HIDDEN GEMS OF POINT LOMA

Point Loma is one of San Diego’s beautiful coastal towns, with picturesque bluffs and amazing sea caves. Loma translates to “hill” in Spanish, making the meaning of this town to be Point Hill.

Both the modern Kumeyaay and their distant ancestors have been coming to Mat Loan, the Point Loma Peninsula, for at least the last 12,000 years. It was here that they gathered mussels, fished, and harvested a lucrative crop of abalone shells that they traded with the Arizona tribes.

Europeans landed on Point Loma shores on September 28, 1542 when Portuguese navigator Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo departed from Mexico and led an expedition for the Spanish crown to explore the west coast of what is now the United States. More than 200 years were to pass before a permanent European settlement was established in San Diego in 1769. During World War II the entire southern portion of the peninsula was closed to civilians and used for military purposes, including a battery of coast artillery.

Today, you can visit many beautiful neighborhoods with coastal views from every angle.  There are wonderful shops and restaurants to dine at and of course, many hidden gems as well.  Check out our list of hidden gems in Point Loma!

1. Old Point Loma Lighthouse

The original Point Loma Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on the Point Loma peninsula at the mouth of San Diego Bay in San Diego. It is situated in the Cabrillo National Monument. It is no longer in operation as a lighthouse but is open to the public as a museum. LINK

2. Sunset Clilff’s Ravines, Caves & Coves

Sunset Cliffs lies south of Ocean Beach and has several beaches below. Named for its exquisite sunset vistas, Sunset Cliffs Park encompasses 68 acres of bluffs and walking paths high above the wide expanse of the Pacific Ocean. LINK

3. Point Loma Native Plant Garden

Tucked away in a residential Point Loma neighborhood sits this beautiful native plant garden is brimming with rare and endangered native plant species. LINK

4. Kona Kai Resort & Spa

Kona Kai has a fascinating history which includes hosting celebrities, presidents and other movers and shakers of the country. I recently spent a full day at the iconic Kona Kai Resort on Shelter Island and let me tell you, I am now a true believer in the power of a staycation.  This is a great way to disconnect from your everyday duties without traveling far; something we should all divulge in occasionally. LINK

5. Eco Boat Rentals

Cruise around the harbor with your favorite friends, pooch and meal while getting some great leg exercise! LINK

6. Cabrillo National Monument

Cabrillo National Monument commemorates the landing of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo at San Diego Bay on September 28, 1542. The site was designated as California Historical Landmark #56 in 1932. LINK

7. Lucy Evans Lauren Memorial Garden

This sweet memorial garden was created as a tribute from a husband to his late wife. LINK

8. Spalding Park

This is part of our Lost History section. The founder of Spalding sporting goods, Albert Spalding, added spectacular enhancements to the beauty of Sunset Cliffs.  He hired Japanese architects to design his “Spalding Park” and spent a total of $2 million on the project (the equivalent of $47 million in today’s dollars).  His creation was spectacular.   There were sheltered benches with stunning views of the ocean.  There were two sets of cobblestone steps that led from Adair Street down to the rocks in which he had carved a 750 square foot salt water swimming pool.  He included a dressing room at the top of the cliff for users of the pool.  There were also walkways above the cliffs with hand rails. LINK

9. Villa Surf

This one is also part of our Lost History section. For many years, this mansion held by a local aristocrat sat in shambles and quite a coastal adventure for many.  In around 2014 a fire was started on the property by squatters and since has been demolished by the city.  Check out old photos of it and learn all about its rich history. LINK

10. Terra Bella Nursery

Terra Bella Nursery is unlike any nursery I have ever seen. Imagine a HUGE nursery filled with just about any plant you could dream of. Add a vibrant coffee shop with ingredients like strawberry cloud cream.

Include a dj booth complete with a giant disco ball in the heart of the nursery.  And make sure to have an epic playlist blasting throughout the shop.

Here’s what even more exciting: they have affordable prices! A nursery this chic would usually be tacking offensive prices to their plants but nope!  This is truly a nursery for all plant (and coffee lovers)! Welcome to Terra Bella Nursery!