25 OF THE BEST NAVAL BASE POINT LOMA THINGS TO DO
By Sarah Jaudon
Introduction
Welcome to Naval Base Point Loma! This beautiful installation is located on the peninsula at the mouth of San Diego Bay in Southern California. Receiving your Permanent Change of Station Travel Orders (PCS) can be exciting especially when you realize San Diego is your destination. However, the process of moving and getting settled into your new home can be frustrating. So, let us help you find the fun! NBPL has so much to offer when it comes to beauty, adventure, and recreation. We have compiled a list of the top things to do on and near Naval Base Point Loma. Know what you are looking for? Click the number(s) to go right to where you want to go: (1-9) Outdoor Recreation (10) Pools (11-12) Golf Courses (13-14) Gyms (15) Movie Theater (16-22) Nearby Attractions (23-25) MuseumsSuggested Read:
Naval Base Point Loma: In-Depth Welcome CenterCOVID-19 Notice
Due to the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic, many businesses, venues, and parks may be temporarily closed or operating under restricted hours. Many, if not all, of the ones listed here, are likely subject to such restrictions for the time being though new re-openings and closings occur all the time. Therefore, a place we mention here may not currently be open or available for the time being. Check individual websites provided in each section or call to find out each place’s current hours and situation.25 of the Best Naval Base Point Loma Things To Do
Naval Base Point Loma Outdoor Recreation
1. Naval Base Point Loma MWR
Naval Base Point Loma San Diego, CA 92106Phone
: 1 (619) 556-4798 Morale, Welfare and Recreation includes all of the opportunities that strengthen your experience and enhance your well-being. These services may include community recreation centers, sports recreation, recreational lodging and RV parks. Each installation has different resources available, so be sure to learn about your NBPL options below.2. Community Recreation NBPL & Equipment Rentals
Community Recreation Naval Base Point Loma San Diego, CA 92106Phone
: 1 (619) 553-9138 Community Recreation NBPL is your first stop for outdoor fun. They offer daily events you can sign up for to meet new friends or learn a new skill. They offer trips and tours (includes Outdoor Recreation), classes and activities, outdoor equipment rental, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and biking classes and tours. Check the events list on the website and sign up today!3. Point Loma Marina
Bldg. 606 Callaghan Circle. NBPL Harbor Drive San Diego, CA 92106Phone
: 1 (619) 524-6498 Gear Rental is now being offered at the Point Loma Marina. Kayaks and stand up paddle boards are now available to rent directly on the San Diego Bay waterfront. Bike and party game rentals are also available for daily and multi-day rates. Equipment is available for rent at hourly, daily and multi-day rates. Reservations are recommended for all equipment.4. Bayview RV Park
Bldg. 606 Acoustic Ave San Diego, CA 92147Phone
: 1 (619) 524-6497 Thirteen dry RV camping sites, right on the water’s edge of San Diego bay. These spaces do not have utilities but do have access to the marina restrooms. A million dollar view at a very low price. After entering the gate at the intersection of North Harbor Drive and Laning, the Park is 400 feet straight ahead. The marina/park office is the yellow building to the left. All eligible patrons are welcome.More like this:
10 of the Best Military Campgrounds & RV Parks in the United States5. Smuggler’s Cove Point Loma
Bldg 534 Taylor Rd San Diego, CA 92106Phone
: 1 (619) 553-9138 Smuggler's Cove is a beautiful park featuring a playground, convenient parking, barbecue grills, picnic tables, horseshoe pit, restrooms, and beach access. Call today and reserve one of the park pavilions for your next party or command event!6. Point Loma Softball Field
Echo Lane NBPL Harbor Drive San Diego, CA 92136Phone
