Visiting Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego
Last updated on September 4, 2026
The first time I visited Cabrillo National Monument was about five years ago, and all I could think the whole time we were there was, how have I not come here sooner?
Now I’ve been there multiple times. Visiting Cabrillo National Monument is a fantastic way to spend a few hours in the San Diego sunshine.
Perched at the tip of Point Loma Peninsula, just 10 miles from downtown San Diego, Cabrillo National Monument commemorates explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo’s landing on the West Coast in 1542.
In addition to the monument, the site features a Visitor Center, hiking trails, tide pools, a lighthouse, and even opportunities for whale watching. The grounds offer panoramic views of the city, Coronado, San Diego Bay, and the Pacific Ocean.
In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know before visiting Cabrillo National Monument with kids, including the best things to do, tips, hours, admission, and why this is one of my favorite places in San Diego.]
What Is Cabrillo National Monument?
Cabrillo National Monument commemorates the landing of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo in 1542, the first European explorer to reach the West Coast of what is now the United States.
Set on set 144 beautiful acres, Cabrillo National Monument protects not only an important piece of history, but also some of San Diego’s most spectacular coastal scenery and natural habitats.
Although many people refer to Cabrillo as a “national park,” it is actually a National Monument, managed by the National Park Service. What’s the difference between a national park and national monument?
According to the National Park Service, “qualities considered in studying areas for park purposes are their inspirational, educational, and recreational values. National monuments, on the other hand, are areas reserved by the National Government because they contain objects of historic, prehistoric, or scientific interest.”
In short, Cabrillo National Monument is one of the city’s most beautiful and historically significant attractions!
Things to Do at Cabrillo National Monument San Diego
1. Start at the Visitor Center
Unless you’re heading straight to the tide pools during low tide, I recommend beginning your visit at the Visitor Center.
Here, you can pick up a park map and schedule of ranger-led programs, browse the bookstore, and learn more about Cabrillo’s expedition. There is a small museum which tells the story of Cabrillo and other Spanish explorers.
One thing I really appreciate about the exhibits at the Visitor Center is that they don’t sugarcoat history. There are thoughtful displays discussing the devastating impact European exploration had on the Indigenous people who called this land home long before Cabrillo’s arrival.
The exhibits provide important historical context and are a great introduction to the monument before exploring the rest of the park.
2. Visit the Cabrillo Monument
The centerpiece of the park is the towering white statue of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo overlooking San Diego Bay.
The monument itself is beautiful, a stark white statue towering over San Diego Bay with Coronado and the San Diego skyline in the distance.
The views from this area are incredible. On a clear day, you can see Coronado, downtown San Diego, Naval Base San Diego, and miles of coastline.
3. Tour the Old Point Loma Lighthouse
A short walk from the monument brings you to the Old Point Loma Lighthouse. Built in 1855, this lighthouse was one of the first navigational lights on the West Coast and the highest lighthouse in the United States at the time.
Unfortunately, the original location (where the monument is now) proved problematic, as fog frequently obscured the light. Eventually, the lighthouse was abandoned in favor of one built at a lower elevation.
Today, you can step inside the beautifully restored lighthouse and adjacent keeper’s quarters to see what life was like for lighthouse keepers and their families in the 1800s. It was fairly small but I enjoyed exploring these buildings.
Interactive exhibits inside the building tell the fascinating story of San Diego’s maritime history and the lighthouses that guided ships safely into the harbor.
4. View Wii-Era Defense Structures
During World War II, fears of an attack on the West Coast led the U.S. military to incorporate Cabrillo National Monument into San Diego’s coastal defense system. Over 15 such structures are still standing there (though some are underground). A few are open to the public, while others you may drive by or walk past on the hiking trails.
There’s an exhibit called “They Stood the Watch,” located inside a former military radio station building, where you can learn more about San Diego’s role in defending the Pacific Coast. I went inside and there is a lot of info packed into a little space! Be sure to take some time to look at the photos and read the stories behind them.
5. Explore the Tide Pools
The tide pools are my favorite part of Cabrillo National Monument.
The dramatic coastline here gives serious Big Sur vibes, with rugged cliffs, crashing waves, and panoramic ocean views.
The Cabrillo tide pools are widely considered some of the best tide pools in San Diego. At low tide, the rocky intertidal zone reveals a fascinating ecosystem filled with marine life.
