Ocean Beach & Point Loma Itineraries

8:00 AM

Morning at Dog Beach

Start at Dog Beach — off-leash 24/7 for dogs, and a great open beach walk even without a dog. The north end of OB is quiet and beautiful in the morning.

9:30 AM

Breakfast on Newport Avenue

Walk to Newport Avenue for breakfast at one of the casual cafes. The funky shops and antique stores are worth browsing if they are open.

11:00 AM

Walk the OB Pier

OB Pier is one of the longest on the West Coast. Walk to the end for views, watch the pier fishermen, and take in the laid-back OB vibe.

12:30 PM

Drive to Cabrillo National Monument

About 15 minutes from OB. Visit the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, explore the tide pools (check tide times — best at low tide), and take in the 360-degree harbor and ocean panorama. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.

💡 Entry is $20–$35 per vehicle (or free with America the Beautiful pass). Closes at 5 PM.

3:00 PM

Shelter Island Walk

Drive to Shelter Island for a waterfront walk with marina views. Good spot for a coffee or early drink at one of the waterfront restaurants.

5:30 PM

Sunset at Sunset Cliffs

Head to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park for sunset. Park along Sunset Cliffs Blvd (arrive early for a spot). The cliff-top views are some of the best in San Diego.

7:00 PM

Dinner on Newport Avenue

Return to OB for dinner. Newport Avenue has casual spots with great tacos, burgers, and ocean-view patios. The vibe is mellow and local.

7:30 AM

Sunrise Surf or Beach Walk

If you surf, the morning breaks along OB strand are at their best early. If not, a sunrise beach walk from Dog Beach south is a beautiful way to start.

💡 Surf lessons and board rentals are available along the OB strand. Group lessons are the best value for beginners.

10:00 AM

Whale Watching from Cabrillo (Seasonal)

If visiting December through April, return to Cabrillo for shore-based whale watching. Gray whales migrate past the Point Loma cliffs. Bring binoculars. Free with your monument entry.

12:00 PM

Lunch on Newport Avenue

A different spot than Day 1 — OB has enough variety to eat somewhere new each day.

1:30 PM

Day Trip to Torrey Pines or Mission Bay

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (20 min north) has dramatic coastal bluff trails. Or head to Mission Bay for paddleboarding and kayaking on calm, flat water.

5:00 PM

OB Farmers Market (if Wednesday)

The OB Farmers Market runs Wednesdays 4 to 8 PM on Newport Avenue. Produce, food vendors, and a fun local scene. If it is not Wednesday, the Newport Avenue shops and bars are good for an afternoon wind-down.

7:00 PM

Final Dinner

Close out the trip with a sunset dinner — waterfront on Shelter Island for the view, or your favorite spot on Newport Avenue for the OB vibe.

Day 1 Morning

Dog Beach

Kids love Dog Beach — off-leash dogs running, open sand, and easy water access. Bring towels and sunscreen. Lifeguards on duty at the main beach.

💡 Dog Beach is off-leash 24/7. Even if you do not have a dog, kids enjoy watching the dogs play.

Day 1 Afternoon

OB Pier Fishing

Walk the pier and try pier fishing — no license required and it is free. Kids can watch the fishermen catch perch and mackerel. Bring snacks and patience.

Day 1 Evening

Newport Avenue Dinner

Casual dinner on Newport Avenue — tacos and burgers are the family-friendly go-to. The vibe is relaxed and kid-friendly.

Day 2 Morning

Cabrillo Tide Pools

The tide pools at Cabrillo National Monument are genuinely fascinating for kids. Arrive within 1 hour of low tide. Sea stars, anemones, hermit crabs, and more. The lighthouse is also a hit.

💡 Check tide charts before you go. Low tide exposes the most marine life.

Day 2 Afternoon

Shelter Island Walk

Waterfront walk at Shelter Island with marina views. Kids enjoy watching the boats. Good lunch options with bay views.

Day 2 Evening

Sunset at Sunset Cliffs

End with a family sunset viewing at Sunset Cliffs. Stay on the trails and enjoy the views — a memorable way to close the trip.

Day 1 · 9:00 AM

Morning Beach Walk

Start at Dog Beach or the OB strand before the crowds. The morning light and empty sand set the right tone for a couples trip.

Day 1 · 11:00 AM

Newport Avenue Brunch & Browse

Brunch at a casual Newport Avenue cafe, then browse the antique shops and funky boutiques. OB has a bohemian charm that is unlike anywhere else in San Diego.

Day 1 · 2:00 PM

Cabrillo National Monument

The lighthouse and panoramic views are romantic in the quieter afternoon hours. The tide pools add a sense of discovery.

Day 1 · 5:30 PM

Sunset at Sunset Cliffs

The classic OB romantic moment. Arrive 20 minutes before sunset, find a spot along the cliff edge, and watch the sun drop into the Pacific. Genuinely stunning.

Day 1 · 7:30 PM

Waterfront Dinner on Shelter Island

Shelter Island has waterfront restaurants with bay and marina views — the best date-night setting in the OB/Point Loma area. Reserve ahead for weekends.

Day 2 · 8:00 AM

Quiet Morning at the Pier

Walk OB Pier before the crowds. Just the two of you, the ocean, and the pier fishermen starting their day.

Day 2 · 10:00 AM

Surf Lesson or Beach Time

Try a couples surf lesson on the OB strand, or just claim a quiet stretch of beach and do nothing at all.

Day 2 · 1:00 PM

Lunch & Afternoon on Newport Avenue

A slow lunch and final Newport Avenue wander. The Farmers Market (Wednesdays 4–8 PM) is a fun couples activity if timing works out.