Cabrillo National Monument

Cabrillo National Monument is a national park San Diego located in United States.

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ratings
  • Phone

    (619) 222-4747

  • Website

    nps.gov/cabr

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    cabrillonps

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    CabrilloNPS

  • Type

    National Park

Address

1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr San Diego , CA 92106 United States

Credit Cards Yes

Comments / 79


Keywords:

scenic views trails hiking monuments coronado island wildlife tide pools quiet Bay lighthouses museums city park harbors military picnickers tourism jackets parking exhibits
HISTORY

This overlooks the spot where European explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo stepped ashore in 1542 naming the bay San Miguel ; explorer Sebastian Vizcaino changed the name to San Diego in 1602.

Rodrigo Badin

Even on a sunny day, temperatures here can be cool, so bring a jacket ; and pack a lunch -- the site has great picnicking spots but no food facilities. You should plan on a minimum of 90 minutes here.

David Ciani

Great views of San Diego and the Bay . On a clear day you can see the Coronado Islands . If your lucky you may even see a big Navy ship entering or leaving the harbor .

La Jolla Blue Book

To get the best view hike the Bayside Trail , a hilly two-mile trek that winds through the coastal chaparral zone. Get the park pamphlet describing the trail , plants, animals & birds common to the area Read more

Arthur Mitchell

The lighthouse is one of the iconic symbol of San Diego. The view is awesome. The monument includes old parts of Fort Rosecrans an Army installation built in 1898.

Sal

If you are going to come twice in a year, the annual pass is worthy! Amazing views of the bay . If you are lucky, you can see the whales. Check the tide schedule to come in low tide to the tide pools !

Dorothy Kucich Johnson

Everything here is wonderful! You could spend your whole day walking around, exploring & taking photos.

Sean Miller

Great views of the bay from here. Best part is your pass is good for almost a week.

Bradford Riley

Beautiful views of the ocean and city . Tide pools are a great place to interact with some wildlife .

Josh Wood

Amazing scenic views of San Diego bay . A submarine came into base while we were here.

Nikki Vongnavanh

You can see San Diego here. The perfect view to take photos and watch. Love the whole scenery and place.

Hamad AlHosani ????????????????

Very nice view , worth it

Monica Bali

Best $5 you will ever spend. Tide pools , lighthouse , hiking , beautiful views & a lot of history.

Keith Kaplan

The 2 mile hike is worth it and has beautiful views of San Diego !

billy o

Great trails , best views of San Diego, the bay , Coronado, and Mexico!

Alfred Avila

Such a lovely view of the coastline and city !!! The tide pools are always fun too!

Allison Madwatkins

Drive to the next parking lot passed the tidal pools for a really beautiful spot where you can sit on the cliffs over the water

Michael Anderson

Walk out past the old lighthouse to the scenic viewpoints where you can see lots of ships and (if you're lucky) whales

San Diego Reader

Take the Bayside Trail for views that stretch into Mexico and out to the Cuyamaca Mountains , plus up-close viewing of pit-stopping migratory birds. Read more

DeeAnne Snyder

San Diego's only National Park , a few short minutes from downtown San Diego. Fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean, San Diego, all the way to Mexico, a historic Light House,fun tide pools , and great hi

Randy Brown

Some awesome views on a clear day - so put your iPhone 4s or 5 in panoramic mode and have fun.

Scott R.

Don't miss the military wartime defenses exhibit next to the first parking area you come to after entering the monument . Well done.

Softub

Trails , unspoiled beaches , and museums makes it a perfect Sunday outing. The ocean view alone is worth the trip.

Richard Revilla

Take the drive up to the point. Great view of Mission Bay . Look to your right and you can see Mexico.

eric bornemann

Stunning and beautiful location over the bay .

Faisal Bin Abdullah

Awesome park with stunning view & hiking trails

WhiteDino .Com

Fee is worth the view ! Amazing views and great breeze! #whitedino

Kat Ferrise

Has a gorgeous view of the harbor , downtown, and Coronado Island . BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE TIDE POOLS. That's the best part.

Alfa

Wear warm clothes , it's always windy here. Always.

Darla Mills

A must see when in San Diego. Stop by the tide pools .

Kathryn G

You can rent a pair of binoculars for free from the information center. Just leave your drivers license with them.

La Jolla Blue Book

Visit the tidepools during low tide and hike up to the lighthouse turned monument . Best $5 you will ever spend!

Annullo

Join Moment Cycle Sport Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 6:30am for a ride out to Cabrillo! All levels are welcome.

Chad Hembree

Great views and lots of info.

Paul Smith

Check out the tide pools . Views are amazing!

Leeanne

If you have guests visiting from out of town , take them here. Stunning views , lots of history.

Dave Erickson

The cityscape view in the evening is unparalleled!

Stefano Lassini

A wonderful oasis of peace just across from San Diego harbor . A trip to the tide pools is a must!

Miriam Goldman

Literally awesome. Awe-inspiring.

Emilio C

Awesome view of San Diego from here.

Jon Darveau

Watch for whales in the distance during winter-spring

Bryan Leniski

Great views . Easy hikes

Pelin Güvenç Kefel

Great view of the city and Coronado island

Alex W

Breathtaking views of the bay , downtown SD and sunset cliffs

Dan Duckwitz

If you do one thing in San Diego, come here, closes at 5pm

uoǝן Wong

Make sure you get to the tide pools before 3 to be safe. The sign says 4:30, but the Rangers can be very unfriendly and close the gate early.

Justin Shoemaker

Great views ! Definite must see.

Jeanne DeBuys

My Happy Place!!! Bayside Trail is beautiful!!!

Hollie Sick

Gorgeous park and hidden gem

Donna Urban

Very beautiful and interesting

Similar places nearby :

9.3
Lighthouse
Old Point Loma Lighthouse

Great visit, certainly worth the time to drive out, & check it out. Good history, explore the life of the light keeper. GREAT views. - Brad Hager

8.5
Preserve
Cabrillo Tidepools

My favorite spot in SD! Magnificent view . Great for hikes although it gets crowded throughout the weekend. - Azin

8.4
Tourist Information
Cabrillo Monument Visitor Center

Great place for inexpensive souvenirs - Hollie Sick

8.9
Park
Crown Point

Large, wide beach with nice sand. Great place to put in for a paddle board session around Vacation Island. - Kelley Gage ????????????☉

9.6
Park
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

Breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Dog friendly. Perfect for a date. Sunsets here are amazing. Free parking around the houses. - Marilina Gustafson

8.8
Park
Kate O Sessions Memorial Park

Nice open area with trails nearby. Great views of San Diego. - llonyort .

7.4
Monument
Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo Statue

A little history about the Spanish and Portuguese explorers who discovered the area. - Bradford Riley