San Diego Favorite Places: Point Loma
Hi friends! How’s the morning going so far? Thank you so much for the get well wishes. Thankfully, I’m feeling much better before hopping on an airplane later today. The past few days of rest, along with the usual remedies, have helped so much.
I’m excited for today’s post because it’s been a popular reader’s request since we’ve moved here: our favorite spots in San Diego. I feel like I’m prematurely writing these posts, because I’m always discovering new fun and amazing places. Instead of waiting until we move to recap it all, I thought I’d separate it by neighborhood and add to the lists as time goes on. This way, if you find yourself headed to San Diego anytime soon, you’ll be able to scope out some amazing spots.
I’m starting off with an area I know well and love: Point Loma!
Some of the landmarks of this area include the glorious Cabrillo National Monument and Liberty Station. It’s also bustling with my favorite things: shopping, fitness and food. 😉
Here are my suggestions, for when you want to….
Get an awesome view: Cabrillo National Monument. This scenic area is rich in military and western history, and from the top, you can see multiple areas of San Diego. Cabrillo also has tide pools, whale watching, hiking, and a small museum. It’s always hopping with tourists, and you can see why; it’s one of those places you need to visit at least once.
Eat the best calamari you’ve ever had: Point Loma Seafoods. They have fresh, local fish every day, and will prepare it in-house for you. We’ll often pick up salmon or halibut to grill for dinner, even though it’s tempting to just eat there since they have a full menu. The calamari is unlike anything I’ve ever had. So fresh, not gummy, perfectly crisp, and something you have to try! I’m also a huge fan of their sushi rolls.
Go on a date night: Liberty Station. This used be a military facility, but was transformed into a shopping center with businesses, restaurants, boutiques, and fitness studios. There are so many awesome restaurants in Liberty Station, but some of our favorites are Tender Greens (casual, salad/healthy menus), Fig Tree (a little nicer with an eclectic menu and awesome cheese board), Stone Brewing (a local brewery with fantastic food- great for date night, especially if you eat outside in the garden) and Sammy’s (deeeelicious gluten-free pizza). We’ve also heard great things about Solare, but haven’t tried it yet.
Eat some really delicious pizza: Venetian or Pizza Nova. The crust at Venetian is thicker and very garlicky (which I love!) and they have a great house salad to go along with it. Pizza Nova has more unique offerings for their toppings and combos, and have a great (light and not too chewy) gluten-free crust. Bonus: they deliver.
Grab a really good sandwich to take to the beach: the Gourmet Bagger. Some friends told me about this spot, because it’s VERY similar to our favorite sandwich place in Tucson, Baggin’s. The menu is the same, even the font on their name is pretty much the same… I’m not questioning it, I’m just accepting it with happiness. The classic is the Turkey Day Any Day, which is a day-after-Thanksgiving sandwich.
Get a quick coffee or acai bowl: Better Buzz! Go through the drive-through because the seating area is a scene, and parking is kind of a nightmare. The coffee is AMAZING (they also have almond milk), and they have delicious oatmeal, breakfast pastries and acai bowls.
Enjoy coffee with breakfast, parties and a comfy atmosphere: The Living Room! This is such a cute space, with mismatched chairs, vintage decor, couches for lounging, a beautiful patio, and a great menu (breakfast, lunch, coffees, teas, bagels, pastries). They have almond and coconut milk, and their breakfasts are fantastic. I definitely recommend grabbing a bite to eat and hanging out for a little while.
Go paddleboarding in a gorgeous and secluded spot: Kellogg’s Beach.
You can rent your paddle boards at a few places in the area (we like YOLO Board), and walk them out to the beach. Some local friends told us about this beach, and it quickly became a favorite. It’s often quiet and serene, with a few locals relaxing in the sun on their patio chairs. Bonus: you can paddle board to one of the hotels, have a snack or mimosa, and paddle board back.
