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You are here: Home / USA / Cabrillo National Monument: Great Attraction in San Diego

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Cabrillo National Monument: Great Attraction in San Diego

There is a lot to see and do in San Diego.  There is no doubt about it.

With all the options, I know it is not easy to choose what to do or where to go.  But, if you visit La Jolla (and believe me, you want to go there), you are minutes ago from the spectacular Cabrillo National Monument.

This place, that many have not heard about, affords awesome views of the San Diego Bay and gets deep into the history of the first European to navigate the coast of California.

On this article, I am showing you what to expect when visiting Cabrillo National Monument.  It is my hope you get the desire to visit! 

Table of Contents

  • A Bit of History
  • Visiting the Cabrillo National Monument
    • Visitor Center
    • The Old Point Loma Lighthouse
    • The Point Loma Light Station
    • The Bayside Trail
    • The Kelp Forest and Whale Overlook
    • The Tidepools
  • Details
  • What to Eat Near the Cabrillo National Monument
  • Cabrillo National Monument: Nearby Attractions
  • More of San Diego
  • More of Southern California
    • Related posts:

A Bit of History

The Gulf of California was discovered in 1539 by Francisco de Ulloa, an explorer commissioned by Hernan Cortes.

After that discovery, the Spanish crown was interested in finding a route to Asia (they didn’t have an idea of the extent of the Pacific Ocean) and/or claiming lands full of gold.

In 1542, the Viceroy of New Spain gave Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo command over the vessels of a deceased conquistador (Pedro de Alvarado).  The mission was simple: sail north and explore the coast of New Spain.

Cabrillo left from Navidad (Jalisco) and quickly moved into territories where no European had been before.  About three months after his departure, a port described as “closed and very good” was entered. He called it San Miguel and we know it nowadays as San Diego.

Tidepools of Point Loma, San Diego, California

Cabrillo continued north discovering the San Pedro Bay, the Santa Monica Bay, the Channel Islands and the coasts of Santa Barbara, Ventura and Monterrey.  The expedition reached as far north as the Russian River (others claim the expedition reached the Rogue River area in Oregon).

After almost a year of dangers, storms, vessel disappearance and complications at sea, the expedition returned to Navidad.  At that time, it was considered a failure. No gold or route to Asia was discovered.

Cabrillo never returned from the trip.  Nobody knows what exactly happened but it is believed he was injured and died of an infection in one of the Channel Islands.  Nobody knows where he was buried neither (it is believed his tomb is located in San Miguel island).

Ballast Point View, San Diego, California

Visiting the Cabrillo National Monument

With time, the importance of what Cabrillo did was understood.  Because of his expedition, Spain was able to claim over 800 miles of coastline.  Knowledge of the landmarks, winds, and currents discovered by Cabrillo helped with the establishment of trading routes years later.

In 1913, a presidential proclamation reserved some land in Point Loma to commemorate the area where Europeans set foot for the first time in what is known today as the West Coast of the United States.  A larger than life statue of the discoverer was donated by the Portuguese government (because Cabrillo was believed to be Portuguese, I visited the Monument recently and there is a plaque explaining he was born on Southern Spain).

Today, the statue of Cabrillo overlooks the San Diego skyline, Coronado Island and the entrance of the harbor.  It is the perfect place to imagine how early explorers felt when surveying new lands.

Cabrillo Statue at the Cabrillo National Monument, San Diego, California

Cabrillo Statue at the Cabrillo National Monument, San Diego, California

Visitor Center

But, don’t worry, this National Monument consists of more than a statue placed in a beautiful viewpoint.

The visitor center has park information, exhibits, films, panoramic harbor views, and a store.  Stop by if you are interested in learning more about life during the Conquest time.

Visitor Center, Cabrillo National Monument, Point Loma, San Diego, California

The Old Point Loma Lighthouse

In 1851, a headland (Point Loma) standing 422 feet above sea level was selected to be the site of a navigation aid.  At that time, it seemed like the ideal location. 

The lighthouse welcomed sailors to the San Diego harbor for 36 years.  A new light station was built at the bottom of the hill in 1891.  Why the original lighthouse was discontinued? 

Because of the height, the light was often obscured by fog and low clouds (a problem that is not that bad at lower elevations).

The lighthouse, the keepers’ rooms, the assistant keeper’s quarters and the original lenses are on display to the public.

Old Point Loma Lighthouse, San Diego, CaliforniaOld Point Loma Lighthouse, San Diego, California

The Point Loma Light Station

This newer facility is not open to the public but can be seen from the top of the cliffs were the Old Lighthouse is located or from the road leading to the tidepools.