Depending on the season, you may spot:
- Sea anemones
- Hermit crabs
- Sea stars
- Barnacles
- Mussels
- Small fish and other marine creatures
If your primary goal is tide pooling, drive directly to the tide pool parking lot upon entering the park. The lot can fill quickly, especially on weekends.
Be sure to check tide charts before your visit. The best tide pooling occurs during minus tides, which typically happen during daylight hours in winter.
6. Go Hiking
There are a few different hiking trails you can take and the views are phenomenal; in fact, Cabrillo National Monument has some of the best hikes for families in San Diego County.
Bayside Trail
The 2.5-mile round-trip Bayside Trail begins near the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and descends toward San Diego Bay, providing incredible panoramic views of the ocean, harbor, and mountains.
Along the way, interpretive signs explain the local plants and wildlife, and you’ll pass several historic military structures, including a searchlight shelter used during both World Wars.
The trail also leads to Whale Overlook, one of the best places in San Diego to spot migrating gray whales during the winter.
Just be aware, the return trip includes a steady uphill climb, but there are benches and rest areas along the way.
Coastal Trail
The second trail is the Coastal Trail, a one-mile round-trip hike with a few steep slopes and stairs. The one-mile round-trip Coastal Trail begins near the tide pool parking area and offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.
We parked in the main lot by the visitor center and hiked down to the tide pools, but just be aware that the hike back up the hill can be a challenge!
The trail includes a few steep sections and stairs (so don’t try it if you have a stroller), but the scenery is well worth the effort. The trail also passes the only visible searchlight shelter in the park and provides access to the tide pools.
7. Take a Guided Tour
While Cabrillo National Monument is a mostly self-guided adventure, the park rangers occasionally organize guided tours. These are especially great if you have kids with you.
The rangers will take you past the statue, the lighthouse, and the other important stops in the park. You’ll hear much more about the monument’s history and even some of its interesting present-day facts.
8. Go Whale Watching
If you’re visiting between mid-December and March, you may be lucky enough to spot migrating whales. Each year, thousands of gray whales travel between Alaska and Baja California, passing right by Point Loma on their journey.
► Read more about the best time for whale watching in San Diego.
The lookout is within walking distance of the monument and features educational facts about whales. It also features some whale art and excellent views of a kelp forest below.
The monument also hosts its annual Whale Watching Weekend festival each January or February, featuring educational exhibits, activities, and opportunities to learn more about these incredible marine mammals.
Best Time to Visit Cabrillo National Monument
Cabrillo National Monument is beautiful year-round, but each season offers something unique.
Winter (December-March)
- Best time for whale watching
- Cooler temperatures
- Excellent tide pool conditions
Spring (March-May)
- Mild weather
- Wildflowers blooming
- Great hiking conditions
Summer (June-August)
- Sunny days and fantastic views
- Can get crowded, especially on weekends
Fall (September-November)
- Warm weather and smaller crowds
- Excellent visibility for photography
Visiting Cabrillo National Monument With Kids
Cabrillo National Monument is an excellent destination for families.
Here are a few things kids will love:
- Exploring the tide pools
- Spotting whales and sea life
- Visiting the lighthouse
- Participating in the Junior Ranger program
- Watching military ships in San Diego Bay
Because there is a mix of easy walking paths, educational exhibits, and outdoor exploration, it’s one of the best national park sites to visit with children in San Diego.
Tips for Visiting
- Arrive early for the best parking and smaller crowds.
- Check the tide schedule before visiting.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes.
- Pack sunscreen and water.
- Bring binoculars if visiting during whale migration season.
- Allow at least 2 to 3 hours to fully explore the park.
Hours and Admission
Cabrillo National Monument is located at 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego. There is a big lot with plenty of parking, but driving through Point Loma to get there can sometimes take a pinch due to congested streets.
The park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Bayside Trail closes at 4 p.m., and the tidepools and the Coastal Trail close at 4:30 p.m. The fee to enter is $20 per car, regardless of how many people are in the car, and it is valid for seven consecutive days.
You can use an America the Beautiful Pass which will get you into any national park.
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1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego
- nps.gov/cabr/
Final Thoughts: Is Cabrillo National Monument Worth Visiting?
Absolutely.
Few places in San Diego combine history, nature, and incredible scenery quite like Cabrillo National Monument. Whether you’re exploring the tide pools, hiking along the coast, learning about California’s early history, or simply soaking in the panoramic views of San Diego Bay, this National Park Service site offers something for everyone.
For both locals and visitors, it’s one of the most rewarding and underrated attractions in San Diego.
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