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Point Loma & Cabrillo Monument

Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego, California

Description

The Cabrillo National Monument commemorates the landing of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo at San Diego Bay in 1542, the first European expedition setting foot on the US West Coast. There is a visitor center documenting the landing and expedition, two lighthouses and former military installations. The Old Point Loma Lighthouse is one of the city's landmarks and was operated from 1855 to 1891 when the active light was moved to the New Lighthouse, a little lower down the hill, because fog and low clouds often obscured the light (129m above sea level). Besides the Cabrillo area, Point Loma peninsula hosts two major military bases, a national cemetery, a university, residential and commercial areas.

Access & Transport

The national monument is at the end of Cabrillo Memorial Dr, at the southern tip of Point Loma Peninsula. Bus 84 goes there. Directions: https://www.nps.gov/cabr/planyourvisit/directionstocabr.htm Accessibility info: https://www.nps.gov/cabr/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm

Instructions & Recommendations

During the summer, there are extended opening hours until sunset on Fri-Sun.

Meta review

The park is popular with no significant negative online reviews. Visitors enjoy both the excellent views (best in the city according to many), extending to Tijuana on clear days, and the SoCal history attached to this location. The lighthouse and tidal pools are also interesting to check out.

Environmental & Social

Mostly a green activity + helps preserve the historical heritage of the city

Conclusion

The Cabrillo National Monument combines an enjoyable natural setting and a special place in California's history enhanced with other points of interests such as the military bases, the tidepools and the lighthouses. Recommended for those keen to discover and understand San Diego.

Key positive

Historical & educational elements

Good for walks and great views

Key negative

None

Suitability

Partially accessible for visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in July 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
The Bayside Trail closes at 16h and the tidepools close at 16h30.

av. transport time:0h 30m

est. visit time:1h 30m

Regulated hours

Monday09:00 - 17:00

Tuesday09:00 - 17:00

Wednesday09:00 - 17:00

Thursday09:00 - 17:00

Friday09:00 - 17:00

Saturday09:00 - 17:00

Sunday09:00 - 17:00

Pricing
Admission to Cabrillo National Monument includes both the Tidepools and Lighthouse/Statue areas

Max number of travellers:

Min. Child age:3

Max. child age:15

Traveller #
Adult
Child
1
US$20
US$20
2+
US$0
US$NaN
$10 per person on foot/bicycle, $15 for motorbike and $20 per car

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