Cabrillo National Monument, a short drive away from Downtown San Diego

Join me as I spend the day touring Cabrillo National Monument, a short drive from downtown San Diego. From visiting an historic Lighthouse to splashing in tide pools, this National Monument has activities the entire family will love!

Cabrillo National Monument, a Rich History

Cabrillo National Monument is named after Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, who in 1542 became the first European to set foot on the West Coast of what is now the United States. Juan Rodriquez Cabrillo was a Spanish conquistador who settled in Guatemala after coming to the New World. From there he launched an expedition to explore the Pacific. Roughly 100 days into his journey, Cabrillo’s ships entered into San Diego Bay. Today, a statue commemorating Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo sits on East side of the park, with expansive views out to the San Diego skyline and the Pacific Ocean.

Hours/Cost

Cabrillo National Monument is open daily from 9am-5pm, closed only on Thanksgiving and Christmas days. Although the park gates are open until 5, many of the trails close earlier around 4 so keep this in mind if you are going for a hike. If you are entering the park with a vehicle, the standard cost is $20/vehicle, $15/motorcycle. If you choose to walk or bike into the park, visitors over the age of 16 will pay $10/person. Don’t forget that this is considered a National Park so if you have a 4th grader in your midst, click here to download your Every Kid Outdoors Pass for free entry.

Point Loma Lighthouse

The Point Loma Lighthouse began signaling sailors in late 1855 and operated for just under 36 years. The original Point Loma Light station was abandoned in 1891 for a lower elevation lighthouse. Today, tourists can explore the original lighthouse building and have a glimpse of what life was like for those living there in the 1800s.

Hiking Trails

There are several hiking trails within Cabrillo National Monument that allow visitors to explore the region.

Bayside Trail

The Bayside Trail is a 2.5 mile round-trip trail that begins near the Old Point Loma Lighthouse. This trail is part paved, part gravel/dirt lined path that offers gorgeous views of the San Diego bay and downtown. Overall this trail is an easy hike.

Oceanside Trail

This 2.5 mile round-trip trail starts at the Whale Watch overlook and winds down the bluff, connecting with the Coastal trail for access to the tidepools. This trail is fairly steep, containing stairs, uneven surfaces and switchbacks and is not wheelchair accessible. This trail offers stunning view out to the Pacific Ocean as you make your way down the bluff.

Coastal Trail

This one-mile round trip loop is accessible from parking lots 1 or 2. This trail is mostly easy, although due to erosion there can be uneven surfaces and a handful of stairs. This trail leads down to the tidepool entry.

Tidepools

The tidepools at Cabrillo National Monument provide a unique way for visitors to explore the ever-changing coastline and its inhabitants. The tidepools are open from 9am-4:30 daily but access is really only available at low tide. The best time to visit is in the fall and winter when low tide occurs during daytime hours when the park is open. Check the park’s website for a monthly tide prediction chart to help plan your visit. There are slippery surfaces so be sure to wear shoes with good traction!

Interested in other fun things to do near San Diego? Check out these free and fun hikes along the coast!