Point Loma Light Station, San Diego, California

The Bayside Trail

This trail descends about 300 feet thru native coastal scrub, passing remnants of the defense system that protected the harbor during World Wars I and II.  The trail length is 2.5 miles roundtrip.

Ocean view from the tip of the Point Loma Peninsula, San Diego, California

The Kelp Forest and Whale Overlook

This overlook south of the old lighthouse provides some information about the maritime wildlife that moves around San Diego’s waters.  In season, people stand there trying to catch a glimpse of gray whales passing by.

Whale overlook, Point Loma, San Diego, California

The Tidepools

All of the sites I have previously described are within walking distance of each other.  To access the National Monument tidepool area, you have to drive a road which takes you to the bottom of the Point Loma promontory.  Everything is properly signalized. Therefore, there is no way to miss the signs directing you to the road.

Make sure to take some time to explore this habitat.  It is not only about the tidepools. This is an opportunity to take a look at an absolutely gorgeous piece of coast.  Your eyes will not believe the layers of rocks, the caves, the big boulders, the vivid colors and the many birds flying around.

Tidepool area at Cabrillo National Monument, San Diego, California

Tidepools of Point Loma, San Diego, California

After parking, you can start walking in the north direction and encounter carved cliffs exploding with colors.  It is like somebody cut the stones with precision and stacked the resulting layers one over another.

There are also caves, boulders, patches of vegetation, wildflowers and plenty of birds.  Other parts are reminiscent of Badlands (or what I like to call melting badlands). The waves in here can be strong.  Therefore, never give loose sight of the ocean.

Tidepool area at Cabrillo National Monument, San Diego, California

Details

The exact address is 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego.  However, you can enter “Cabrillo National Monument” or “Cabrillo Monument” on your GPS.  There are many signs pointing to the site along the Point Loma Peninsula.

The park is open for day use only. The entrance fee is $20 (good for 7 days).

There may not be a cell-phone signal at the tidepool area. 

This is mainly an outdoors attraction.  Do not forget essentials such as sunblock, glasses and a hat.

What to Eat Near the Cabrillo National Monument

The selection of food for purchase at the Cabrillo National Monument is limited.  On-site, you would be able to get water, some drinks, and small snacks.

For a wider selection of options, head to the Shelter Island area.  Favorites include Point Loma Seafoods, Mitch’s Seafood, Miguel’s Cocina and Pummaro (Neapolitan-style pizzeria).

Ocean Beach and Liberty Station count with a fantastic selection of restaurants too.  In Ocean Beach make sure to stop by Hodad’s (for mega burgers), OB Noodle House and Azucar (a Cuban bakery).

Tidepools of Point Loma, San Diego, California

Cabrillo National Monument: Nearby Attractions

Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery – Impressive cemetery honoring service men and women fallen in battle.  You can visit the different memorials and enjoy the monumental views. This is a truly unique place.

Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park – Coastal walk, full of cliffs, caves, and coves, located on the western side of the Point Loma Peninsula.

Sunset Cliffs in San Diego

Ocean Beach – I describe this place as the alternative beach in San Diego.  If you are familiar with Los Angeles, this is the Venice Beach of San Diego.  This neighborhood is full of restaurants, breweries, shops, a pier, and tidepools.  Super fun area to relax and feel the good vibes.

Liberty Station – At the moment, this is one of my favorite areas of San Diego.  I can’t get enough of the Public Market, THE LOT and the Corvette Diner.  

Tidepools of Point Loma, San Diego, California

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Things to do in San Diego - Travel tips and vacation ideas - If you are visiting San Diego, I encourage you to stop by the Cabrillo National Monument located in the Point Loma Peninsula. It is an attraction to learn about the first Europeans to navigate the coast of #California and a place to enjoy lighthouses, tidepools, whale watching and wonderful ocean views. #SanDiego #SouthernCalifornia #roadtrip

