Learn About the Park

 

• Who was Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo? Find out more about the 16th century explorer that the park is named for.

• Hiking: The two-mile Bayside Trail affords spectacular views of San Diego Bay and the city beyond, and takes you through one of the last remaining remnants of coastal sage scrub habitat in the world. The Coastal Tidepool Trail provides views along the ocean leading to the tide pools.

• Tidepooling: The rocky intertidal area at Cabrillo National Monument is one of the best protected examples of these unique ecosystems in Southern California.

• Visiting the Lighthouse: Be sure to see the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, one of the original eight lighthouses on the West Coast, restored and refurnished to reflect what life was like in the 1800s. In the adjacent Assistant Keeper's Quarters, interactive exhibits tell the story of the Lighthouses of Point Loma.

• Military History: In an historic radio station building, the exhibit "They Stood the Watch" presents the military history of Fort Rosecrans.

• Whale Watching: Experience the annual migration of the Pacific Gray Whale as these majestic mammals pass by the park from December through February. You can find tips for watching whales here.

 

Looking for more information about the park?
Use the following sections to enhance your knowledge about Cabrillo National Monument.

News

Photos and Videos

History and Culture

Nature Information

Educational Information

Information for Kids

Management Information

Visit the Bookstore

Publications

 

Last updated: April 19, 2021

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive
San Diego, CA 92106

Phone:

619 523-4285

Contact Us

Tools