San Diego’s beautiful harbor was discovered by Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, a Spanish maritime explorer, in 1542. At the point where Cabrillo would have turned his ship to enter the harbor, there is a hilly peninsula over 400 feet high. At this location now stands Cabrillo National Monument Park. Why should your visit to San Diego include this park? Keep reading and I’ll tell you…
One of the best viewpoints of San Diego
From Cabrillo National Monument (CNM), you will have views of the Pacific Ocean to the west and the south, as well as views of the Islas Coronado (Coronado cayes) of Mexico. To the east, you will see the San Diego harbor, downtown San Diego, and Coronado Island’s Naval Air Station. To the north you can see Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery and beyond to the San Diego river valley.
The Historic Old Point Loma Lighthouse
One of my favorite things to visit at Cabrillo National Monument is the old Point Loma Lighthouse. (Who doesn’t love a lighthouse?!) You can climb the spiral staircase of the lighthouse, see the rooms furnished as they might have been in the 1850’s, or walk next door to see a lighthouse lens exhibit. I like to imagine what it would have been like to live here during the early days of San Diego.
Cabrillo National Monument Visitor Center
The Visitor Center includes a well-stocked bookstore, exhibits, viewing patio, restrooms, vending machines, and an interpretive center with a theater, small museum and space for docent lectures for school groups.
Memorial Statue
This beautiful statue of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo overlooks San Diego harbor and memorializes the Spanish maritime explorer who discovered San Diego (he actually called it San Miguel) and then mysteriously died a short time later on the island of Santa Catalina.
Whale Overlook and Trails
Paved walking paths take you to a Whale Lookout and other scenic vantage points on the peninsula. You’ll see a set of simulated whale bones, historic military bunkers, environmental information, and placards. You can get in a good workout walking through the park, or you can find the best places to take photos. Be sure to keep an eye out for the plume of a whale spout, just beyond the kelp beds. You can even check out binoculars from the Visitor Center.
Military History and Coastal Defenses
Point Loma provides a natural barrier to the entrance of San Diego harbor. For that reason it was an ideal place for strategic military defenses. Between 1918 and 1943, searchlight bunkers were built, as well as fire control stations, and gun batteries. You can still see several of these, although most are sealed up. It reminded me a little of my visit to Normandy Beach and Pont du Hoc, except that no real military action ever took place here.
If you’re really interested in military history, you might also enjoy walking through the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, directly adjacent to Cabrillo National Monument park. Those who have served in the military are buried here in perfect rows marked with white marble tombstones. How fitting that the Pacific Ocean would serve as the backdrop.
Tidepools
This has always been a favorite of our family’s: driving down the road from the entrance to CNM and exploring the tide pools at the bottom of the hill. You can walk among the rocks and look for the sea creatures that survive in the pools of water created by the receding tide. You’ll see crabs, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, sea stars, sea hares and sometimes even a baby octopus!
Great Family Activity
When it comes down to it, a visit to Cabrillo National Monument is a wonderful activity for a family. Whether you decide to explore the tidepools, tour the old Point Loma Lighthouse, or enjoy all that the Visitor Center has to offer, there’s something for everyone.
Notes
- The entry fee for Cabrillo National Monument is $15.00 per vehicle.
- Open daily, from 9 am to 5 pm.
- There is no food service at Cabrillo National Monument, but you are welcome to bring your own picnic, as long as you dispose of your trash properly.
- You can join the Cabrillo National Monument Foundation ($50 for two adults and one CNM pass) and receive free entrance for a year, as well as access to special evening events, activities, and lectures. This also gives you a 15% discount at the Cabrillo National Park bookstore.
- Much of the park is wheelchair-accessible — the visitor center, theater, and museum, plus the whale overlook can be reached by paved walkways. A pass to drive to the lighthouse can be obtained at the entrance station or the visitor center. Service animals are welcome.
Want to visit another great family destination nearby? Check out Liberty Station, the former Naval Training Center (now converted to a community food and arts district) in Point Loma. You can learn what’s available there by reading:
10 Reasons to Visit Liberty Station
It’s such a great and easy outing!
What wonderful memories this post brings to mind; I need to get back to San Diego soon so I can make new memories at Cabrillo with my growing family!
Ahh the photo of the tide pools looks amazing! Will definitely be adding this to my list when I visit San Diego 🙂
the sky in the pictures look amazing, and i am now really interested to visit the national cemetery. personally, i have this own goal to visit a cemetery whenever i travel somewhere just for a reminder so that i don’t take life for granted. fort rosecrans seems to be one to visit if i come across somewhere around. 🙂
I like to visit cemeteries, too. I love the history and learning a little about the people buried there.
This is definitely on our list of places to explore when we come to San Diego in April!
You’ll love it, Ron! The views are amazing, and it’s really fun to check out the tidepools — let’s hope there’s a really low tide while you’re here.
Your photos are so beautiful! That lighthouse is stunning. What a nice way to spend the day with family.
Thanks! It’s easy to get good photos when you’re in such a beautiful place. We had a fun visit with our grandchildren!
Appreciated you posting the maps. That’s really helpful. Also appreciated the amount and quality of the pictures, it really gave me an idea of what the place is like.
I feel like the maps help people orient themselves. It IS really a beautiful place. I hope you’re able to visit someday.
Such a lovely trip it’s always nice to discover the history of the place you visit – even more when the scenery around is stunning like this! I can tell why the lighthouse is your favourite part, it’s beautiful both inside and outside 🙂
Lovely pictures! Next time I make it out to San Diego, I’ll be sure to add this to my itinerary 🙂
Glad you liked the photos…and hope you make it to Cabrillo on a future visit!
I wanted to visit San Diego so much on my California trip. I’ve heard so many great things about it. Hopefully, next time!
It’s definitely worth a visit!
Excellent to have a new place in southern California brought to my attention! We visit every year for non-travel reasons, but I always try to work in a new place to visit. And I love the lighthouse!
So happy to introduce you to a new and wonderful part of San Diego!
Great article and great content! Cannot wait to go there myself one day, it really looks like an interesting place!
What an interesting park. It’s amazing to find such interesting history within something that is beautiful. I love your photo of the lighthouse stairs, so mesmerizing. I haven’t gone through tide pools since I was little, I bet they are great fun!