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Cabrillo National Monument: Where History Meets the Sea

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Explore San Diego's Cabrillo National Monument: history, breathtaking views, tide pools, and the iconic Old Point Loma Lighthouse.

Cabrillo National Monument, located at the tip of Point Loma in San Diego, commemorates Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo's historic 1542 landing, the first European expedition to set foot on the West Coast of the United States. The park offers stunning views, historical landmarks including the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, tide pools teeming with marine life, and hiking trails.

A brief summary to Cabrillo National Monument

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Cabrillo National Monument.

  • Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, as the park can get crowded.
  • Check the tide charts and visit during low tide to explore the tide pools.
  • Bring binoculars for whale watching (December-March) and enjoying the coastal views.
  • Wear layers as the weather can change quickly, with fog in the morning and sun in the afternoon.
  • Note that the Bayside Trail and tidepools close earlier than the main park.

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Getting There

  • Driving

    Cabrillo National Monument is located at the end of Point Loma. From downtown San Diego, take I-5 or I-8 to Rosecrans Street, then follow Rosecrans Street to Canon Street, then turn onto Catalina Boulevard. Follow Catalina Boulevard to Cabrillo Memorial Drive, the only road leading into the park. The entrance fee is $20 per vehicle, valid for seven days. Parking is available near the Visitor Center. Expect long lines to enter the park, especially on weekends after 11 AM, holidays, and days with low tides. Parking: Ample parking is available in a large lot near the Visitor Center. Tolls: There are no tolls on the final approach to Cabrillo National Monument.

  • Public Transport

    The most direct public transportation route to Cabrillo National Monument involves taking the bus. From downtown San Diego, take the 923 bus to Narragansett Av & Chatsworth Bl. From there, transfer to the 84 bus towards Cabrillo Monument. The 84 bus will drop you off at Cabrillo Memorial Hwy & Cabrillo Rd, which is a 3 minute walk to the entrance of the park. Cost: A one-way fare on the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) is $2.50. A day pass, which allows unlimited rides on buses and trolleys, is available for $6. Note: Bus schedules should be checked in advance, as not all routes run frequently or on weekends.

  • Ride Share

    Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in San Diego and can provide a convenient way to reach Cabrillo National Monument. From downtown San Diego to Cabrillo National Monument, a ride-sharing service typically costs between $30 and $40. The drive takes approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. Drop-off: Rideshare apps work well for arriving at the Visitor Center at 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego, CA 92106.

Discover more about Cabrillo National Monument

Cabrillo National Monument, perched at the end of the Point Loma peninsula, offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and panoramic views. It commemorates the landing of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo in San Diego Bay on September 28, 1542, marking the first time a European expedition set foot on what would become the West Coast of the United States.The monument encompasses several key attractions. The Old Point Loma Lighthouse, an icon since 1855, stands as a sentinel offering a glimpse into the life of 19th-century lighthouse keepers. Although the tower is closed, visitors can explore exhibits and enjoy views from nearby observation points.The tide pools along the rocky intertidal zone on the park's western edge provide a window into Southern California's coastal ecosystem. During low tide, these pools reveal a world of marine life, including sea anemones, hermit crabs, and sea stars. The park also features trails like the Bayside Trail, offering scenic vistas and a chance to observe native coastal sage scrub habitat. From December through March, the monument becomes a prime spot for whale watching as gray whales migrate along the coast.Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the history of coastal artillery on Point Loma in a former army building. The visitor center provides information, ranger assistance, and a bookstore. The park's history dates back to 1913 when President Woodrow Wilson established a half-acre monument. Over the years, it expanded to encompass former military installations and protect the natural environment.
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