Cabrillo National Monument
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Cabrillo National Monument Point Loma
Cabrillo National Monument offers views from the top of a mountain that overlooks San Diego Bay. This magnificent San Diego historic property offers hiking, tide pooling, whale watching, adventure and discovery. Be sure to bring a jacket with you because it is always windy when you are up this high.
Thanks to the strength of the National Park system and the U.S. military, a very long tip of Point Loma that straddles San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean has been spared from development. The military occupies the portion of land that is closest to Catalina Boulevard (which becomes Cabrillo Memorial Drive) which includes Fort Rosecrans Cemetery (public access) and numerous military buildings (no public access). The Park system operates the most western tip which includes a historic lighthouse, a visitor and whale watching center, hiking trails, a tide pool system and a modern day lighthouse.
New Lighthouse
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There are two sides and two entrances/exits to Cabrillo National Monument. Your best bet is to follow the signs that lead to the parking lot booth. A friendly Park Ranger is usually in the booth and is happy to provide you with information. (Day parking is $5.00 and an annual pass costs $15.00) You have two choices at this point: you can park your car in the lot or you can drive down to the tide pool area and park there. Both views are unique and are both worth checking out so bring a picnic lunch or snack. Public restrooms are located next to the Visitor's Center. The drive down to the tide pool section never fails to thrill - it is a jaw-dropping view of the Pacific Ocean that is unforgettable. Once you park your car, follow the interpretive signs that will lead you to the various lookout points for the tide pools. Because the lighthouse is in operation and is surrounded by security fencing, it is not accessible to the public, so don't even ask. We won't post a picture of the scenic drive down to the tidepools. Why? You have to see it for yourself. A picture may paint a thousand words but sometimes we just need to see it, not a photo. The lighthouse that you can take a look at is the historic lighthouse on the
Historic Light House
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other side the mountain. Your best is to visit the Visitor's Center after you park your car in the upper lot and ask one of the volunteers on the particulars. We can tell you that on a sunny clear San Diego day, this is one of the best places to take in the view. The main whale watching area is located behind the historic lighthouse and if you arrive during the winter, you might be able to spot the whale migration.
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