Explore Cabrillo National Monument

Cabrillo National Monument
4.8
4 Reviews
Explore Cabrillo National Monument
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Cabrillo National Monument is a gorgeous stretch of oceanside land in the greater San Diego area, with fun for all ages and skill levels: hiking, tide pooling, exploring the lighthouse, whale watching, and learning about military history.

Cabrillo National Monument is named after Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European explorer to reach America's Wet Coast. There are many knowledgable rangers in the park who are eager to share interesting historical facts. 

Activities in the park include hiking: the Bayside Trail offers 2 miles of gorgeous coastal trail with views of San Diego, and the Coastal Tide Pool Trail provides incredible ocean views and leads to tide pools. At the tide pools, you will see anemones, mussels, seaweed, limpets, octopi, and periwinkle snails. You can visit the Old Point Loma Lighthouse or learn military history in the historic radio station building. Wildlife enthusiasts can watch the annual migration of the Pacific Gray Whale from December through February. The best spot for whale viewing is at the Whale Overlook on the Bayside Trail. You might also see dolphins, sea lions, and seals. 

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
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Ashley N
10/21/2025
The tidepools are so great. If you time it correctly, you can walk down pretty far at low tide. The visitor center is also ...
Well Maintained
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Kristen Lindgren
12/28/2024
Well Maintained
Amazing Views
Great Conditions
Well Marked
Easy To Park
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Lucas Bremer
Club
6/18/2020
An awesome view in San Diego
The views from the lighthouse are awesome. The lighthouse itself is almost like a work of art.
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Junior Martin
1/2/2018
A Little Bite Of Fun.
A fun little hike, great views. Expect to spend about 2-3 hours.
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