Old Point Loma Lighthouse
Historic lighthouse with stunning 360° views of the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay, plus fascinating tide pools.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for tide pool exploration
Old Point Loma Lighthouse
Best Time
Best for tide pool exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic lighthouse with stunning 360° views of the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay, plus fascinating tide pools.
"Breathtaking 360 view, lots of history, and trails - a must-visit San Diego getaway!"
Pack Water & Snacks 💧
Bring plenty of water and snacks; vending machines are available at the visitor center.
Check Tide Charts 🌊
Crucial for tide pool visits! Plan your trip around low tide to see marine life.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Old Point Loma Lighthouse
Cabrillo National Monument
Iconic West Coast lighthouse offering a glimpse into maritime history and panoramic ocean views.
Panoramic San Diego Views
Cabrillo National Monument Overlooks
Breathtaking 360-degree vistas of the Pacific Ocean, San Diego Bay, and the city skyline.
Tide Pools Exploration
Cabrillo National Monument Tide Pools
Discover fascinating marine life in natural tide pools during low tide.
Veterans Cemetery
Cabrillo National Monument
A peaceful memorial with stunning ocean views, offering a moment of reflection.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views & Tides
Getting There & Park Entry
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack Water & Snacks 💧
Bring plenty of water and snacks; vending machines are available at the visitor center.
Check Tide Charts 🌊
Crucial for tide pool visits! Plan your trip around low tide to see marine life.
Wear Comfortable Shoes 👟
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring trails.
Bring a Jacket 🌬️
It can get windy at the top, even on sunny days.
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack Water & Snacks 💧
Bring plenty of water and snacks; vending machines are available at the visitor center.
Check Tide Charts 🌊
Crucial for tide pool visits! Plan your trip around low tide to see marine life.
Wear Comfortable Shoes 👟
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring trails.
Bring a Jacket 🌬️
It can get windy at the top, even on sunny days.
National Park Pass? 💳
If you have one, it grants free entrance to the monument.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking 360-degree views of the Pacific Ocean and San Diego skyline, along with the historical significance of the Old Point Loma Lighthouse. The opportunity to explore tide pools during low tide is a major highlight, though some note the need to plan around tidal schedules. The park is generally well-maintained and offers a peaceful escape.
"Cabrillo has such a breathtaking 360 view and has lots of history and trails. Unfortunately we missed the low tide to enjoy the tide pools but we will be going back.
Take plenty of water and snacks with you, at the visitor center there are vending machines and clean restrooms. At the tide pools there are restrooms available.
The veterans cemetery was huge and very peaceful to drive and walk through with a fantastic view of the ocean. If you go make sure you go during low tide to enjoy the tide pools."
Julie S
"Cabrillo National Monument: A Great San Diego Getaway
Cabrillo National Monument is a great getaway in San Diego. If you have a National Park membership card, it will grant you free entrance. The drive up is very scenic, and when you arrive, the view doesn't disappoint. It can be windy, so bring a jacket. The old point is well maintained and looks just like a postcard. You can see the lighthouse lamps and some of the remaining rooms of the building. You'll get to see the Pacific Ocean on your left and San Diego on your right."
Daniel
"The Old Point Loma Lighthouse sits atop the highest point of the Point Loma Penisula which is hundred of feet above the ocean. Therefore, the lighthouse is not itself very high. It is in very good condition. Inside, the rooms are each little pieces of its history. Of course, the view of the Pacific and Sand Diego are stunning. It's really worth a visit."
Lawrence Miller
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Old Point Loma Lighthouse is located within Cabrillo National Monument. Driving is the most convenient way, but Uber/Lyft are also options. The park is accessible via Catalina Boulevard.
While you can reach the monument via Uber, the park itself is quite spread out. Walking between attractions like the lighthouse and tide pools is discouraged due to the main road. A car or planning your transport within the park is recommended.
There is ample parking available at the lighthouse and throughout Cabrillo National Monument. Parking is generally included with park admission.
Public transportation options to the immediate vicinity of Cabrillo National Monument are limited. It's best to rely on ride-sharing services or a personal vehicle for easier access.
Yes, there is an entrance fee per vehicle, unless you have a National Park Pass, which grants free admission.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Old Point Loma Lighthouse is typically open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, but it's always best to check the official Cabrillo National Monument website for the most current hours and any potential closures.
