Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hours of operation for the park and visitor center?

The Visitor Center is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The park itself is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the tidepools accessible during low tide. Please check the park's website or contact the Visitor Center for specific tidepool access times and any seasonal variations in operating hours.

Are there any days that the park is closed?

No. We are open every day of the year, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the exception of Memorial Day, when the park is open from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

What can we do there?

Lots! You can take a self-guided tour of the Old Point Loma Lighthouse; visit three different exhibit rooms; see the wonders of the tidepools during the winter months; hike some of our trails, the Bayside, Coastal and Oceanside Trails; see a film in the auditorium; or enjoy spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the city of San Diego.

Are pets allowed?

Dogs are allowed only on the Coastal Trail located near the tidepool area, as long as they remain on a leash. Dogs must stay only on the trail and cannot be in the tidepools. Only service animals are permitted in all other areas of the park. Learn more about pets in the park.

When can we go into the tower of the lighthouse?

To preserve the structural integrity of the lighthouse tower, it is normally closed to the public. However, it is occasionally open for visitors. Learn more about Open Tower Days.

Are there activities for kids?

Yes! Be sure to stop first at the Visitor Center to pick up a Junior Ranger activity. Then, have your child take it with them on their visit around the park to find the answers to the questions. Once completed, bring it back to the Visitor Center, where a Park Ranger will check the answers and award a Junior Ranger badge! Learn more about Junior Ranger activities at the park

When is the best time to view the tidepools?

During the winter. That's when the good low tides occur during daylight hours, and when we have Park Rangers and Volunteers stationed in the tidepools to answer questions. Learn more about Tidepools.

Do you take volunteers?

Yes! We have an active volunteer program. Folks help us in many areas: tidepool monitoring and visitor education, natural resources, Visitor Center - you name it, we've probably got a need for a volunteer! Volunteer Information.