Public Programs

Public Programs (Currently Offered)

These programs are free and open to the public, though standard park entrance fees apply. We aim to provide a wide range of activities to enhance your visit and help you explore the natural and historical beauty of Cabrillo National Monument. Whether you are interested in guided tours, interactive exhibits, or volunteer opportunities, there is something for everyone.

Please Note: For the most up-to-date information about any program, including changes to the schedule, specific details, or accessibility information, please call the Visitor Center at [phone]. Our staff is ready to assist you with any questions you may have to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Guided Walking Tours (Saturdays 11am, 1pm)

Join a park volunteer for a one-hour walking tour of Cabrillo National Monument, including the Cabrillo Statue and the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. This program is suitable for all ages. No reservations are required. Meet in front of the Visitor Center. Please note that the walk includes a hill up to the lighthouse.

Snake Meet 'N Greet (Thursdays - 1pm)

Meet a live, native snake in the breezeway by the Visitor Center! Cabrillo's three snake ambassadors provide an opportunity to learn about the park's natural resources, local ecology, and why snakes are important to the ecosystems they live in.

Military Bunker (Saturdays)

From 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., volunteers will bring the coastal defenses of Point Loma to life. These are your only chances to tour the bunkers on Point Loma. Don't miss this amazing opportunity to learn more about the soldiers stationed at Fort Rosecrans during WWII and see the weapons and instruments that protected our coast during the tumultuous war years. The bunker cannot be opened if there is inclement weather. Check with the Visitor Center for the latest schedule.

Searchlight Shelter (Saturdays)

From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the Bayside Trail, volunteers give park visitors the opportunity to view a 60-inch-high intensity carbon arc searchlight up close. The searchlight was built in 1941, and the shelter in which it is housed was built in 1918. This searchlight, along with others placed throughout the San Diego Harbor, provided a vital part of the United States Army’s overall defense against “sea-borne” attacks. Check with the Visitor Center for the latest schedule.

Weed Warriors (Open Drop-In Volunteer Session)

When: Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Please arrive 5 minutes before the start time. During severe weather, this event may be canceled. Limited to the first four members of the public who arrive. Prior registration is recommended but not required. Groups of 4 or more must have prior registration with [e-mail].

Description: Do you want to help our park and our planet, but not sure where to start? Are you interested in an easy, de-stressing volunteer opportunity? Want to learn more about our park’s coastal sage habitat? Weed Warriors are dedicated volunteers who remove invasive plants that threaten Cabrillo National Monument’s native habitat. On Thursdays, members of the public are invited to join our open, drop-in volunteer session. No special skills or knowledge are needed! We will show you what to do. Due to the work’s requirements, volunteers under the age of 12 are not permitted. Minors under the age of 18 are required to be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian to volunteer.

Read More on Volunteer.gov

 

Public Programs (Not Currently Being Offered)

Public programs are dependent on San Diego County and CDC restrictions on gatherings.

Lighthouse Talk

Join Cabrillo National Monument staff for this 1-hour, all-ages program as we discover what life was like for the lighthouse keepers at Cabrillo's restored 19th-century Lighthouse.

Nature Walk

Join one of our expert volunteers to explore the flora and fauna of the park. This 45-minute to 1-hour walk will give you insights as to why San Diego County is the most biodiverse in the continental US. Meet animals and plants and find out how the natives of San Diego, the Kumeyaay, used the landscape resources. The walk includes a stop at the Cabrillo Monument for a spectacular view of the Bay and ends at the whale lookout, where an equally stunning ocean panorama can be enjoyed. From there, guests can choose different activities, including a visit to the lighthouse, a hike down the Bayside trail, or a tour of the Military History Museum. Don't miss this opportunity to discover San Diego's "true nature!"

Although we do our best, programs are subject to change or cancellation without notice.