Cabrillo National Monument
Historic lighthouse & monument with breathtaking San Diego and ocean views. Explore tide pools and learn local history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance for tide pool viewing
Cabrillo National Monument
Best Time
Best chance for tide pool viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic lighthouse & monument with breathtaking San Diego and ocean views. Explore tide pools and learn local history.
"Absolutely stunning views of San Diego, the harbor and even Mexico. "
Check Tide Charts First! :ocean:
Crucial for tide pool viewing. Summer low tides can be too early or late for park hours.
America the Beautiful Pass :passport_control:
If you have it, entry is free! Otherwise, expect a $20 fee per vehicle.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Old Point Loma Lighthouse
Summit of Point Loma
Iconic 1855 lighthouse offering panoramic views of San Diego and the Pacific.
Tide Pools
Western shoreline
Explore diverse marine life in rocky pools during low tide. Check schedules carefully!
San Diego Harbor Overlook
Near Visitor Center
Stunning vistas of the city skyline, Coronado Bridge, and naval activity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Tide Pools
Getting There Without a Car
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tide Charts First! :ocean:
Crucial for tide pool viewing. Summer low tides can be too early or late for park hours.
America the Beautiful Pass :passport_control:
If you have it, entry is free! Otherwise, expect a $20 fee per vehicle.
Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:
Trails and rocky areas require good footwear. It can get hot, so be prepared.
Military ID = Free Entry :military_medal:
Active duty and retired military personnel often get free admission.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tide Charts First! :ocean:
Crucial for tide pool viewing. Summer low tides can be too early or late for park hours.
America the Beautiful Pass :passport_control:
If you have it, entry is free! Otherwise, expect a $20 fee per vehicle.
Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:
Trails and rocky areas require good footwear. It can get hot, so be prepared.
Military ID = Free Entry :military_medal:
Active duty and retired military personnel often get free admission.
Bring Water & Sunscreen :droplet:☀️
The sun can be intense, especially on the trails and near the coast. Stay hydrated!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Cabrillo National Monument for its absolutely stunning views of San Diego, the harbor, and even Mexico. The historic lighthouse and educational exhibits are also highly appreciated. However, some find the tide pool viewing challenging due to specific low tide timings, especially during summer, and note the entrance fee.
"This is a lovely national park. There are some excellent trails. One gives a good view of the San Diego harbour. The other takes you to the tidal pools and gives you a good view of the Pacific Ocean. It's worth hiking both of them, though it can get hot.
The Visitor Centre has a good educational exhibit about the Spanish arrival in the area. There is also a separate building that tells some of the military history of the area (there are several military bases in the area). Both were very informative.
All things considered, I really enjoyed my trip here."
Harry Bradley
"Absolutely stunning views of San Diego, the harbor and even Mexico. Watched jets take off. Friendly park rangers too. Unfortunately, during summer, the only times the tidal pool has a low enough tide is the extremely early low tide (4:30 am on this Aug day) and the park is closed at that time. The midday low tide was covering the tide pool by a few inches. If we came in October, we would definitely be able to see at midday. From La Jolla it was a 45 minute drive (11miles)and we paid $20 to get in."
Amy Kline
"Great location to soak in the pacific views and ocean breeze. You will need to go through a military installation to get here. Park rangers were super friendly and helpful. The ticket to get in is valid for 7 days. Walk in with a bike was $10."
Ali Kefeli
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
While ride-sharing services like Uber are an option, the park is quite spread out. The website discourages walking between the lighthouse and tide pools due to the main road. Consider checking for any available park shuttles or be prepared for extensive walking if you don't have a vehicle.
Public transport options directly to the monument are limited. It's best to check current local bus routes or rely on ride-sharing services for convenient access.
Yes, you will need to pass through a military installation to reach the monument. Park rangers are typically present and helpful during this process.
From downtown San Diego, take I-5 South to exit 2A for CA-209 S/Rosecrans St. Continue on CA-209 S, which becomes Cabrillo Memorial Drive, leading you into the monument.
Yes, ample parking is available at various points within the monument, including near the Visitor Center, lighthouse, and tide pool areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is typically $20 per vehicle and is valid for 7 days. However, if you have an America the Beautiful Pass or a military ID, entry is often free.
Yes, walking or biking into the monument is possible. The fee for walk-ins or cyclists is usually around $10.
The park is generally open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but specific areas like the lighthouse may have different hours. Always check the official NPS website for the most up-to-date information.
Advance booking is generally not required for individual visitors. You can pay the entrance fee upon arrival. However, for special events or group tours, it's advisable to check.
Yes, the America the Beautiful Pass is accepted and grants free entry to Cabrillo National Monument for the pass holder and their vehicle occupants.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic Old Point Loma Lighthouse, visit the tide pools (check tide charts!), enjoy stunning views from overlooks, and learn about local history at the Visitor Center and military exhibit.
Yes, there are several excellent trails, including one offering great views of the San Diego harbor and another leading to the tide pools with ocean views. Be aware that it can get hot.
The best time is during a low tide. It's crucial to check the tide charts beforehand, as summer low tides can occur very early or late, potentially outside park hours. October is often recommended for better midday tide pool access.
While not guaranteed, you might be able to hear and see sea lions from the cliffs below the monument, especially near the tide pool areas.
The Visitor Center and lighthouse area are generally accessible. Some trails and the tide pool areas may be uneven or rocky, so accessibility can vary. Check with the park for specific details.
📸 📸 Photography
The Old Point Loma Lighthouse provides a classic subject. The San Diego Harbor Overlook offers stunning cityscapes, especially during golden hour. The coastline near the tide pools also presents dramatic ocean views.
Early morning and late afternoon (golden hour) offer the best light for landscape and scenic photography, minimizing harsh midday sun and creating beautiful colors.
While you can see military bases from the monument, be mindful of any restrictions regarding photography of active military installations. It's best to focus on the natural and historical aspects of the monument.
Generally, drone usage is restricted in National Parks and Monuments to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check the official NPS guidelines for current drone regulations.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views and lighthouse. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting distant ships or wildlife. A polarizing filter can enhance ocean and sky colors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Tide Pools
When you do visit during low tide, you can expect to see a variety of fascinating sea creatures, including sea anemones, sea stars, crabs, and small fish clinging to the rocks. Remember to tread carefully to avoid disturbing the delicate environment and wear appropriate footwear, as the rocks can be slippery and sharp.
A Glimpse into History
Beyond maritime history, the monument also preserves the military history of the area. A separate building showcases exhibits related to the various military installations that have occupied Point Loma over the years. This dual focus provides a comprehensive understanding of the strategic importance of this location throughout different eras.
Capturing the Views
For those interested in capturing the vastness of the Pacific, the coastline near the tide pools offers dramatic ocean vistas. You might even be lucky enough to spot sea lions basking on the rocks below.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit