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Comments (199)
We really enjoy this park and the trails it has to offer. For something so close to the city its really convenient! Great views on either the Bayside trail or the coastal trail. Sometimes the tidepool parking is full, so I would advise getting there early if thats your plan.
This park is absolutely gorgeous. Whether youre checking out the view of the bay, or whale watching on the ocean side, you will always be blown away. I thought the lighthouse and museum areas were all really well put together and interesting, too. I would recommend watching for when low tide comes around and going to the tide pools, especially if you have little kids. I felt my own childhood sense of wonder spark watching hermit crabs skuttle around! Definitely get there early-- parking lots fill up quick.
Tide pools are amazing, bit wear water shoes or sandals, very slippery. The hike by the ocean is gorgeous. The lighthouse and the barracks have well documented historical facts and the view of San Diego is breath taking:)
I visited the place while my stay in SD. The ocean and the view is magnificent. You can spend the entire day just by soaking the sunlight and taking ocean breeze. There is a historical point to this monument. The story and the significance is written for the history enthusiast people. Parking can be an issue. Overall must visit if you are around.
Free for military and dependent. Took my kids down to the tidepools and boy those tiny stairs are killer but the view was gorgeous. Sadly we didnt see any whales migrating today. Will hike to the lighthouse next time.
Cabrillo is always a beautiful place to visit in San Diego. On a clear day you can whale watch from the trail facing the ocean. Binoculars help. On this day it was a bit crowded and windy. Luckily we had our National Parks Pass, so we bypassed the line. We had hoped to take the trail hike, but it wasnt the best condition, so another day. From our vantage we could see Coronado Beach, the Del, the air base, and many sail ships. This is a great place to take the family. San Diego airport is only a short distance away.
Had an absolutely beautiful day here. The weather was perfect and the views were amazing. If you ever have an opportunity to come to this national monument, I highly suggest that you do. Informative and an enjoyable day
It was a dreary day, but still beautiful! Theres a nice museum and gift shop at the visitor centre. The Old Point Loma Lighthouse is within walking distance and makes me understand why people would visit on the weekends just for a picnic. Normally, the life of a lighthouse caretaker is quite lonely; however, this one looks enticing! We drove down to the tide pools. We were advised that it was not the best time of the year for viewing the pools. But, it was still beautiful enough for so many pictures!
One of the most breath-taking sceneries you can experience in the SD area.Parking+Entry costs $20 (per vehicle) for a span of 7 days (unlimited entry) and a discount is available for veterans or active individuals in the military.The Cabrillo National Monument is simply astonishing. Surrounded by beautiful pathways and nature, this location offers you a piece of history with a beautiful view over the Pacific Ocean. Hiking is incredible here with plenty of seating benches to rest occasionally.Point Loma Lighthouse just adds to the overall scenery. A must-visit.
The best views of San Diego. Spot some whales and dolphins. Check out the tide pools. Learn about the history of San Diego. Have a picnic or just hike the trails. Dogs are allowed down below on the trails but not in the tide pool areas. Ando no dogs up in the museum area. But still a good place to walk the dog, but don’t bring them if you want to go down into the tide pools or up top by the visitor center. The naval cemetery on the way to the memorial is a humbling sight and there is a ton of history around the base.
My co-worker and I went to check this out. He is a veteran so we had a free pass. I think this place is beautiful with great view of San Diego and the ocean. Youll find Navy choppers frequently pass by.
Super cool area. Great tourist attraction.They take card and cash. If you have a park pass bring it for free entry.Tons of parking. Great beach views along the coast.The lighthouse is really cool
I didnt have time to see everything, but i did get to read some of the history in locations. Visited one of the Coastal Defense base-end stations, and the old radio station building that houses the They Stood the Watch exhibit that tells the story of the military that defended the state during WWI and WWII. It had great views and great story of our history. I will be gpong back to see the rest of what Cabrillo National Monument has to teach me.
It was a new beginning for us!! As soon as we moved to San Diego we visited this place!! Amazing views of the city, ocean, coast, Coronado Island and more. There are many short trails around the National monument. It was a perfect and peaceful visit!!
This is one of our tourist stops for any friends who come to visit us in San Diego. Its an iconic place with grand photo ops (scenic San Diego in the distance), a little bit of history in a tiny museum, and the natural tidepools, As you approach, you see the fields of gravestones of veterans who made it their purpose to keep America a free democracy. If you have a spare hour or two, its the perfect place to catch sunset. Note: If you are a veteran or disabled person, ask the person at the guard booth to issue you a National Parks Access card which you can use at any of the national parks in the U.S. and save some $$ on parking and entry fees. Be sure to have an ID to prove your status.
Cabrillo is such a special place in San Diego. The views of the harbor and city and unmatched as far as expanse. The historical exhibits and halls are all worth a visit. Parking is very ample and restrooms are available. As of this review in Jan 2022, there are restrictions on how many guests can be in the souvenir store at once.