You need to pay the entrance fee for Cabrillo National Monument to access the lighthouse. Tickets can be purchased at the park entrance station.
While you can't buy specific lighthouse tickets online, you can purchase your Cabrillo National Monument entrance pass in advance through the National Park Service website to save time.
Yes, if you have a valid National Park Pass, you get free entry. There may also be discounts for seniors or military personnel; check the NPS website for details.
To fully explore the lighthouse, exhibits, and enjoy the views, plan for at least 1-2 hours. Many visitors spend 3-4 hours exploring the entire monument.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Besides the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, you can explore the tide pools (during low tide), enjoy stunning panoramic views, visit the Veterans Cemetery, and learn about the area's history at various exhibits and a small museum.
The tide pools are best explored during low tide. Check the tide charts for Cabrillo National Monument before your visit to ensure you can see the marine life.
Yes, restrooms are available at the visitor center and near the tide pools.
The grounds around the lighthouse are generally accessible, but the interior of the lighthouse has stairs and may not be fully accessible. Check with the park for specific accessibility information.
Besides marine life in the tide pools, you might spot various seabirds, and during migration seasons, whales can sometimes be seen offshore.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants directly at the lighthouse. However, vending machines with snacks and drinks are available at the visitor center.
Yes, visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks. There are picnic areas available within the monument.
The nearest dining options are in the Point Loma neighborhood or downtown San Diego, a short drive from the monument.
Yes, there are designated picnic areas with tables available for visitors to enjoy their meals with a view.
The visitor center typically has vending machines offering snacks, chips, and beverages.
📸 📸 Photography
The lighthouse itself, the panoramic views of the ocean and city, and the tide pools (during low tide) offer fantastic photo opportunities. The surrounding landscape also provides beautiful backdrops.
Photography is generally allowed inside the lighthouse, but be mindful of any posted restrictions and avoid using flash in sensitive areas.
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography. However, the panoramic views are stunning throughout the day, especially on clear afternoons.
Drone usage is typically restricted in National Parks and Monuments for safety and privacy reasons. Check the official Cabrillo National Monument website for current drone regulations.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views and the lighthouse. A macro lens can be useful for tide pool photography. A tripod can help with low-light shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, as dining options are limited to vending machines. The panoramic views are also a great way to engage kids, pointing out ships in the bay or planes from the nearby naval base. The visitor center has exhibits that can be interesting for younger minds, and the overall space is great for a picnic.
🚶♀️ Walkers & Hikers
Be aware that the park discourages walking between the lighthouse and the tide pools along the main road due to traffic. If you plan to visit the tide pools, consider driving down or utilizing designated access points. The elevation changes can make for a good workout, and comfortable walking shoes are a must.
📸 Photographers
For nature photographers, the tide pools at low tide present a unique opportunity to capture intricate marine life. Remember to bring a wide-angle lens for the expansive views and potentially a macro lens for close-ups in the tide pools. Be mindful of the wind, which can affect tripod stability.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
History of the Old Point Loma Lighthouse
Inside, visitors can explore rooms that have been restored to reflect their historical appearance, complete with period furnishings and exhibits. These displays detail the daily routines, challenges, and the importance of the lighthouse in maritime history. The Cabrillo National Monument preserves not only the lighthouse but also its associated keeper's quarters, which now house interactive exhibits detailing the area's rich history, from indigenous peoples to Spanish colonization and World War II.
While the original lens is now on display at the visitor center, the tower still offers a commanding perspective. The lighthouse's operational period ended in 1909 when a new lighthouse was constructed further down the coast, but its historical significance and picturesque setting ensure its enduring appeal as a key attraction within the monument.
Exploring Cabrillo National Monument
A significant natural attraction is the tide pools, located at the base of the cliffs. These rocky pools teem with marine life, including sea anemones, starfish, crabs, and small fish. Visiting during low tide is essential to fully experience this ecosystem. The park strongly discourages walking between the lighthouse and the tide pools via the main road, suggesting a drive or specific access points.
Beyond the lighthouse and tide pools, the monument offers various trails and interpretive programs. The visitor center provides valuable information, exhibits on local history and ecology, and restrooms. It's a place where history, nature, and breathtaking scenery converge, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring San Diego.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit