Point Loma offers an incredible variety of activities and things to do for individuals or the entire family. One of the first things I always recommend to visitors to San Diego, and San Diego residents who have not been there, is a visit to Cabrillo National Monument. It is a fantastic place to visit for a variety of reasons. For starters, there is possibly no better view in San Diego than the vista of downtown San Diego, the bay and Coronado from the view point on the east side of the park near the monument. You can take in views of the Coronado Islands off the coast of Rosarito Beach Mexico to the south, and on clear winter days you can get amazing views of the snow capped mountains of Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties including Mount Baldy and Big Bear to the north. Take a short stroll past the historic lighthouse and you can see the seemingly endless waters of the Pacific as well as the amazing reef breaks and waves just below.

For the history buff, there is a small museum with some great artifacts and information, a movie theater with some great information on Cabillo’s trip from Guatemala up the Pacific Coast including his stop in San Diego Bay with likely stop at Ballast Point, and a book store and gift shop.

For those into more strenuous activities, there are hiking trails down to San Diego Bay from just below the Light House, and there are plentiful walking trails down the Pacific side around the tide pools which in them self are a fantastic reason to visit at lower tides. The park is also a popular end point for bikers of all skill levels. The ride back up from the tide pools will burn the quads of even the strongest peddler.

Entry to the park costs $5 per vehicle and can be paid in cash at the entry kiosk. Bikers and pedestrians are required to pay individually. Yearly passes are available as well and are a great deal for those who plan to visit more than a couple of times annually.