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Dive boats also leave from Santa Barbra to the northern islands, though these are further offshore. The main attraction is diving the Californian giant kelp forests. Kelp stretches from the sea bed up more than forty feet to the surface, creating a magical forest to swim through. Winding your way through a thick screen of golden kelp is an incredible experience. The kelp is home to cheeky seals and sea lions that zoom out of nowhere and right up to your mask, as well as bright orange garibaldi fish. This was one of my favorite dives from the many I have done around the world. It also makes a nice contrast to the other more urban things you can do in Los Angeles. Hike to the Hollywood Sign By Caroline from Pictures and Words Few things scream LA more than the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and the movie industry. One of the coolest things to do in California is to hike up to the Hollywood sign, one of the most iconic sights in LA. Technically, the sign itself is blocked off (and don’t even try to jump the fence) so you are hiking to right behind and above the sign. Still, this is the closest you can get to the sign being able to get so up and close to the iconic monument is such a cool experience! The hike starts inside Griffith Park, from where you can take the Brush Canyon trail. It is a 6.5 mile out and back hike, and is rated moderate difficulty with an 1100 foot elevation gain. Allow about 2 1/2-3 hours to complete the hike. Also be aware that there is hardly any shade on the trail and it tends to get really hot, really fast, so be prepared and carry lots of water with you. Read More: One Day in LA: Itinerary for First-Time Visitors 2 Days in Los Angeles: Downtown-Based Itinerary Self-Guided Multicultural Tour of Los Angeles By Team Hazard Rides Again LA is incredibly diverse. There are people here from every corner of the Earth and LA is happy to give each culture its due. Tim and I once went to 3 cultural events in a single weekend – and we weren't even trying hard. On Friday night we went to a chamber music concert at the big Downtown Library. On Saturday night we were in Hollywood to see Amadou and Mariam, a blind couple from Mali who rocked the Afro-pop scene at the El Rey Theater. And on Sunday we were in Chinatown for a big cultural celebration. There is no single recipe for doing a cultural tour of Los Angeles. There are just too many options. But here are some places to look so you can put together your own multicultural tour of Los Angeles. There are neighborhoods throughout the city like Little Tokyo, Olvera Street, Little Ethiopia, Little Bangladesh and Chinatown, just to name a few. Some of them are a bit touristy, but still fun and there are also many unnamed enclaves where various cultures flourish. They often hold festivals as well. And Long Beach seems to have a festival for something every other week. Keep an eye on local calendars. There are also exhibits and performances exploring different cultures all over town. The Craft and Folk Art Museum on Wilshire almost always has something culturally unique going on, as does the Fowler Museum on the UCLA Campus. You can also check out the USC Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena. Again, to name just a few. Then there are the performances, like Amadou and Mariam we mentioned above, or Prince Diabate whom we saw in some tiny club in Santa Monica. One of the best places to look for these more eclectic events is the LA Weekly. LA's multiculturalism is one of its most awesome features and it's something not to be missed if you're visiting the city. It's easy to stack events that are near you or that suit the dates of your visit. It's LA. There's always something going on! Hike in Joshua Tree National Park By Julie from Family Travel Lifestyle While California is famous for National Parks like Yosemite and the Redwoods, one of our lesser-known parks, Joshua Tree, offers fantastic hiking in a unique desert environment. Located in southern California – just east of Palm Springs, and less than a 3-hour drive from San Diego – Joshua Tree offers numerous trails at every level of hiking. What I love about Joshua Tree is that it isn’t as crowded as many other parks and it’s smaller which means you can do a one-day visit and still get in some great hikes and really feel as though you saw the park. Also, this park offers a lot of loop trails, which I tend to prefer to the ‘out and back’ trails. One of the most popular and can’t-miss trails in Joshua Tree is the Skull Rock loop. It’s pretty easy, good for all levels including children, and you get to see the famous and giant Skull-shaped boulder. There’s a great kids’ nature walk called the Discovery Trail that’s less than a mile if you have really little ones. The bigger hikes offer a great variety of sights. There are several hikes up to different peaks, with outstanding views of the mountains and desert. You can hike out to a palm tree oasis or walk through the boulders and include a little scrambling on your hike. The one thing to watch out for is the heat – it’s no joke at Joshua Tree, so come prepared and enjoy! VIsit the Sunny Jim Sea Caves By April from SoCalFunFamily La Jolla is known for the locals who hang around the beach. And no, I am not talking about the hodads, you know, non-surfers, but the friendly seals lounging right there on the sand. It’s also known as an incredibly fun family area, for its good food, and having the coolest sea caves. However, there is only one cave you can explore without a kayak. And that cave is only accessible through Sunny Jim’s Cave Store. From the exterior it looks just like any other beach themed gift shop, but upon further review you might see the long dark tunnel leading what looks like directly into the ground. This is the access to Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave, which was dug out in 1902. To reach the bottom you will pay $5 for adults, and $3 for children, walk down 145 dark, narrow stairs and come out on a damp wooden platform to take in the waves and views from below. This hidden gem is a unique experience if