Point Loma Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

Point Loma Park is a scenic park located in San Diego, California.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

It offers a variety of activities for visitors such as hiking, picnicking, surfing, and fishing. The park is home to several notable landmarks, including the historic Point Loma Lighthouse, the Cabrillo National Monument, and the Old Point Loma Lighthouse.

One of the top reasons to visit Point Loma Park is for its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can take a walk along the park's cliffs or hike to the top of the Cabrillo National Monument for panoramic views of San Diego Bay.

Other popular attractions in the park include the Tide Pools, where visitors can explore the diverse array of marine life, and the Whale Overlook, which offers a prime location to watch whales and dolphins during migration season.

In addition to its natural beauty, Point Loma Park also has a rich history. The Cabrillo National Monument honors the first European expedition to the West Coast led by Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in 1542. The Old Point Loma Lighthouse served as a vital navigational aid for ships entering San Diego Bay in the late 1800s.

The best time to visit Point Loma Park is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and crowds are smaller. However, visitors should be aware that the park can be busy during peak tourist season in the summer.

Overall, Point Loma Park is a must-visit destination for those seeking natural beauty and historical significance in Southern California.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References