Great place to spend half a day and bring the kids to explore. We got there around 9:30. The park opens up at 9: 00am it was still super foggy, but that cloud cover went by 11:00am. Definitely wear comfortable shoes. Theres lots of walking paths and trails and different things to discover. The entrance fee is $20 but we decided to get the $35 yearly pass and Im grateful we did because we didnt get to experience everything we wanted to experience.
Beautiful vista, wow! Watched a Navy air raft carrier come in after 8mo deployment and the Blue Angels did a flyover! Lighthouse and museum on grounds as well as gift shop, restrooms.
This was a really beautiful place! If you want to have endless views of the ocean, a place to hike, a lighthouse, sailboats, and potential whale sightings… this is for you! My only complaint would be that it is difficult to navigate without a vehicle. We were fortunate to have met a friend that took us. If your able to go though I highly recommend!
Cool place for views of Coronado island and to learn about some of the military activities around the San Diego area. Some easy hikes around the area to see and learn about the Pacific Ocean.
The best view of San Diego you could ask for. Great little museums to check out and the sights are to die for. Theres also a little trail thats got some hidden military sites to check out but bring good shoes because the trail down is pretty steep and you dont want to trip.
One of the most beautiful and scenic places I have been to in Southern California. Tons of walk paths to explore and I recommend going a little earlier to beat the crowds.
Rode our bikes from Harbor Island to Cabrillo. Beautiful 9 miles in. User our senior national parks pass to get in. Beautiful vistas of North Island Coronado and downtown San Diego. Of course, the weather was perfect. Visited the tide pools even though low tide was 3 hours earlier. Still a great ride to the tide. A quick ride back to Harbor Island with a lunch stop at the Point Loma Fish Shop for their fish and chips (awesome 5 stars).
This national monument overlooks the Pacific ocean and San Diego bay. Theres a visitor center, small visual museum, a lighthouse that can be entered with displays and examples of lighthouse glasses, a one mile (each way) paved trail, historical military watch posts, and lots of lookout points. If youre there at the right time, the tidal pools offer opportunities to see anemones and the occasional crab or fish. You might even see gray whales, although I havent on the visits over made to the area. Parking is free once youre in. The monument does have a charge so just spring for the annual pass so you can visit other national monuments, parks and forests. Id you gave kids, get the junior rangers booklet and badge.
Beautiful views! Not too busy on a weekday afternoon. I appreciated that they had the low tide time posted! It was great for checking out the tide pools!
Awesome tidepool! Best I have ever seen. Be aware of no cell phone coverage at the tidepool area though. The vista above is spectacular too! Great place to view migrating gray whales during their season of travel.
As someone whose been here several times its amazing that its still interesting, the views are gorgeous. Theres several activities to keep everything enthused, the tide pools are awesome and the cliffs beautiful. Make sure you arrive early, the tide pools close at 4:30. The remainder of the park closes at sunset. Give yourself at least 3 hours to see everything. Youll see San Diego in an entirely different way after youve been here.
Nice little walk. Great view. Very clean. Only gave it four stars as i was a little disappointed there was no place to purchase a bottled water. Really enjoyed this place otherwise
This place offers an amazing view overlooking San Diego.Check the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and take a short walk along the Cliff for the beautiful view of the ocean.Don’t miss the Point Loma Tide Pools. It’s nice for family especially with kids and pets on leash. Parking spaces are limited in this area but worth the visit.Pets are not allowed at the Monument and Lighthouse but you can leave them in the car except when it’s hot.
Great National Monument - One of the best places to overlook San Diego. They have a nice visitor center and awesome vista points. If you bring some time you can do some easy hikes on top of the mountain but also down on sea level.
Cabrillo national monument, a good spot to visit in San Diego. The explorer Cabrillos statue stands here and the views of San Diegos border into Mexico are amazing from here. You can see two lighthouses. There are tide pools here, with wondrous sea creatures. Check when the tide is low to explore. Do the coastal trail too if you have more time. There is a parking fee when you enter. Entry is closed by 4 pm .#cabrillonationalmonument #cabrillotidepools #tidepools #lighthouse
We did the Bayside Trail at this National park. Wonderful beautiful views all around. Trail was 2 miles each way. Trail was skirting the coastline. I would go early as it gets pretty warm. There is some shade along the trail. Stop and visit the ol lighthouse on top of the hill. Just gorgeous.
Parking is $20 but valid for 7 days if you want to revisit :) Take your time to go through everything, the views are gorgeous. The tide pools are so cool, they close at 4:30pm so make sure you arrive early enough to walk through and explore at your pace. This is a fun park for the family.
Cabrillo is one of my favorite spots in the San Diego area. Fantastic views of the city and ocean. Plenty of nice hiking trails both on top of the hill and down by the water including the tide pools.Definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.
People look more at the sea than the monument.The monument its not that big and there is not to much information regarding the monument over there. Its nice just to take a few pictures.