you are in the area. But, make sure to mingle with the locals on the shore below and check out the free, smaller caves right there as well. Read More: One Day in San Diego Pedal Boat At Lake Murray By Martina from Stack Your Dollars One of the best and most relaxing things to do in sunny San Diego is to take a ride on the water at Lake Murray. On a hot day, getting on a pedal boat is a great way to get a nice breeze and cool off. You’ll also be putting those leg muscles to work and getting in some fun exercise! Lake Murray is a 171 acre reservoir with a 3.2 mile shoreline; it can be found on the border of San Diego, La Mesa, and Santee. To rent the pedal boat, you have to go into the concession stand by the parking lot. It costs about $15 to rent per hour, with an additional $15 for a deposit. The boat fits about 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children. This low-cost activity is a great way to get out and have fun. It allowed my family to stick to our very frugal budget. If you would prefer, there are also kayaks, canoes, row boats, and motor boats. However, the pedal boat is my favorite because it also has a canopy to block the sun! Whale Watch in Newport Beach By Rebecca from KwaFare One of the most thrilling outdoor experiences you can have in California is to get up close and personal with some of the largest animals on earth. Whale watching in Southern California can put you right in the migratory path of humpback, minke, fin and gray whales. Even orcas are spotted from time to time, as well as sperm whales and blue whales, the largest animal to have ever lived. An excellent spot for whale watching is Newport Beach, which is only about an hour from LAX airport or downtown Los Angeles. Newport Beach is a cozy community where you’ll find Balboa Pier and Island and some great beaches. My go to whale watching company here is Davey’s Locker. And for good reason. First, they regularly have sales for their whale watching tours on Groupon. So, for about the price of a movie ticket you can take a front row seat to these magnificent creatures for over a couple of hours. But what I really enjoy is hearing the excitement of the crew every time we get to see a whale out at sea. This testifies to just how electrifying it is to witness these deep sea giants in their natural habitat. Despite how many times they get to see them, every time it’s a thrill. And the thrill is definitely contagious. You just never know what you are going to see when you get out on the boat. However, if you want to up your chances of sighting whales go out during their migration times. In general, winter and spring are great times to see gray whales, humpback and minke whales. And summer and fall are ideal for blue whales, finbacks, orcas and sperm whales. So whether you find yourself in the middle of a pod of hundreds of dolphins or next to an enormous blue whale, this is one of those things to do in California that is not to be missed! Visit the Center of the World By Theresa from The Local Tourist Just inside the border in the southeast corner of the state, you can put your toes on the officially designated Center of the World. Felicity, California, is home to the Museum of History in Granite and the Center of the World and is a destination worth a visit that's a whole lot less kitschy than it sounds. In 1985, Jacques-André wrote a children’s book titled “Coe: The Good Dragon at the Center of the World.” Somehow, this Frenchman and Father of American Parachuting convinced the Imperial County Board of Supervisors and Institut Géographique National, the French Mapping Agency, that property he owned in Imperial County should be declared the Center of the World. You can visit this town, population two, and not only make a wish inside a pyramid but also browse granite tablets etched with history. They're designed to last 4,000 years and the goal is that they'll preserve the entirety of humanity for millennia to come. It's a quirky destination with a noble promise, and should definitely be on any southern California itinerary. ATV in the Imperial Sand Dunes By Kay from The Awkard Traveler It isn't general knowledge, but California has sand dunes. Some of the best California sand dunes are found in Southern California. Specifically, the Imperial Sand Dunes State Park right near the border of Mexico. Winter is arguable a better season to visit, especially when summer temperatures can easily reach over 110F. But that also means winter is the most busy time to visit. So, pick your poison. From San Diego, the drive is about 2.5hours, 2 hours from Palm Springs, and 3 hours from Los Angeles, making the Imperial Sand Dunes an easy day trip if you do not want to stay nearby. However, there are camping and RV options at the state park! To enter the park, permits are required from October 1 through April 15 each year. Permits are $35 per week in advance and $50 per week if purchased onsite. Season permits are $150. America the Beautiful National Park pass also counts for this park. Once you are all settled into the park, you're ready to ride! But before you get into your off-highway vehicle (whether it is ATV or a bike, or other), make sure to remember the basics. Wear a protective helmet, pay attention to "closed to vehicle signs," and tall visible red flags are REQUIRED on your vehicle for visibility and safety! There you have it! Tons and tons of ideas on things to do in California. Hope you find this article useful when planning your next getaway! More of California Los Angeles Ultimate Bucket List Weekend Getaways from Los Angeles Ultimate San Diego Bucket List 150+ Places to Go in Orange County Places to Visit in Santa Barbara What are your favorite things to do in California? Let me know in the comments section below. Pin “Things to Do in California” for later!, Pigeon Point LighthouseThings to Do in California: Golden State Best Fall Leave, How to spend fall in San DiegoHow to Spend Fall in San Diego: Things to do and Eat


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  1. Muza-chan says

    August 29, 2015 at 9:30 am

    Beautiful…

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