Cabrillo National Monument

Located on the tip of the Point Loma Peninsula, Cabrillo National Monument offers one of the most spectacular views of San Diego. While the view is well worth the trip, Cabrillo National Monument offers plenty to see and do including tide pools, exploring the Point Loma Lighthouse, learning about San Diego’s military history and even the chance to spot whales as they migrate off the coast.

Cabrillo National Monument marks the spot where Juan Cabrillo landed, the first European believed to have landed on the West Coast. This spot is often called the “Plymouth Rock of the West”. You can learn about the history of Juan Cabrillo along with other 16th century explorers at the visitor center.

Plan a stop at the visitor’s center to get the lay of the land and view exhibits. Next, walk on over to the Point Loma Lighthouse where you will get a close up look at the lighthouse lifestyle. You will see the lens up close in the lighthouse. In the keeper’s quarters you will see how the keeper and his family lived. This small building has a kitchen, living area and bedrooms but be warned, it’s tiny and cramped!

The Bayside Trail near the lighthouse runs through coastal sage scrub and offers fantastic views of San Diego Bay and the skyline. Coastal sage scrub forests were once common in southern California but now are largely gone to development. Hiking the Bayside Trail takes you through one of the last remaining sections of this unique and beautiful habitat in the world. This is a two mile, self-guided walk.

In the winter, you can spot gray whales migrating south from the Whale Overlook area which is just south of the lighthouse. Bring binoculars and a picnic lunch and see how many whales you can spot.

Another popular activity here is bird watching. Over 200 species of birds including land, shore and sea birds can be found here. This is due to Point Loma’s climate as well as its position in the Pacific Flyway. Bring binoculars if you have them, otherwise you can borrow a free loaner set from the visitor center.

Exploring the tide pools on the west side of the park is a great deal of fun. Here you will need to wait for low tide when the sea recedes and reveals starfish, sea urchins, crabs, mussels, anemones and other tide pool creatures. For tide information, call the park at 619-557-5450 and choose option 0.

San Diego has a long and rich military history. Because Point Loma forms a natural protective barrier to San Diego Bay, it played a pivotal role in defending the city. Much of the defense systems built here during World War II still remain. You’ll find numerous bunkers and various military stations here. Be sure to stop by the small radio station building and look at the “They Stood Watch Exhibit” about the military history of Fort Rosecrans.

Cabrillo National Monument is open year round, including holidays from 9:00 AM to 5:15 PM. At only $5 per vehicle, this is one of the least expensive stops on your San Diego itinerary. In addition, your entrance fee is good for seven days so you can come back all week and enjoy one of San Diego’s finest views.