Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial
A national veterans memorial offering breathtaking 360-degree views of San Diego, with touching tributes to service members.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer views, cooler temps
Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial
Best Time
Clearer views, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A national veterans memorial offering breathtaking 360-degree views of San Diego, with touching tributes to service members.
"A hidden gem in San Diego! The 360-degree views from the top are simply stunning."
Free Entry & Parking
Enjoy the stunning views and memorial without any admission fee. Parking is plentiful and free! :car:
Dog-Friendly Spot
Bring your furry friends along to enjoy the scenic beauty. Leashed dogs are welcome! :dog:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
360-Degree Panoramic Views
Summit of Mount Soledad
Soak in breathtaking views of San Diego, the coastline, ocean, and mountains. A truly unforgettable sight.
The Cross Monument
Central area
An iconic cross stands tall, symbolizing remembrance and peace. A powerful focal point for visitors.
Veteran Plaques
Surrounding the cross
Read touching tributes and stories of individual veterans, honoring their service and sacrifice.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views
A Place for Reflection
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Entry & Parking
Enjoy the stunning views and memorial without any admission fee. Parking is plentiful and free! :car:
Dog-Friendly Spot
Bring your furry friends along to enjoy the scenic beauty. Leashed dogs are welcome! :dog:
Read the Plaques
Take time to read the individual veteran plaques; it's a deeply moving and informative experience. :memo:
Visit at Night
The memorial is breathtaking at night, offering a unique and peaceful ambiance. :crescent_moon:
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Entry & Parking
Enjoy the stunning views and memorial without any admission fee. Parking is plentiful and free! :car:
Dog-Friendly Spot
Bring your furry friends along to enjoy the scenic beauty. Leashed dogs are welcome! :dog:
Read the Plaques
Take time to read the individual veteran plaques; it's a deeply moving and informative experience. :memo:
Visit at Night
The memorial is breathtaking at night, offering a unique and peaceful ambiance. :crescent_moon:
Picnic Potential
Consider a picnic with a view! It's a great spot to relax and enjoy the scenery. :sandwich:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Mount Soledad for its breathtaking 360-degree views and its deeply moving tribute to veterans. Many highlight the peaceful atmosphere, making it ideal for reflection, and appreciate the free entry and ample parking. Some note that fog can obscure views, but the memorial's solemnity and beauty shine through regardless.
"Had been here on the Labor Day and it was beautiful and real tribute to the veterans. The area was completely covered by mist. The park opens at 7am so we went there by 7:30am. There is no fee and the park has ample parking spaces. It’s better to be here when early morning and late evening when it’s cool around. Cycling and joggers are allowed to this park."
Puneeth H R
"Beautiful grounds. Beautiful views. Beautiful memorial. We went at night and it was breathtaking! The heaviness of the lost lives is not lost in the beauty. Definitely said a few prayers up here!"
Trachelle Lucas
"A hidden gem in San Diego! The 360-degree views from the top are simply stunning—ocean, city, and mountains all in one frame. The Veterans Memorial is touching and well-maintained, adding depth to the visit. It’s quiet, peaceful, and perfect for reflection or just soaking in the beauty. Easily accessible by car. A must-visit spot—highly recommended."
Haresh Modi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mount Soledad is easily accessible by car and is a stop on San Diego's 59-Mile Scenic Drive. There is ample free parking available at the memorial. Many visitors find it convenient to drive directly to the summit.
While direct public transport to the very top might be limited, you can take buses to nearby La Jolla and then potentially use a rideshare service or enjoy a longer walk/hike up.
Yes, cycling and jogging are permitted in the park. Some visitors have enjoyed epic hikes to reach the memorial.
Absolutely! Leashed dogs are welcome at Mount Soledad, making it a great spot to visit with your pets. +1
For the clearest and most stunning panoramic views, visit on a clear, sunny day. Early mornings and late evenings offer cooler temperatures and a more peaceful atmosphere.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no fee to enter Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial. It's a free public park and memorial.
