Point Loma, a window to San Diego.

Many visitors come to Cabrillo National Monument simply to enjoy the dramatic view of San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The park has one of the best harbor views in world! To the east, the skyline of downtown San Diego framed by the Cuyamaca mountains serves as a backdrop to the bay. To the south, visitors can see Mexico across the shimmering waters of the bay and, to the west, the Pacific ocean extends to the horizon and beyond. Four hundred feet below the park overlooks, it is common to see sailboats, commercial ships and ships of the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet glide in and out of the harbor entrance.

“Spectacular," “Wonderful," or “Sensational” are words commonly written by visitors in the park guest book to describe the view.

Park overlooks are open during normal park operating hours. For a unique perspective of the city and harbor, take a two-mile walk along the Bayside Trail which starts at the lighthouse. Ranger-led harbor-view talks are sometimes given on the Visitor Center patio.