Cabrillo National Monument

Celebrating Over 100 Years As San Diego's National Park

The Visitor Center is a great place to begin your visit.
Friendly Park Rangers are on hand to answer questions and provide suggestions on what to do in the park.
Cabrillo National Monument is the most southwesterly spot in all of the United States.
Tour the Old Point Loma Lighthouse
Seasonal Whale Watching
Explore the Tidepools of the Rocky Intertidal
Beautiful Views of the Sea & Cliffs
Become A Junior Ranger For A Day!
Get A Birds-Eye View of San Diego's Skyline.
Find Gifts and Educational Material in the Visitor Center
Interactive Exhibits Tell The Story of Point Loma's Coastal Defense
Step Back In Time and Experience Their Living History Programs
Phenomenal Views From Seaside Cliffs
Hike Down An Explore Tide Pools
Amazing Views of San Diego Bay

Old Point Loma Lighthouse

For Kids

Events

About 20 minutes from downtown San Diego lies Cabrillo National Monument – San Diego’s only National Park – named for Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European to set foot on the California coast. A museum exhibit chronicles Cabrillo’s life and explorations, as well as early California native peoples and industries.

Oh the views! Located at the tip of the Point Loma Peninsula, Cabrillo National Monument is the premier location for views of San Diego, its coastline, mountains, Mexico, and military bases from 400 feet above the ocean. In winter months, you will not want to miss the Whale Overlook, one of the best places on land to observe migrating gray whales!

History buffs will enjoy exploring the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, built in 1855, it is one of the first of eight lighthouses on the West Coast and presents life as it was for light keepers and their families in the 19th century. Steps away from the lighthouse is a historic military building and exhibit, “They Stood Watch”, which presents the history of Fort Rosecrans and delves into the role Point Loma played in World Wars I and II.

A must-see for outdoor enthusiasts and families, located on the western side of the peninsula, are the tidepools! Part of the delicate Rocky Intertidal Zone, the tidepools offer exploration of fascinating marine habitat including plants, invertebrates, and fish. Please check http://www.nps.gov/cabrfor tide charts, tidepool safety, and up to date information.

Memberships:
Visitors, interested in being more involved, supporting the Park and for exclusive park experiences, can join the Cabrillo National Monument Foundation.TheCabrillo National Monument Foundation (CNMF) is a private nonprofit organization with an IRS 501(c)(3) status which provides support for special park programs at Cabrillo National Monument. For more details, visit https://cnmf.org/shop/membership/, e-mailinfo@cnmf.orgor call (619) 222-4747.

$50+ annual memberships include:

Annual Cabrillo National Monument pass (a $30 value)
• After-hours park events
• Cabrillo National Monument Foundation decal
• 15 percent off at Cabrillo Store located within the visitor center

Operating Hours:
Cabrillo National Monument is located at 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego, CA 92106. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To plan your visit, go to http://www.nps.gov/cabr.