: 1 (619) 553-6457 The spacious BBQ area with picnic tables make this area perfect for your next family picnic or Command sports day or PT workout. Keep in mind, the softball field does not have lights. Reserve it today bycalling
1 (619) 553-91387. Cabrillo National Monument, San Diego
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive San Diego, CA 92106Phone
: 1 (619) 523-4285 Cabrillo National Monument is at the southern tip of the Point Loma Peninsula in San Diego, California. It commemorates the landing of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo at San Diego Bay on September 28, 1542. In addition to telling the story of 16th century exploration, the park is home to a wealth of cultural and natural resources that you can explore. Many Point Loma hiking trails start at this monument.8. Point Loma Bayside Trailhead
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr. San Diego, CA 92106Phone
: 1 (619) 523-4285 On the southeast side of the park, the trail follows an old military road winding down from the top of the park toward San Diego Bay. On a clear day, you can see the mountains of Mexico to the south, the Laguna mountains to the east behind the San Diego skyline, North Island Naval Air Station, and the Coronado Bridge. The 2.5 mile round trip is easily done by kids and adults of all hiking abilities.Shelter Island
9. Kona Kai Marina
1561 Shelter Island Drive San Diego, CA 92106Phone
: 1 (619) 224-7547 Kona Kai Marina is the closest marina to the open ocean in San Diego Bay. This marina offers convenient docking, great amenities, and excellent customer service. Boaters enjoy deep waters and no bridges between Kona Kai Marina on Shelter Island and the San Diego Bay or Pacific Ocean. The Kona Kai Marina is now excited to share amenities with the recently acquired Kona Kai Resort.Naval Base Point Loma Pool
10. NBPL Subase Pool
Bldg. 1 Kephart Rd. San Diego, CA 92106Phone
: 1 (619) 553-0934 The Subase Fitness Center Pool welcomes swimmers for year-round swimming, conditioning, lessons and recreational swim. Lap swim and fitness classes are open to all active duty, reservists, retirees, dependants, DoD civilians and civilian contractors. Call the number above for more information.
Naval Base Point Loma Golf Course
11. Admiral Baker Golf Course
2400 Admiral Baker Rd. San Diego, CA 92120Phone
: 1 (619) 487-0090 Admiral Baker has two 18-hole courses, a short game area, a pro golf shop, and lessons and clinics. Book your tee time online here! Don’t forget to enjoy a meal at River’s Edge Cafe after an exciting round of golf.Liberty Station, Point Loma
12. The Loma Club
2960 Truxtun Rd San Diego, CA 92106Phone
: 1 (619) 222-4653 The Loma Club presently features state of the art fairways, greens and practice facilities designed by renowned San Diego architect, Cary Bickler. The Loma Club combines a gorgeous and fun course with an amazing indoor/outdoor space, perfect for events and tournaments.Naval Base Point Loma Gym
13. Harbor Drive Fitness Center
Bldg. 30 NBPL, Harbor Drive San Diego, CA 92147Phone
: 1 (619) 524-4833 State-of-the-art fitness centers are stocked with the most up-to-date equipment and staffed with qualified fitness experts available to help you design a workout to meet your fitness needs. Get moving with friends and family with the instructor-led classes. Let fitness professionals put you to work!14. NBPL Subase Fitness Center
Bldg. 1 Kephart Rd San Diego, CA 92106Phone
: 1 (619) 553-7552 At Point Loma Fitness Centers, you will stay in shape, meet physical readiness standards and improve PRT scores. Improve your muscular fitness with strength training class or gain flexibility in yoga. Find the schedules on the website or call the number above.Naval Base Point Loma Movie Theater
Liberty Station, Point Loma
15. THE LOT Liberty Station
2620 Truxtun Rd San Diego, CA 92106Phone
: 1 (619) 566-0069 Who doesn’t enjoy a movie date? So invite that neighbor or take that loved one to a night out at The LOT Liberty Station, and don’t forget to order them popcorn!
