Point Loma Tutors

About Point Loma

South of Ocean Beach and just west of downtown San Diego, Point Loma is located on the peninsula at the opening of San Diego Bay. Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo was the first European to see what is now Point Loma when he discovered San Diego Bay on September 28, 1542. Cabrillo had been searching for the legendary Strait of Anian, a supposed water route from the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico, when he spotted the bay, thinking it may be the elusive waterway. His hopes, of course, were dashed as explorers were never able to find a water path across the continent. Europeans wouldn’t return to San Diego for more than 200 years when they established a port at La Playa (the beach) on the Point Loma peninsula. Because of the rolling hills and high cliffs, the Spanish named the place La Punta de la Loma de San Diego (Hill Point) which was ultimately shortened to Point Loma. The La Playa trail became the standard route from the coast to Mission San Diego de Alcalá in the early 1800’s. Once the United States acquired California the U.S military began building fortifications along Point Loma including artillery at Fort Rosecrans, named after Union army officer William Rosecrans who came to California after the Civil War. In the 1920’s world famous aviator Charles Lindbergh tested his airplane The Spirit of St. Louis at Point Loma. The airplane, built by Ryan Aeronautical Company in San Diego, would carry Lindbergh on the first transatlantic flight from New York to Paris in 1927. During World War II, the entire southern part of the peninsula was used for military purposes and closed to civilians. Today, Point Loma is an attractive seaside village offering hotels, restaurants, art galleries and unique shops.

It’s certain that a Point Loma tutor will be able to get you caught up on your toughest academic subjects so you can get out and enjoy the wonderful beaches and wealth of activities available at Point Loma and the rest of the San Diego area. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park on the northwestern edge of Point Loma is a 68-acre stretch of park on the Pacific Ocean. As its name suggests the park offers stunning sunsets along the coastal bluffs above the beach. Popular with surfers, the park features rocky cliffs, sea caves and panoramic views. The park is right next door to Point Loma Nazarene University, a Christian liberal arts college with over 3,500 students.

At the southern end of the peninsula, Cabrillo National Monument is a combination of intertidal pools, the Point Loma Lighthouse and a monument commemorating the landing of Cabrillo. The intertidal pools are a unique ecosystem which are submerged during high tide and completely exposed during low tide. Creatures that inhabit the pools which are accessible to visitors at low tide include mussels, anemones, crabs, lobsters and octopuses. The Old Point Loma Lighthouse, built in 1855, is today open to the public for ranger guided tours. The lighthouse is best visited in the spring when it is surrounded by colorful wildflowers. In 1891, because of problems with visibility a new lighthouse was constructed closer to the water at the southern tip of the peninsula. Every year in October, the Cabrillo Festival celebrates the landing of the Spanish explorer with a reenactment of the landing including actors playing Cabrillo and the Spanish sailors.

Point Loma residents benefit from being just south of world famous Sea World San Diego. Built as a zoological park celebrating marine life, particularly ocean mammals, Sea World opened in 1964. For many years, the primary attractions at the park included frolicking dolphins, leaping orcas and playful sea lions. Today, the park is much more with thrill rides such as the 95-foot tall Journey to Atlantis roller coaster.