Get in an awesome workout: check out the classes at Point Loma Sports Club, or get a day pass for the gym. They have EVERYTHING you could wish for: a full functional training room, strength, cardio equipment, a stretch room and infrared sauna. Or, you could take a class at my beloved Orangetheory Point Loma (I highly recommend Allen, Hollis, Jolen, Kat, and Tee’s classes).
and after class, since it’s in the same complex,
Have the best cookies of your life: The Cravory! They feature gourmet cookies with constantly-changing flavor options, like almond joyous, chocolate truffle, red velvet, and birthday cake. THEY HAVE GLUTEN-FREE. 🙂 Also, if you aren’t visiting, you can order online here! Fun backstory: I was in business school with one of the founders, Derek (and they threw great parties haha), and the other founder is my close friend’s brother. Small world, and I love to see them doing so well!
Take your kiddo to a beautiful yoga class: If I Was a Bird yoga studio. They start at age 2, and Livi LOVES the classes there. Each week they have a theme, and the practice corresponds with that theme. They’ll tell a story or travel around the world, and have fun events like tea parties, camps and face painting.
Have you been to Point Loma? Any fave spots I need to check out?
xoxo
Gina
*None of this post is sponsored. Just wanted to share some of my favorite spots <3 I’ll be working on these areas for future posts: Ocean Beach, PB/Mission, La Jolla and Downtown (Little Italy and Gaslamp).
Something to do: this energizing stretch combo. Give it a whirl to increase circulation, decrease muscle stiffness and promote full range of motion sometime today.
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Fun stuff! I was I. San Diego twice but never to these places. Have you explored the Gaslight District much?
so i’ve been a long time reader- and something about this post resonated with me more than most things have in life lately- as my husband is job searching in big cities hours away from where we are from, I picked up on your energy and positive attitude for new places and things- and felt like hey, that could be me sometime soon! I could learn to paddle board or hike to see beautiful new places. try new foods or show my family around a new town. San Diego looks fantastic. I’m from an eastern landlocked area (go wildcats- –UK that is) – and i am now slightly more excited than stressed about a possible move… 🙂
As someone who just moved for my Air Force fiance (and then had him get delayed in training, leaving me in my state alone from August until . . . June??) I think the best thing you can do is get excited about your new home – wherever that may be. There are a million reasons to be scared or stressed, but why think about that when you can think about the new pizza and coffee and activities?! Heck, I was excited that there’s a Red Robin in the same plaza as the TJ Maxx here . . . it’s the little things. Good luck to you!
it totally is the little things. 🙂 i love the red robin in fayetteville! xo
that’s the best way to think about it! just be excited for all of the new discoveries and potential. it is stressful, but there are so many good things about a move, too
xoxo
I was unsure where to post my question. Maybe under a title more fitness, lol. I wanted to ask u a question. What exercises will gone the neck and double chin area. I currently have lost twelve odd over the course of 6 months thru eAting very cleAn andd running,well jogging. But I’m 39 and I feel like this little waddle ages me. I always wondered how people in the fitness industry have tight neck muscles.
it will just take time. the skin takes a little longer to go back. i would just use good night cream and give it some time, and keep up the amazing job
Thanks so much for your response. I will definitely look into getting a good night cream!
Not sure when you get back in town, but I’ll be in San Diego until Sunday morning and would love to catch up again if you happen to be around! Thanks for the tips too!
Thanks for this post! I love your energy about discovering new places. Inspires me to want to get out and do the same since I am relatively new to the Austin area. Glad to hear you are on the mend! 🙂
Love this! I need to plan a San Diego trip–not only because it’s still too cold in NYC.
Glad you’re feeling better! Safe travels!
This looks like such a lovely trip! Paddle boarding is such a fun activity although i’m always scared i’ll fall off! =P Way to stay upright! Haha
This was such a great post! I used to live in Point Loma, during college and for a few years after, and I miss it so much. When I moved to the Pacific Northwest, Liberty Station was brand new! It’s amazing to see how far it’s come! Mostly, I was just glad to see that The Living Room made your list – it was my daily stop! This brought back wonderful memories! Thanks 🙂
Hi Gina! Some of my “San Francisco” suggestion posts are my most popular, because people are always looking for ideas when they travel. And I LOVE Tender Greens — we have that one up here. I will be saving this post for my next visit down to San Diego when we go see my in-laws again!
This is so fun! I was just in San Diego over the weekend, and wrote about La Jolla on my blog!
Every time we visit SD (we live in LA) I’m just in love with how relaxed and beautiful it is! Maybe we’ll have to visit Point Loma. 🙂
Always, Anita
It looks so beautiful there and all the food looks so yummy! I need to get to San Diego one day!