Nearby Attractions
16. ITT Point Loma
NBPL Community Rec Center Bldg. 546 NBPL, Subase San Diego, CA 92106Phone
: 1 (808) 254-7563 For all your theme park, travel, and ticketing needs. NBPL Information, Tickets, & Travel (ITT) has everything you need to plan your next vacation. Special military pricing to many tourist attractions, special events, dinner shows, theme parks, and much more! Plus they have great deals on vacation packages, hotels, and cruises. Stop by for personal service to make the most of your leisure time!Shelter Island
17. Yokohama Friendship Bell, San Diego
1500 Shelter Island Dr San Diego, CA 92106Phone
: 1 (619) 686-6200 The large bronze bell housed in a pagoda structure was designed by artist Masahiko Katori. Japan presented the Friendship Bell to San Diego in May 1958 as part of the Centennial Celebration of formal relations between that country and the United States.Mission Bay
18. SeaWorld San Diego
500 SeaWorld Dr San Diego, CA 92109Phone
: 1 (619) 222-4732 SeaWorld San Diego features shows such as Sea Lions Live, a comedic show with sea lions and otters, Dolphin Days, a dolphin show, and Orca Encounter, an educational show about killer whales and their behavior in the wild. SeaWorld also has rides and unique animal encounters. They also offer free tickets to active duty members and their families. Check the website for details.Downtown San Diego
19. San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo Dr San Diego, CA 92101Phone
: 1 (619) 231-1515 The San Diego Zoo is a non-profit wildlife sanctuary home to more than 3,500 rare and endangered animals representing more than 650 species and subspecies, and a prominent botanical collection with more than 700,000 exotic plants. It is located just north of downtown San Diego in Balboa Park.Mission Beach
20. Belmont Park
3146 Mission Blvd San Diego, CA 92109Phone
: 1 (858) 488-1549 Belmont Park is San Diego's only beachfront entertainment complex. With a rich history dating back to the early 1900's, the park has been a landmark for fun that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. Visitors can enjoy traditional and contemporary rides, an arcade, delicious food, and so much more!Carlsbad
21. Legoland California
1 Legoland Dr Carlsbad, CA 92008Phone
: 1 (760) 918-5346 LEGOLAND California features more than 60 rides, shows and attractions. The Resort is also home to the world's first LEGOLAND Water Park with the unique Build-A-Raft River. You can visit the newest addition at SEA LIFE™ Aquarium, Jellyfish Discovery, where you can marvel at the spectacle of graceful jellyfish as they float through beautifully lit waters.La Jolla Shores, La Jolla
22. Birch Aquarium
2300 Expedition Way Scripps Institution of Oceanography La Jolla, CA 92037Phone
: 1 (858) 534-3474 Birch Aquarium at Scripps is the public exploration center for the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the aquarium features more than 60 habitats of fishes and invertebrates from the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest to the tropical waters of Mexico and beyond. An interactive museum showcases research discoveries by Scripps scientists on climate, earth and ocean science.
Point Loma Museum
23. Old Point Loma Lighthouse
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr San Diego, CA 92106Phone
: 1 (619) 523-4285 The original Point Loma Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on the Point Loma peninsula at the mouth of San Diego Bay situated in the Cabrillo National Monument. It is no longer in operation as a lighthouse but is open to the public as a museum. It was built in 1855 by the United States government after California's admission as a state.Downtown San Diego
24. Balboa Park
1549 El Prado San Diego, CA 92101Phone
: 1 (619) 239-0512 Founded over 150 years ago by the City of San Diego. Today Balboa Park is the nation's largest urban cultural park at 1200 acres, and includes 17 museums, several performing arts venues, the San Diego Zoo, multiple gardens, recreation centers and more. Truly an urban oasis in downtown San Diego.San Diego Harbor
25. USS Midway Museum
910 N Harbor Dr San Diego, CA 92101Phone
: 1 (619) 544-9600 The USS Midway Museum is San Diego's premiere attraction, this real naval aircraft carrier offers a once in a lifetime opportunity for everyone. Guests of all ages can enjoy a self-guided audio tour featuring 60 exhibits highlighting this "city at sea" and 29 restored aircraft. Explore galleys, officer's country and sleeping quarters of a 69,000 ton ship, naturally located in Navy Town USA, a visit to the Midway is uniquely San Diego!More like this:
11 Famous War Memorials That Should Be on Every Bucket ListConclusion
San Diego is one of those cities that lives up to the hype! Point Loma is a jewel of a town, and the beauty and the perfect year-round weather here makes this installation the envy of others. You will be jumping at the chance for adventure. Between the stunning ocean views and the vast amount of outdoor recreation you will never be bored. Check out Visit San Diego for more great ideas of things to do on Naval Base Point Loma and the surrounding areas. Don’t hesitate! Invite your neighbor to the beach, take your kids to the museum, seize that opportunity to explore the great outdoors. The fun awaits you!SHARE:
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