Point Loma protects the San Diego Bay from the Pacific’s tides and waves. Here you'll find sandy beaches, private marinas, and prominent military installations. Nestled between Coronado and Point Loma, Harbor and Shelter islands owe their existence to dredging in the bay.
Point Loma is a low-key community that caters to sailing enthusiasts, trading the bar-hopping culture of Pacific Beach for a few select locales, like the industrial-warehouse look of Modern Times Brewing, or the mid-century cool of the Pearl. Yet in neighboring Ocean Beach, it’s a different world, where an inescapable hippie culture bleeds into the kitschy and earnestly earthy dives along Newport Avenue, allowing it to retain its bohemian beach-town vibe void of chain businesses. Shelter Island’s best watering holes boast campy tiki-theme decor; it's also home to revered concert destination Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, which is famous for its great sound, scenic location, and kayaking passersby.
Bays, beaches, and cliffs are the stars of these diverse coastal communities, where low-key seafood spots mingle with romantic eateries, quaint bistros, and lively beer bars. The bars and restaurants of Harbor and Shelter islands are great places to take in the views of Downtown across the bay. Although the water view is always lovely during the day, the lights of the city make the scene come alive at night. Every December, more than 80 boats are lavishly illuminated for the festive San Diego Bay Parade of Lights.
