diego Bay. It stands 422 feet above sea level and was in service 1855-1891. You can see the current lighthouse 100 yards to the south. In good weather, the old house’s light could be seen for 25 miles. Unfortunately, fog or low clouds obscured the light, so it could not be seen. The flaw resulted in the new house at Whale Overlook.
Vessel Restaurant & Bar
You’re going to hear your stomach rumble while you’re out on the water. Located in the Kona Kai Resort, the venue has a stunning view of the water. You can even enjoy live music from local artists Wednesday-Sunday evenings, and at brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Choose from breakfasts like oatmeal, house-made granola, omelets, pancakes, and more.
Come for lunch and sample house-cured salmon, an array of salads and sandwiches, and sweet treats like Key Lime pie or chocolate ganache. Wrap up your day with dinners including linguini Bolognese, pork chops, or the Vessel Burger. There are selections for the kids, as well as wine, beers – including local brews, cocktails, and other thirst-quenchers.
Point Loma Bunkers
Go back in time to World War I and II. During those times, Point Loma was a major military outpost, since the peninsula forms a natural barrier at the entrance of San Diego Bay. The land rises 422 feet above sea level, making the point the perfect place for strategic views of San Diego Harbor and the ocean. Get your history fix and visit the searchlight bunkers, fire control stations, and gun batteries the military built between 1918 and 1943. There’s also a radio station that now houses an exhibit, as well as other wartime remains.
Cabrillo National Monument & Tide Pools
The area was named for Juan Rodriquez Cabrillo, the first European explorer, who arrived on the west coast in 1542. Not only is there a beautiful monument to Cabrillo rising over the sea, but there are also tide pools that teem with ocean life, as well as plenty of hiking trails and other outdoor activities.
While the park is open year-round, the best time to visit the tide pools is in the fall and winter months. That’s when low tide happens during park hours. You can visit during spring and summer too, but tides are higher during park hours, making enjoying the tide pools a little more elusive.
Shelter Island
The “island” is really an isthmus – connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land. The 1.2-mile-long island is a popular neighborhood full of recreational activities and outdoor fun. Head out on a whale-watching tour, pack a picnic, spend some time along Shoreline Par, and more. If your Point Loma trip includes fishing, the island has a fishing pier, too. Cast a line and try your luck in hopes of hooking a variety of species of bass, Pacific shovelnose guitarfish, and others.
Your Starting Point for Fun
The are just some of the land-based activities in Port Loma has to offer when you’re not out enjoying the water. For your water adventures, you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need – including a boat that can handle the waters of the Pacific as well as carry your whole crew and all of your gear.
Have all your bases covered with a membership to the Carefree Boat Club. There are locations all across the U.S., including Point Loma, that have the boat you need when you need it. Avoid the hit-and-miss availability of small rental companies as well as the hassle of storage, maintenance, trailering, covering, and cleaning, as well as fees like insurance and mooring that come with owning your own boat and transporting it between locations. Reserve a boat at any of our locations and it will be ready for your use each time you show up at our marinas during your reservation period.
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