A visit to San Diego's only National Park boasts tremendous views of the San Diego region and excellent opportunities to explore the natural, historical and cultural history of the area. Hike the new Oceanside Trail from the upper visitor center to the vibrant tidepools, or discover the wealth of history inside the Old Point Loma Lighthouse. Whether you prefer taking a stroll among the blooming California wildflowers, an afternoon observing the chattering native birds, or a hillside hike with panoramic views of the Pacific ocean -- Cabrillo National Monument welcomes you!
Hours of Opperation:
- Cabrillo National Monument is open from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.
- The tidepool area and lower parking lots are open from 9:00 am - 4:30 pm.
Discover the Park:
Cabrillo National Monument is located at the tip of Point Loma in San Diego. A highlight of any visit is the Old Point Loma Lighthouse. This iconic structure, perched high above the Pacific Ocean, has been restored to reflect its appearance in the 1880s. Inside, you can get a glimpse into the daily life of a lighthouse keeper and their family during that time.
Several trails wind through the park's coastal sage scrub habitatThe Bayside Trail is a favorite for many visitors. This 2.5-mile round-trip hike begins near the lighthouse and descends along the eastern side of the peninsula, offering sweeping views of San Diego Bay, Coronado Island, and downtown San Diego. Along the way, interpretive signs highlight native plants, wildlife, and historical points of interest.
South of the lighthouse, the Whale Overlook offers a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and the New Point Loma Lighthouse. During the winter months-especially in January and February-it's one of the best places in the park to spot migrating gray whales as they travel between Alaska and Baja California.
On the park's western edge lies the rocky intertidal zone. This tide pool area is best visited during low tide (0.7 feet or below), when pools form in the rocky shoreline and expose a world of marine life. Visitors may spot sea anemones, hermit crabs, limpets, sea stars, and even elusive creatures like octopuses and nudibranchs. It's a rare chance to see Southern California's coastal ecosystem up close, and it's important to walk carefully and leave everything undisturbed. The Oceanside Trail, the park's newest trail, provides a hiking option to reach the tidepools from the upper area of the park for those not driving down.
For young visitors, Cabrillo National Monument offers a Junior Ranger program that turns exploration into an interactive learning experience. Kids can pick up a free activity booklet from the Visitor Center and complete fun challenges related to the park's history, wildlife, and natural features. After finishing the booklet, they receive an official Junior Ranger badge to commemorate their visit.
The Cabrillo Store:
Looking for a book about Juan Rodriquez Cabrillo, Tidepools or the Military of Point Loma? NPS Junior Ranger gear or Cabrillo logo hats, t-shirts and hoodies? A unique one of a kind gift idea is surely to be found in The Cabrillo Store, located inside the Cabrillo Visitors Center. The non-profit Cabrillo National Monument Foundation operates the Cabrillo Store. Learn more at cnmf.org.