So happy you have started these posts! I moved to Orange County from the east coast a little over a year ago (and have also lived in LA), but the greater San Diego area is BY FAR my favorite in Southern California. Always looking for new things to see and do – thanks so much for sharing! =]
FUN!! Thanks I have been wanting you to do a post like this. Love all of your suggestions!
I’m from San Diego and we currently live in Point Loma. Love this list, to add a few things:
Sightseeing: Sunset Cliffs in Point Loma is completely gorgeous, especially when the sun is setting. We actually did our engagement photos there and they were amazing!
OB Dog Beach: Our out of town friends love going there to check out all the cute pups.
Food: Point Loma has a lot of amazing Italian restaurants. Solare is a great modern italian place. Pomodoro Ristorante Italiano is the best for very authentic italian food. Old Venice is also delicious. Burgers- Slaters 50/50 in Liberty Station has amazing burgers. Also Bo Beau is technically closer to OB but their food is sooo good and it’s a perfect place for a date night.
i’m going to do an OB post, and bo beau will definitely be there. i think it’s my favorite restaurant ever!
thank you for the other suggestions, too. can’t wait to check them out!
i am such a calamari snob. i would love to try point loma seafood!
Hey ! I just moved to SD as well and feel similar about a lot of things you posted here. I would say also Slater’s 50/50 (an unforgettable burger that rivals hodads) and the Cravory (THESE COOKIES ARE INSANE).
i still need to try that! AND I CAN’T BELIEVE I FORGOT THE CRAVORY. what a fail. best cookies ever!
omg is that lox pizza?? yummm
yessss
My hubs, 2 kids & I are flying over to Disneyland in May from Australia. We have 6 nights booked and are planning Disney & Universal but all your posts about San Diego sound so great. Would you recommend hiring a car and spending a day in Dan Diego OR just using up all our days at the parks since it is a once in a lifetime kinda trip for my 9yr old son & 6yr old daughter. We are all so excited! My daughter has months in advance packed her bag with all her princess dresses 🙂
this is a tough one! 6 nights will probably be perfect for disney and universal. it would be a fun day trip if you want to escape the theme parks and explore. maybe save it for the last day and see how it goes? so excited you’re coming from australia!
This post couldn’t have come at a better time. Today I found out that my first duty station in the Navy is going to be San Diego and I couldn’t be more excited. I can’t wait for future posts like these so I can add to my list of places to try when I move!!!
that is so exciting! will you be at coronado?? you will love it here
I’ll be at the Navy base on 32nd street but my boyfriend is stationed in Camp Pendleton so I’ll be looking for housing kind of in the middle of both. I am so excited and can’t wait to try an acai bowl from tiki port!
Drooooling over that pizza, oh my gah.
I went to SD for college and lived there for 4 years after that but a lot of things change so I’m always looking to try new places when we are in town to visit.
We drive down to SD in the summer, and last time we were there, I was in search of a good farmers market on Sunday morning. Can you recommend any?
The best one is the Hillcrest farmers market. http://www.hillcrestfarmersmarket.com
Sundays from 9-2…
thank you, angie!
Your welcome 😀
This post has me sooo excited! I retire from the AF in 2017 and the hubby and I decided to move back to SD. I cant wait to be home and try some of these places.
Gina, have you tried CBW??? theres one by the sports arena and menchies? soooo good.
hillcrest is definitely the best. you will love it!
You have to try Con Pane bakery in liberty station (next to Slaters 50/50). Butterscotch latte, cinnamon rolls (ask them to heat it for you), chocolate bread on the weekends…. Gah! So many goodies!
Heck yes! I just mentioned Con Pane too. 🙂
Gourmet Bagger is delish, and you have to try the bakery Con Pane in Liberty Station — so freakin’ good. Their pb and j on raisin hazelnut bread is my go-to meal after long runs!
OH! And Naked Cafe (it’s near the CorePower studio) — sooooo good. I think you’d really like it! They have great brown rice bowls and scrambled, and delish pancakes.
ahhh i’ve only had tea from there but need to try their breakfast!
Ahhh, you must. My run club usually stops there after our weekend runs.. lot of people LOVE their foccaccia too.
