Cabrillo National Monument: Where History Meets the Sea
Explore San Diego's history and natural beauty at Cabrillo National Monument: stunning 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 of the city, bay, and ocean, along with historical landmarks like the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and diverse tide pools.
A brief summary to Cabrillo National Monument
- 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, Point Loma, California, 92106, US
- +1619-523-4285
- Visit website
- 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
Local tips
- 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.
- Be aware that the Bayside Trail closes at 4 PM and the tidepools close at 4:30 PM.
Getting There
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Driving
Cabrillo National Monument is located at the southern tip of the Point Loma Peninsula. From downtown San Diego, take I-5 to CA-209 (Catalina Blvd). Follow Catalina Blvd to Cabrillo Memorial Drive, the only road leading into the park. Be prepared for a possible security check at the Navy gate. The entrance fee is $20 per vehicle, valid for seven days. Parking is available near the Visitor Center, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Illegally parked cars are ticketed. Consider arriving before 11 AM to avoid long lines.
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Public Transport
The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Route 84 provides bus service to Cabrillo National Monument on weekdays. The bus stop is conveniently located at the Visitor Center complex. From the Old Town Transit Center, take the bus to the park. A one-way fare is typically around $2.50. Note that the bus does not go to the tidepool area. Taking the bus reduces congestion and allows you to enjoy the scenic drive.
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Ride-sharing
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft can drop you off at the Visitor Center at 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive. A ride from downtown San Diego typically costs $25-$40, depending on traffic and demand. Keep in mind that cell service can be unreliable in some areas of the park, especially near the tide pools.
Discover more about Cabrillo National Monument
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Cabrillo Statue Plaza
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Smuggler's Cove
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Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery
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Shelter Island Dr
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Kellogg Beach
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Central Beach
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Center Beach Restrooms
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Cherokee Lodge
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Hotel Marisol Coronado
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Skating By the Sea
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The Bay Company
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Beach Village at The Del, Curio Collection by Hilton
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Fuzziwig's Candy Factory
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Coronado Plaza
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Lamb's Players Theatre
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Unmissable attractions to see
Old Point Loma Lighthouse
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Point Loma Tide Pools
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Point Loma
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Breakers Beach
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Shelter Island
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Coronado Dog Beach
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Sunset Park
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Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
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Bessemer Path
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Coronado Beach
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Shoreline Park
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Stairs to lookout on Sunset Cliffs
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Sail San Diego
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Star Park
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Coronado Historical Association
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Essential places to dine
Vessel Restaurant
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NASNI Dining Facility
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Beach + Taco Shack
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Sun Deck
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Sheerwater
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Chez Loma
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Village Pizzeria
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Serea Coastal Cuisine
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On the Rocks
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Island Pasta Coronado
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The Islander
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Di Marena
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Little Frenchie
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Tavern
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The Henry
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Rare Bloom Boutique
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Avenu.
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La Mer
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Paris & Me Boutique
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5L2F Fiveloaves Twofish
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En Route
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Geppetto's - Coronado
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Crown Meets Sea
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Seaside Papery
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MJ's Boutique
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Wild Dove Boutique
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Pretty Place
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S D Trading Co
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Coronado Resort Wear Company
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
I Bar
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Club Marina
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Nabo coronada
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Coronado Shores Beach Club
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Little Club
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Sunshine Company Saloon
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Tony's Martini Bar
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The Whiskey House
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Happy Does Bar
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Prohibition Lounge
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The Shout! House
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