Cabrillo National Monument

The Basics

To learn more about Cabrillo, head to the visitor center at Cabrillo National Monument for exhibits about the explorer, as well as information about the natural history and native inhabitants of this part of California. On the ocean side of the peninsula, walk down to the tide pools (at low tide) to look for starfish, crabs, and other marine life.

The monument can be seen in a variety of ways, including via bay cruises and self-guided GoCar tours, or by booking a private sightseeing tour and choosing the monument as one of your customized stops.

Things to Know Before You Go

• You could spend anywhere from 10 to 90 minutes here, depending on if you want the full experience or just a photo op.

• Pack a jacket to ward off wind.

• Bring your own food if you wish to picnic on the point, but know that park rules ask that you pack out all trash.

How to Get There

Cabrillo National Monument is located at the bottom of Cabrillo Memorial Drive on Point Loma, which juts into the Pacific southwest of downtown San Diego. If you don’t want to drive, you can take a city bus from Old Town Transit Station.

When to Get There

The park and visitor center are open every day from morning to early evening; the tide pools close a bit earlier. From January to March, the monument is the best place in San Diego to see gray whales from land as they migrate.

Old Point Loma Lighthouse

While at Cabrillo National Monument, be sure to also check out Old Point Loma Lighthouse, located within walking distance of the monument. Dating back to 1854, the lighthouse was built in a Cape Cod-style and is open to visitors. While there, take advantage of ranger-led talks, displays, and informational brochures.

Ways to explore

To learn more about Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, head straight to the visitor center at Cabrillo National Monument for exhibits about the explorer, as well as information about the natural history and native people of this area of California. The monument can be seen from afar in a variety of ways, including jet boat rides or bay cruises—some of which include meals such as a champagne brunch. You can also zoom past the monument on a self-guided GoCar tour, or book a private sightseeing tour with the monument as a customized stop.

Accessibility

The Cabrillo National Monument is accessible to wheelchair users, with parking for people with disabilities, gently sloping concrete pathways, and accessible restrooms.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Binoculars, camera, sunscreen

What to wear

Comfortable walking shoes, light wind-proof layers

Not allowed

Drones, disturbing wildlife, littering

Amenities

Visitor center with exhibits, restrooms, trails, souvenirs

Address 

The Cabrillo National Monument is located at the southern end of the Point Loma Peninsula, and many visitors get here either by car, bus, or as part of a guided tour.

Driving

If traveling from downtown San Diego, take Harbor Drive and Rosecrans Street to Point Loma. Follow Canon Street to Catalina Boulevard, then continue until you get to the park entrance.

Public transportation

If you opt to take public transportation to the Cabrillo National Monument, it’s most convenient to travel by bus. You can get route #84, which stops right outside the Visitor Center complex.

Best times to visit

For clear views, quieter tidepools, and lower crowd numbers, the morning is a good time to visit.

Best days to visit

Weekdays tend to be quieter. If you come during the weekend, it can feel crowded, especially at viewpoints and tidepools.

Best months to visit

September through February is the best time to visit because of low tides during park opening hours, and it’s possible to spot whales between December and March.

Special events

There are events year-round, so it's best to check the events calendar. Examples include January’s whale-watching season and Founder’s Day in August, with access to the Old Point Loma Lighthouse.