Ohhh, my beloved Point Loma! I went to college at Point Loma Nazarene University and so many of the places you mentioned hold some of my favorite memories. I still love to visit old college friends there for midnight cali burrito runs (Ortiz’s is our fav) or Sushi picnics on the beach (Sushiya at Liberty Station has great takeout that fit our college budget 🙂 ) to watch the sunset. And Gold’s Gym (now Eos Fitness since the buy-out) has the best outdoor gym for beautiful sunny days. What a great place to call home! I’m in Phoenix now with full intentions of returning someday!
I live in the Hillcrest/University Heights area. Must tries from here are:
Restaurants:
Great Maple
Empire House
Plumeria
Project Pie
Cabais Mexi-Deli
RB Sushi
Snooze
El Cuervo
Coffee Houses:
Bread & Cie
Lestat’s
Drinks:
Uptown Tavern (also has food)
Wine Steals (also in Point Loma)
Tap & Press
D Bar (also has food)
Small Bar
Whole Foods 7th Avenue Pub
Workout:
CrossFit Hillcrest!
Things to do:
Landmark Hillcrest for movies
Balboa Park for… everything!
Hillcrest Farmers’ Market
My twin uncles own Gourmet Bagger! Such a small world!! Hope all is well 🙂
no way!! i knew you liked it, but i didn’t know it was your fam! the sandwiches are SO GOOD 🙂 let me know if you’re in town again anytime soon! xo
LOVE this! My hubby just surprised me with a trip! We get to come in a few weeks! So looking forward to trying these place and hopefully catching one of your classes!!!!! 😀
shoo hoo! so awesome
My wife and I are in San Diego for the next few days and would love to take one of your classes. Do you have anything open on Friday (Jan. 29)?
ahhh i wish you could have taken my spin class tonight! i’m not teaching again until next week. are you guys in point loma? check out point loma sports club
Ahh bummer! We would have enjoyed the spin class, maybe next time. We are in PB but considering going to Point Loma tomorrow. Thanks for the recommendation.
if she wants to take a barre class, check out barre body! also the patio on lamont is wonderful (tapas), acai bowls at cafe by the bay, and the baked bear for ice cream 🙂 also, if you guys come over to OB, bo-beau kitchen is amaaaaazing, as well as ob noodle house
Thanks for the great suggestions. We loved Bo-Beau Kitchen! The brussel sprouts were amazing and probably the best we have ever had! We also enjoyed the OB Noodle house. We had to wait a while so we walked over to Mike Hess’s brewpub and had a few drinks before getting seated. We appreciate your suggestions and really enjoyed our trip to San Diego. We officially want to move to San Diego!
that is so awesome!! i’m happy you liked it and got to try some of our favorites 🙂
Did you ever do a San Diego favorites post on Downtown (Little Italy and Gaslamp)? I’m traveling to San Diego in the next couple weeks and staying in the downtown area. I’m already planning our trip based on your other favorite posts and would love to hear your recommendations for what to check out in Little Italy and Gaslamp!
no, but i have them on my list to review before we move! little italy is hard because I LOVE EVERYTHING there. seriously, everywhere is wonderful.
here are some faves in the downtown area:
cafe gratitude (vegan food)
juice crafters (acai bowls and juice)
pizza isola (ammazzing pizza)
prep kitchen (for appetizers and drinks)
trattoria fantastica (traditional italian food)
shout out (you MUST do this! in gaslamp)
little italy farmers market (saturdays until 2 i think?)
vin de syrah (go over a weekend! the best wine bar and cheese boards)
love core40 if you want to take a fitness class in the area (it’s 40 minutes and you will die in the those 40 minutes haha)
Thank you so much for the tips! You have no idea how easy your blog has made planning our San Diego vacation 🙂
yay!! so happy to hear 🙂 xoxo
I know you posted this ages ago, but we’re in Point Loma for the week. My husband has Navy duty and we came with him this time. I’m working my way through all of your suggestions- and Sammy’s GF pizza was amazing! And I had the best latte of my life at Better Buzz – honey almond latte for the win. I took my Livi to the zoo yesterday and we’re headed to the aquarium today. Thank you so much!!
that is so so awesome!! please get a poke bowl at the liberty station market for me 😉