Group Expectations

Guidelines for Your Visit to Cabrillo National Monument

To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to Cabrillo National Monument, please thoroughly review the following guidelines with your students and chaperones prior to your visit. For the safety of the public and resources, we reserve the right to ask groups to leave the park if these expectations are not adhered to.

Vehicle Pass

Your vehicle pass will be attached to your confirmation email. Upon arriving at the park, each vehicle in your group must present the vehicle pass that is attached to this email to the ranger at the entrance station. Please print and distribute copies of your vehicle pass ahead of time. Vehicles without a pass will be charged the entrance fee.

Where to Meet

Unless otherwise stated, the teacher should check in at the visitor center upon arrival. A ranger or volunteer will direct you where to go from there. If you are participating in a tidepool-focused program, a ranger will meet you at the tidepool kiosk 15 minutes prior to the start of your program, and you do not need to check in at the Visitors Center.

Bookstore

School groups are not permitted to enter the bookstore under any circumstances. This policy ensures that the educational component of the visit is maintained and provides an equitable experience for all students. We appreciate your understanding.

Lunch

A lunch bin to store your lunches is located between the vending machines. If you are participating in a tidepool program, we recommend either bringing class lunches in tubs or student backpacks. Cabrillo is a trash-free park, which requires that all trash generated by your group during your visit must be taken out of the park by your group. Please plan accordingly and bring a trash bag with you. Review our 'Zero-Waste' practices prior to your visit.

Parking

For safety and convenience, buses should unload and pick up your group in the traffic circle near the flagpole. Bus parking is available in designated spaces in the middle bay of the main parking lot. Buses must turn off engines while unloading or loading passengers. For groups visiting the tidepools, please remember that access to the coastal area is only by vehicle via Cabrillo Road. Travel by any other means is dangerous and not permitted. There is no pedestrian access. Parking is limited, so we encourage carpools or bus transportation. Buses can drop off students at the tidepools and park up the hill in the main parking lot. However, buses must be promptly available to pick up students from the tidepools at the culmination of the program. See the map below.

Manners

Please remember that many groups of people visit the park. Respect other visitors by keeping the noise level down, walking instead of running, and staying on the correct side of the path. Collecting plants or animals is prohibited by federal law. Groups that disrespect the grounds of the National Park in any way will be asked to leave.

Safety

Groups should remain together and stay on designated walkways and trails. Cabrillo National Monument is a protected area. Please do not harass the wildlife or protected landscape in any way (subject to federal regulations). Stay away from cliff edges as they tend to be unstable. Students must not run in any area of the park and should be spatially aware of other visitors to the park.

Clothing

Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toed shoes. Bring jackets and sweaters, as the waterfront tends to be cooler than the rest of San Diego. Sunscreen is recommended.

Cell Phones

Due to our location, many cell phones do not work within the boundaries of the park. Alternatively, signals might re-direct into Mexican cell towers and can result in international charges. Please plan ahead should this be the case. Emergency phone calls may be made from the Visitors Center landline.

Tidepools

If your class is visiting the tidepools, there is an almost certain likelihood they will get wet. Additionally, there is only one restroom facility in the tidepool area. Please plan accordingly. Make sure that you have your tidepool permit on hand; you may be asked to show it. Please be aware that tidepool access requires walking down steep sandstone cliffs. Safety is our number one concern in the tidepools. Please:

1. Remind students to wear closed-toed or water shoes (no flip flops).
2. Walk slowly and with caution.
3. Be mindful of large waves and loose cliffs.
4. Do not pick up or throw rocks.
5. Be gentle with all of the critters that call Cabrillo home.

Chaperones

We kindly request that chaperones remain attentive and engaged throughout your stay at Cabrillo. Please help us with the safety and well-being of your students by adhering to the following guidelines:

• Assist in facilitating student learning and engagement by asking them questions about what they are observing or experiencing.
• Know who is in your group at all times and be responsible for your group’s whereabouts during their visit.
• Know your group’s plan for the day: how long will they be in certain locations, what time will they eat lunch, what time will you be leaving, and where will you meet, etc.
• Stay with your group at all times and make sure that they adhere to the park rules and are respectful of other visitors.
• Consider establishing a meeting place just in case anyone gets separated from the group. We suggest the Visitors Center.