Services for Visitors with Cognitive Concerns
Cabrillo National Monument welcomes individuals who have any cognitive concerns! We strive to provide an inclusive and accessible experience for all our visitors. The following services are available to assist you during your visit:
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Isolated Area in the Park: Looking to get away from crowds and noise? The Ballast View Overlook is a concrete round area surrounded by bushes and trees. There are several benches to sit and rest. This area can be accessed in two ways: from the main parking lot following a concrete path by the bus stop or from the visitor center following a concrete path by the men's bathroom. This tranquil spot offers a peaceful retreat from the busier parts of the park.
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Soundscapes: Be aware that several loud sounds are heard regularly in different areas of the park. The Visitor Center is close to the North Island Naval Air Base, so you may hear loud planes and helicopters roaring through the bay area. Additionally, you may hear sea lions barking, the clang of metal on two flagpoles, and the crash of waves against the cliffs. Understanding this can help you plan your visit to quieter areas if needed.
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Open-Captioned Films: All films and videos shown at the park are open-captioned to ensure you don't miss any information.
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Tactile Models: Tactile models of a Pacific Gray Whale, the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, and the Point Loma Peninsula are located outside near the lighthouse area. Etchings of life-sized Gray Whales and Giant Kelp are in the concrete under your feet at the Kelp Overlook. How many steps does it takes for you to get across the body of a whale? And that's not a rock on the south side of the concrete whale, it's the whale's eye!.
- Audio-Described Wayside Signs: The Tactile Talking Pen and Tactile Map are available for use throughout the park. Forty informational signs along paths and in front of buildings use a tactile marker that audibly states the view around the sign, the name, text, and description of the sign, and directions to the next tactile marker. The pen can be used with or without the spiral-bound tactile map, which breaks the park into sections for more detailed views. Please ask a ranger at the Visitor Center for assistance.
Volunteer at Cabrillo National Monument!
Local to the park? We can use your help! We have several volunteer opportunities available to you. One opportunity is the Accessibility Support Assistant. People in this volunteer position will help Cabrillo National Monument stay accessible and welcoming as possible to individuals who have any type of cognitive service need.
If there is something else you may need to help make your visit easier, please call ahead. For more information, ask a ranger at the park or contact us in advance. You can reach us by email or by calling 619-523-4285. We are committed to ensuring that your experience at Cabrillo National Monument is enjoyable and accessible.
