Alerts & Conditions

Alerts

COVID-19 Update

The National Park Service (NPS) is working service-wide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, access to Cabrillo National Monument is as follows:

Open: Auditorium, Cabrillo Exhibit, Trails, Old Point Loma Lighthouse, Assistant Lighthouse Keeper's Quarters Exhibit, Military History Exhibit, and restrooms. Park Store open Friday-Sunday 10am-5pm; Monday-Thursday 10am-4pm.

While the listed areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased, and services may be limited. When recreating, please follow local area health orders and recreate responsibly.

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.

When the COVID-19 Community Level is LOW or MEDIUM in the county where the park is located based on data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals are not required to wear masks.

Mask-Wearing Requirements

When the COVID-19 Community Level is HIGH in the county where the park is located based on data provided by the CDC, all individuals over the age of two must wear masks, regardless of vaccination status, in all common areas and shared workspaces in buildings owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by the National Park Service, including, but not limited to, park visitor centers, administrative offices, lodges, gift shops and restaurants.

Masks must cover the nose and mouth and fit snugly around the nose and chin with no large gaps around the sides of the face. Masks not designed to be protective, masks with ventilation valves, and face shields do not meet the requirement.

Regardless of the COVID-19 Community Level, individuals may wear masks if they choose to do so.

Current Conditions

• Park rangers are available during park hours at 619-523-4285 to answer questions about the park and provide Junior Ranger activities as requested.
• Visitors should come prepared to pack out their own trash, and bring enough food and water for their group.
• The road to the tidepools may be closed if the area hits capacity in order to maintain conditions appropriate for social distancing. The road to the tidepool area will be closed (usually around 30 minutes) until sufficient capacity in the parking areas becomes available. This temporary closure of the road allows for traffic to flow freely and allows a more pleasant experience for the visitor by reducing the number of people and reducing the damage to the fragile ecosystem. Please plan your trips to allow for this delay, and thank you for your patience.

 

Superintendent Andrea Compton's signature approving Closure Order #20-003 for Cabrillo National Monument on December 31, 2020

 

Cabrillo Sea Cave Closed

The Cabrillo Sea Cave is located within a closed area of the park. The Sea Cave and nearby area have been closed since the 1980s due to extremely dangerous conditions and to comply with the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Entry into this area is not permitted at any time. Violators are subject to federal fines and sentencing.

Marine mammals use this area and are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Approaching and/or disturbing marine mammals (i.e., seals and sea lions) and their young is not allowed. Doing so is a violation of the Act, and violators are subject to fines and sentencing.

The cave was created by sudden and catastrophic sandstone erosion and rock falls. Periodic bluff collapse is constant along the California coast. To avoid injury, stay back from cliff edges and do not walk under overhangs or along the base of escarpment faces.

 

Cabrillo National Monument is a smoke-free and trash-free park.

Cabrillo National Monument is a smoke-free park. All areas of the park are closed to smoking, which includes tobacco cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and vaping.

In November 2010, the park became "trash-free" with the removal of 95% of the garbage cans and recycling bins from the grounds. Please help us maintain our "trash-free" park by packing out whatever you bring in.