1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive
San Diego, CA
(619) 557-5450 website
Reservations: Not required
Cost: National Park Service admission fees
Location: Point Loma, on the west side of San Diego Bay. Driving directions are below.
How Long: Allow about half an hour for a quick run through the visitor center and a few photos. Allow more time if you plan to tour the lighthouse, watch whales or visit tide pools.
Best Time to Visit: Visit in winter for the clearest skies. Visit late in the day to see the sunset. Whale-watching is best in winter, and tide pools are at their best November through March.
Cabrillo National Monument Review
Cabrillo National Monument commemorates explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo's first landing at San Diego Bay on September 28, 1542. Cabrillo was the first European to visit what is now the West Coast of the United States. Situated on a high hilltop on the west side of the San Diego Bay, the property is popular for its city views, hiking and tide pools. Things to Do at Cabrillo National Monument include:
- Views: On a clear, winter day you can see downtown San Diego, Mexico and far out to sea.
- History: Learn more about Juan Cabrillo in the Visitor Center, and visit the nearby historic military building to learn about the area's military history.
- Old Point Loma Lighthouse: San Diego's first lighthouse, restored to its 1880's appearance.
- Whale Watching: Whale Overlook, near the lighthouse, is a popular whale-watching spot, especially in January and February.
- Hiking: A self-guided two-mile walk begins near the lighthouse. This trail is particularly pleasant during the spring wildflower bloom.
- Tide Pools: On the west side of the park, accessible by car only. Best during extreme low tides, typically occur during the winter months, in the afternoon, when the moon is new or full. Check tide times if you plan to visit.
Take Harbor Drive northwest past the airport. Print out a map to help you find Cabrillo National Monument.
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