Cabrillo National Monument

Cabrillo National Monument is located in southern California, on the Point Loma Peninsula in San Diego. The park is known for its stunning coastal views and rich historical significance. It was established in 1913, making it one of the oldest national monuments in the United States.

The monument commemorates the landing of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, a Portuguese explorer, who became the first European to set foot on the West Coast of the United States in 1542. The park features a statue of Cabrillo that stands tall, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can learn about Cabrillo's expedition and its impact on the region through informative exhibits and displays at the Visitor Center.

One of the main attractions within the monument is the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, built in 1854. It offers a glimpse into the maritime history of the area and provides panoramic views of the coastline. Additionally, the Bayside Trail takes visitors on a scenic walk through coastal sage scrub and offers a chance to see local wildlife.

Cabrillo National Monument is also popular for whale watching, as it provides a prime vantage point during the annual migration of gray whales between December and February. The monument's coastal cliffs and tide pools are home to diverse marine life, making it a great spot for exploring and learning about the ocean ecosystem.

Nearby attractions include the pristine beaches of Coronado Island, known for their beautiful sandy shores and vibrant beach community. The lively downtown area of San Diego, with its array of restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions, is also within reach. Visitors can explore the famous San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, or take a harbor cruise to further enhance their stay in the region.

With its unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, Cabrillo National Monument offers visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich heritage and stunning landscapes of southern California.

Cabrillo National Monument is located on the southernmost tip of the Point Loma Peninsula, a prominent land formation in San Diego, California. Situated within the Cabrillo National Park, the monument overlooks the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline, downtown San Diego, and even the distant mountains. Nestled amidst rugged cliffs and rocky shores, this historical landmark takes advantage of its strategic geographical position to serve as a gateway to the immense natural beauty of the California coast. The location's unique blend of coastal beauty and historical significance make it a popular destination for visitors seeking both natural exploration and cultural enrichment.

Address & Contact

1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive
San Diego, CA 92106
Driving Directions
Phone: 6195234285
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Cabrillo National Monument would be during the months of June, July, and August. These months have the highest average maximum temperatures, ranging from 71°F to 77°F. They also have the least amount of monthly precipitation, with an average of 0.1 inches. These favorable weather conditions allow for enjoyable outdoor activities. Additionally, visiting during this time helps avoid the large crowds that are typically present in September and October.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Cabrillo National Monument are: Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs Biking Road Biking Hiking Living History Reenactments Historic Weapons Demonstration First Person Interpretation

Topics

Learn about these topics at Cabrillo National Monument: Animals Birds Explorers and Expeditions Military Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite Scenic Views Monuments and Memorials Maritime Maritime - Military Oceans Ships and Shipwrecks National Cemetery Coastal Defenses Lighthouses Whales

Visitor Centers

Visitor Center and View Building

The Visitor Center at Cabrillo National Monument is the perfect place to get oriented to the park. Rangers and volunteers are always available to answer questions and provide suggestions on what to do. Here you can: • Find the day’s schedule of auditorium programs and ranger talks • Get your National Parks Passport book stamped • Chat with a ranger • Pick up a Junior Ranger activity for kids • Find out when low tide is • Visit the park store • Many other things!

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Visitor Center and View Building.

Campsites within or near Cabrillo National Monument

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Cabrillo National Monument

Kona Kai Resort & Spa, A Noble House Resort

Located in San Diego (Point Loma), Kona Kai Resort & Spa, A Noble House Resort is within a 15-minute drive of Sunset Cliffs Natural Park and USS Midway Museum. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in San Diego? This hotel has facilities measuring 56000 square feet (5203 square meters), including a conference center. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 1551 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, California 92106
Web: Link

Sea Harbor Hotel

With a stay at Sea Harbor Hotel in San Diego (Point Loma), you'll be within a 15-minute walk of San Diego Bay and Shelter Island. Featured amenities include express check-out, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1325 Scott St, San Diego, California 92106
Web: Link

Humphreys Half Moon Inn

With a stay at Humphreys Half Moon Inn in San Diego (Point Loma), you'll be steps from San Diego Bay and Shelter Island. Featured amenities include a business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 2303 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, California 92106
Web: Link

Bay Club Hotel & Marina

Located in San Diego (Point Loma), Bay Club Hotel & Marina is within a 10-minute drive of USS Midway Museum and Balboa Park. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour business center, and express check-out. Planning an event in San Diego? This hotel has facilities measuring 950 square feet (88 square meters), including conference space. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 2131 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, California 92106
Web: Link

Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina

With a stay at Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina in San Diego (Point Loma), you'll be steps from San Diego Bay and Shelter Island. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in San Diego? This hotel has facilities measuring 6500 square feet (604 square meters), including conference space. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 2051 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, California 92106
Web: Link

Cherokee Lodge

When you stay at Cherokee Lodge in Coronado, you'll be by the ocean, within a 5-minute drive of Coronado Beach and San Diego Coronado Bridge. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a computer station, and express check-out. Limited parking is available onsite.
Address: 964 D Avenue, Coronado, California 92118
Web: Link

Sunrise Inn San Diego

A stay at Sunrise Inn San Diego places you in the heart of San Diego, a 2-minute drive from Point Loma Nazarene University and 7 minutes from Cabrillo National Monument. Featured amenities include express check-in, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1150 Rosecrans St, San Diego, California 92106
Web: Link

Hotel Marisol Coronado

A stay at Hotel Marisol Coronado places you in the heart of Coronado, within a 5-minute drive of Coronado Beach and San Diego Coronado Bridge. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, and an elevator.
Address: 1017 Park Place, Coronado, California 92118
Web: Link

Upscale 3 BR in Point Loma by Domio

Located in San Diego (Point Loma), Upscale 3 BR in Point Loma by Domio is within a 5-minute drive of San Diego Bay and Point Loma Nazarene University. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 339 San Elijo Street, San Diego, California 92106
Web: Link

Frida by AvantStay - Sleeps 16! Prvt Estate w/ Tennis Ct & Min

With a stay at this vacation home in San Diego (Point Loma), you'll be a 2-minute drive from San Diego Bay and 5 minutes from Point Loma Nazarene University. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 408 La Crescentia Drive, San Diego, California 92106
Web: Link