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Jul 23, 2024 · Parking and Accessibility . Cabrillo Memorial Drive is the only road leading into the park, with a large parking lot near the Visitor Center Complex. Accessible parking is available for people with disabilities in the North Bay of the parking lot closest to the Visitor Center. There is parking for passenger cars, buses, RVs, and motorcycles.
- Cabrillo National Monument
Welcome to Cabrillo National Monument, a treasure trove of...
- Cabrillo National Monument
- Overview of Cabrillo National Monument
- Things to Do at Cabrillo National Monument
- Getting to Cabrillo National Monument
- Essential Information For Your Visit to Cabrillo National Monument
- How Much Time Should You Allow For Your Visit to Cabrillo?
- Tips For Your Visit to Cabrillo National Monument
Cabrillo National Monument commemorates the landing of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo at Ballast Point in San Diego Bay on September 28, 1542. Cabrillo’s expedition was the first European expedition to land on the west coast of present day United States. Cabrillo National Monument was created by President Woodrow Wilson in 1913, and the intent was to erec...
Start at the Visitor Center
Unless you are only planning to visit the tide pools, start by heading up the hill to the Visitor Center, where you can learn about events planned for the day (such as ranger-led tours and talks), and browse the bookstore for a souvenir to take home. Step into the room that houses the “Age of Exploration” exhibit, to gain insights into the history of Cabrillo National Monument and to learn more about Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo. You can also catch a short educational film (or three!) in the audit...
Snap a Photo of the Cabrillo Monument
Your next stop in the park is the statue of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, located just a short distance from the Visitor Center. Snap a photo of the statue, and take in the awesome views! The original sandstone statue of Cabrillo was installed in 1949, but was replaced by the current limestone version in 1988, after the original deteriorated due to damage from the elements. If the day is clear when you visit, you will get unparalleled views over San Diego (and the blue waters of the bay) from the...
Tour Old Point Loma Lighthouse
If you love snapping photos of charming lighthouses, you will love Old Point Loma Lighthouse, which sits just up the hill from the statue of Cabrillo. The highest lighthouse in the US when it was put into operation in 1855, Point Loma featured a Fresnel lens. The high location of the lighthouse proved ineffective, and just 36 years later, Old Point Loma Lighthouse was abandoned in favor of a new light station at a lower elevation. The old lighthouse was later restored, and today it is hugely...
Cabrillo National Monument is located at 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego, CA 92106. If you plan to drive from downtown San Diego: Take Harbor Drive, make a left onto Rosecrans Street, then a right onto Canon Street, and a left onto Catalina Boulevard, also called Cabrillo Memorial Drive. This will bring you to the main entrance to the park....
Park Hours
Cabrillo National Monument is open everyday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Specific facilities and attractions in the park may have different hours. Prior to visiting, check the park websitefor current hours and any special closures in effect.
Park Entrance Fee
At the time of writing, the entrance fee per vehicle is $20.00. Motorcyclists pay $15.00, and bicyclists and pedestrians pay $10.00. The entrance pass is valid for seven days. The America the Beautiful National Parks Passis accepted at Cabrillo National Monument, so if you already have a pass, don’t forget to bring it with you! Purchasing a National Parks Pass will save you money if you plan to visit a few national parks (or other national recreation sites) during the course of the year. Vali...
Pets
Pets are only allowed in the tidepool area. They must be leashed and cannot be left unattended in vehicles.
If you have the time, we would recommend spending a morning or an afternoon (about 4 hours) enjoying all there is on offer at Cabrillo National Monument. Although it is a small park, less than 150 acres, there is a lot to see and do here! In that amount of time, you can get an overview at the Visitor Center, walk one or both trails, spend some time...
Best Time to Visit Cabrillo National Monument
San Diego is blessed with beautiful weather, making it a year-round destination. That said, you may encounter some rain here or there in the winter. You will want to visit Cabrillo National Monument ideally when it is bright and sunny, for the best views. January is the best month for whale watching from Cabrillo. Winter is the best season for tidepooling at the park, because that’s when minus tides occur during the daytime when the park is open. The Cabrillo Festival is held at Ballast Point...
Park Safety
The park website has a page with safety recommendations, to help you have a safe and enjoyable visit to Cabrillo National Monument. Read and follow all safety guidelines!
What to Wear
Dress in layers. It can be cool and windy by the water even on summer days, so bring a windcheater or light jacket. Wear sturdy closed-toed walking shoes with good traction: the rocks by the tidepools can be slippery.
Sep 2, 2023 · From downtown San Diego, take Harbor Drive to Rosecrans Street and on to Catalina Boulevard, also called Cabrillo Memorial Drive. Park hours. Cabrillo National Monument is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. everyday. The tide pools, however, close at 4.30 p.m. The last park passes for the day are issued at the entrance station at 4.30 p.m.
You can also purchase the pass online HERE at the official National Parks Service website. IMPORTANT NOTE: You can’t just park along the road and walk in. Legitimate parking spots along Cabrillo Memorial Drive are scarce. Illegally parked cars are swiftly ticketed because of the high volume of visitors.
Jun 6, 2024 · In this guide, I’ll share historical facts, a list of things to do, and important information for visitors to Cabrillo National Monument. You’ll want to check directly with the park’s website to see what is open and on offer during your stay. 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106. (619) 222-4747.
- contact@lajollamom.com
Jul 24, 2024 · Directions and Parking. Location: Cabrillo National Monument, 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego, CA 92106. Parking: Available at the main lot near the Visitor Center. From there, it is a short walk to the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, with clear directional signs throughout the park.
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Jul 27, 2024 · Welcome to Cabrillo National Monument, a treasure trove of history, nature, and adventure. Perched at the southern tip of the Point Loma Peninsula, this remarkable site commemorates the landing of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European to set foot on the West Coast of the United States. From breathtaking coastal views and rich marine ...
