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.
Hours + Fees
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)
Amenities
Amenities:
Visitor Center
Details
Additional Details:
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.
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
Follow State Highway 209 south, from Interstate Highways I-5 or I-8, to the tip of Point Loma.
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