The park typically opens early in the morning, around 7 AM, and remains open until late evening. It's a great spot for both sunrise and sunset views.
No advance booking is required as there is no admission fee. You can visit anytime during operating hours.
Yes, many visitors enjoy the memorial at night for its unique ambiance and illuminated cross. It's considered breathtaking.
Even on foggy days, the memorial has a unique, serene atmosphere. While views might be obscured, the sense of peace and remembrance remains.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
It's a significant national memorial honoring veterans of all U.S. wars, featuring a large cross and numerous plaques detailing individual service stories. +1
You'll find stunning 360-degree views of San Diego, the Pacific Ocean, and surrounding landscapes, along with the iconic cross and detailed veteran plaques. +1
Absolutely! The panoramic views, the cross, and the memorial itself offer incredible photographic opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.
The prominent cross is a central symbol of the memorial, representing peace and remembrance for all who have served.
Yes, the memorial features numerous plaques dedicated to individual veterans, often with their photos, allowing visitors to learn about their service. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at the memorial. However, the nearby La Jolla area offers a wide variety of restaurants and cafes.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and have a picnic while enjoying the views. It's a popular spot for a scenic meal.
La Jolla, just a short drive away, has numerous highly-rated restaurants, from casual cafes to upscale dining.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer magical lighting for photography. Clear days provide the best panoramic shots, while evenings can offer a romantic glow. 
The panoramic viewpoints, the large cross, and the detailed veteran plaques are all highly photogenic. The coastline views are particularly stunning.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national memorials and parks to ensure the safety and tranquility of the site. It's best to check local regulations.
While specific photography tours might not be advertised, the memorial is a popular spot for photographers, and you'll often see people capturing its beauty.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details on the plaques or distant landmarks. A tripod is helpful for low-light conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as there are no concessions on-site, and consider a picnic to make the visit more enjoyable for younger ones. The free entry and ample parking make it an accessible outing for families.
🐶 Dog Owners
It's a great place for a leisurely walk with your dog, offering beautiful views as a backdrop. The open space allows them to stretch their legs while you take in the sights.
📸 Photographers & Sunset Chasers
+2Plan your visit around these times to capture the most dramatic lighting. The memorial's elevated position offers unobstructed views, making it a prime spot for capturing the San Diego skyline and coastline bathed in warm light.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of the Memorial: Honoring Veterans
As you walk through the memorial, you'll encounter hundreds of plaques, each telling a story of sacrifice, bravery, and dedication. Many visitors, especially those with military ties, find it a profound place for reflection and remembrance. The sheer volume of stories underscores the immense contribution of veterans to the nation's freedom.
+1Volunteers are often present to share information and stories, adding another layer of depth to the visit. It's a place that encourages empathy and understanding, serving as a constant reminder of the cost of freedom.
Capturing the Views: Photography at Mount Soledad
For the best photographic results, timing is key. Sunrises and sunsets paint the sky with vibrant colors, creating dramatic and romantic scenes.
+1 Clear days provide unparalleled visibility for capturing the vastness of the scenery. Even on misty or foggy mornings, the memorial can possess a unique, ethereal beauty, though the expansive views may be limited. Beyond the landscapes, the iconic cross monument and the detailed veteran plaques offer compelling subjects for closer shots. The interplay of light and shadow on these elements can create powerful and evocative images. Remember to be respectful of other visitors and the solemn nature of the memorial when taking photos.
+1A Peaceful Escape: Serenity and Reflection
Many describe the memorial as a 'hidden gem' in San Diego, offering a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Whether you're contemplating the stories of the veterans or simply soaking in the natural beauty, the memorial provides a space for quiet contemplation.
It's a popular spot for individuals seeking a moment of calm, couples looking for a romantic setting, or families wanting a peaceful outing. The combination of natural beauty and solemn remembrance creates a unique and restorative experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit