Cabrillo National Monument marks the spot where, on September 28, 1542, Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo landed at San Diego Bay. He was part of the first European expedition to set foot on the west coast of the United States.
The park offers a superb view of San Diego’s harbor and skyline. At the highest point of the park stands the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, which has been a San Diego icon since 1854. A statue and museum in the Visitor Center commemorate Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo's exploration of the coast of California. In a former army building, an exhibit tells the story of the coast artillery on Point Loma.
In the winter, migrating gray whales can be seen off the coast. Native coastal sage scrub habitat along the Bayside Trail offers a quiet place to reflect and relax. On the west side of the park is a small but beautiful stretch of rocky-intertidal coastline.
The Basics
Location:
In San Diego, California
Hours:
Cabrillo National Monument is open 365 days a year, including all weekends and holidays, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Please note the following closing times: Assistant Keepers Quarters Exhibit 5:00 pm Bayside Trail 4:00 pm Bookstore 5:00 pm Cabrillo and the Age of Exploration Exhibit 5:00 pm Lighthouse 5:00 pm Military History Exhibit 5:00 pm Tidepools 4:30 pm Visitor Center 5:00 pm
Season:
Open year-round from 9 am to 5:15/6:15 pm (winter/summer)
Elevation:
Near sea level
Address:
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive
San Diego, CA 92106-3601
Phone:
619-557-5450
Phone 2:
619-222-8211
Map
Some More Things to Know
Winter and spring are especially good times to visit the park. The annual migration of gray whales occurs December through February. November through March is generally the best time to explore the park’s rocky intertidal (tidepool) area. The coastal sage scrub is usually at peak bloom between February through April. Air visibility tends to be clearest in the winter, and visitors to Cabrillo National Monument often discover spectacular views of San Diego Bay and downtown, Mexico, and the surrounding ocean during this time.
Directions
Follow State Highway 209 south, from Interstate Highways I-5 or I-8, to the tip of Point Loma.
Climate
The San Diego coastline generally offers a sunny and mild climate year-round. The ocean, however, can have a strong influence on weather conditions. Visitors should be prepared for cool and windy conditions, even if it is hot and dry further inland. A gray marine layer can develop near the coast at any time of year, but this phenomenon is most common in the late spring and early summer. Locals call these times "May Gray" and "June Gloom."
No reservations are required for the general public.
Things To Do
A visit to Cabrillo National Monument offers tremendous views of the San Diego region and excellent opportunities to explore the natural and cultural history of the area.
The Visitor Center is a good place to start your exploration of the park. The "Age of Exploration" exhibit, films, and ranger-guided programs present interesting insights into the history of Cabrillo. A short walk leads to the Old Point Loma Lighthouse. This picturesque structure is restored to its 1880s appearance and presents life as it was for the lightkeepers and their families. In the adjacent Assistant Keeper's Quarters, interactive exhibits tell the story of the Lighthouses of Point Loma and, in a nearby historic military building, the exhibit “They Stood the Watch” presents the history of Fort Rosecrans.
A self-guided two-mile walk through a coastal sage scrub forest begins near the Lighthouse. This trail offers views of the harbor and city of San Diego and is particularly pleasant during the spring when wildflowers bloom.
A little south of the Lighthouse is the Whale Overlook. This vantage point offers pleasant views of the Pacific Ocean and the New Point Loma Lighthouse. Whales are often seen from here in January and February.
On the west side of the park, accessible by car only, is a beautiful coastal area. Birding is popular year round, and during extreme low tides visitors enjoy exploring the intertidal zone.
Outdoor Activities
With plenty of sunshine year round, it’s easy to enjoy outdoor activities in San Diego and at Cabrillo National Monument during any time of the year. Each month, the City basks in an average of 68% sunny days, and the typical temperature will be just over 70 degrees, even during the winter.
Some of the outdoor activities you can enjoy while at Cabrillo National Monument:
Hiking – The Bayside Trail is a scenic 2-mile trail that takes you through a prime example of endangered coastal sage scrub habitat Birding Photography Whale watching (during winter months) Tidepooling (during winter months) Enjoying the native plants (year round) and wildflowers (during the spring and summer months) Bicycling along Cabrillo Memorial Drive Watching ships cruise in and out of San Diego Harbor Taking in the nearly-360 degree view of the City of San Diego, Pacific Ocean, Mexico, and the surrounding mountains to the north and east Solitude
Guided Tours
You can embark on your own voyage of discovery when you visit Cabrillo National Monument. The park is primarily self-guided, so you may explore at your own pace and discover the natural and historical wonders that are found here. We also offer Ranger-guided walks and talks on the lighthouse, 16th century navigation and armaments, and natural history, as staffing allows. When you arrive, be sure to check the schedules located outside the auditorium or in the Visitor Center to see what guided programs may be offered.
Come Along on a Guided Bird Walk
On the third Saturday of each month, join renowned bird expert Claude Edwards as he leads visitors on a 90-minute walk looking at “Birds and Biodiversity.” The tour begins at 9:30 AM at the Visitor Center. There is no charge to attend, other than the regular park entrance fee. Bring your binoculars, sunscreen, a bottle of water, and your walking shoes as Claude gives you on an enthusiastic and fascinating glimpse into the native and migrant birds of Cabrillo National Monument.
Indoor Activities
During a foggy, rainy, windy, or cold day, you can still find plenty of indoor adventures at Cabrillo National Monument. You can:
Take a self-guided tour of the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and see what life was like in the 1880s at this once-lonely outpost.
Visit the “Age of Exploration” exhibit room near the Visitor Center and learn more about Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo and his voyage of discovery.
Talk to a Park Ranger or volunteer at the Visitor Center.
Learn about lighthouses in the “Lighthouses of Point Loma” exhibit in the reconstructed assistant keeper’s quarters adjacent to the Old Point Loma Lighthouse.
Browse the Cabrillo National Monument Foundation Bookstore. Located within the Visitor Center, the Bookstore offers a wide selection of educational and interpretive materials, including postcards, books, and unique items handcrafted by local Native Americans.
See the military history exhibit, “They Stood the Watch,” housed in a World War I radio station.
See a film or slide show in the auditorium:
10:00 am In Search of Cabrillo 11:00 am On the Edge of Land and Sea 12:00 pm In Search of Cabrillo 1:00 pm On the Edge of Land and Sea 2:00 pm In Search of Cabrillo 3:00 pm On the Edge of Land and Sea 4:00 pm In Search of Cabrillo
Note: From December 15 through April 1, the film, "First Breath: Gray Whales" will be shown at 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM.
Nearby Attractions
Cabrillo National Monument is located within the city of San Diego and is close to a number of local attractions.
ARCO/U.S. Olympic Training Center, 25 miles
Balboa Park Museums, 8 miles
Beach nearest to Cabrillo National Monument is Ocean Beach, 4 miles from park)
Belmont Park, 7 miles
Birch Aquarium at Scripps, 15 miles
Chula Vista Nature Center, 14 miles
Coronado, 12 miles
Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, 22 miles
Flower Fields, 32 miles
Gaslamp District, 8 miles
Knotts Soak City, 22 miles
Legoland, 34 miles
Maritime Museum Association of San Diego and Star of India, 8 miles