I always bring my friends visiting San Diego here! If youre local Id recommend the year pass. I never go to the actual monument I just go down towards the cliffs and tide pools. Its beautiful and a great spot for pictures or just to look out at the ocean.You used to be able to walk further all the way to the end but I guess too many people had to get rescued in the cave so thats why they cut off access way before the cave and they have volunteered people monitoring making sure nobody goes there & everyone leaves by 4 pm.
Such a cool place with amazing views and a decent sized walking trail. Tidepool area was the best part.
Great views. Was able to buy senior pass for all parks for same price as entrance. Clean restrooms
Love this place. Saw seals sunbathing and also swimming. Gorgeous views!
Beautiful place for the best views around ocean and city you can riding biking or hiking.
Been here more than fifteen times and still loving it. one of the best place to visit in San Diego both for tourist and local.
The view is amazing from up there specially sunset. the only problem I have with this place is the $20 parking charge. We were there only 25 min to see the sunset and had to pay 20. It’s good for seven days but I think that’s more of a gimmick since you visit a place one and move on as a tourist.
Wasnt able to check out the tide pools but unless youre into the history of the place, you can miss it altogether. Maybe go to Torrey pines instead for the better view.
This was a great place to visit to learn about the original Europeans that discovered San Diego Bay in the army 1500s. The original explorers lived a tough life.
Good view! The lighthouse is very interesting, kids love to climb up and down.
Amazing views! A must see for tourist and residential like! Since the point is the end of a cape and very tiny, you are surrounded by water on each side and in the front. It was a little hazy but on a clear day the views are even more amazing I imagine!Entrance fee is $20 per car, So load up! Or $10 dollars a person walking / biking in. You do have seven days to return and use it again though (I think thats just to make us feel better about all the money we spent haha).Visitor center has some exhibits and shop plus the lighthouse has its own exhibits.*Since its a national park you must mask up!
A wonderful trip out just outside the city limits of San Diego. Gorgeous views of the city skyline as well as coastlines. Beautiful way to unwind.
Awesome views over the ocean and of the city. Besides the lighthouse and statue, the tide pool area was nice.
Its a beautiful national monument wonderful 360 views of Downtown San Diego, Point Loma and the San Diego Harbor. Highly recommended especially if youre in town and have never experienced this park before!
This place was absolutely breathtaking. My and my husband visited while being on vacation and we were amazed at the views we were able to see.
Spectacular views of San Diego bay and the navel base. I enjoyed my visit to the monument and the lighthouse however I felt the $20 admission per car was too much. There is a gift shop and restrooms on site. There is handicap parking available. The lighthouse is open to view but you can’t go up inside it. I do wish they sold food and drinks here but they don’t.
Awesome Park, very clean, friendly staff, lots to see and plenty of room to roam around on.
We went on public holidays with annual pass cost $35. To avoid long waiting at the entrance it is wise to get the annual pass. We visited tide pools, Bayside trail, coastal side trails, whale watch, sun set cliff, cabrillo monument, kelp forest overlook and light house. Both adults and kids can enjoy.
I love the view of San Diego city, the place is peaceful and I learned about the history of the Cabrillo National Monument.
Awesome place to visit. The view is beautiful + there’s a small free museum and lighthouse within walking distance of the monument.
Great view of San Diego and the waters. Best to go on a sunny day with some clouds in the skyRight next to a visitor center
Went to the tide pools and saw so many little sea animals. It was fun for my 16yr old and my 5 yr old!
My second time coming to the monument, as always, it’s incredible. Really enjoy walking around the park, down to the tide pools (even with high tide), and in the gift shop! If you are in San Diego, this is one stop you can’t miss!Something the whole family can experience and it’s a good thing to support the national parks!! 🙌🌲🪨Don’t forget your cancellation on your National Park Passport 👏Peep for amazing photos 👀🪨🌲🐚
Great place to Visit. Try to keep at least half day. There is lot down there by tide pools side to explore.
Great views of downtown San Diego and the west facing side of Coronado Island from the visitor center and the lighthouse.Bicycles: A great place to enjoy on two wheels! From the entrance, there are nice rolling hills that are a little effort, but totally worth it. The rangers are very good about ensuring that cyclists are kept safe and ensuring vehicles stay out of bike lanes. Thank you to the park rangers for educating car-centric drivers how to share the road.
Had a wonderful time enjoying the breathtaking views of San Diego and the coast, hiking the Bayside trail and learning so much about the history of San Diego and California.
Its San Diego. Blue skies, 70 degrees with a beautiful coastine and nice people. Whats not to love?
I really like this place and would highly recommend it to anyone touring San Diego. There were plenty of things to do, places to see, etc. I definitely recommend touring the lighthouse even though the tower is closed.
This is a really beautiful place! kinda thought the prices to get in were a little expensive but military do get in free. the day i came i got to see one of the naval ships leave port which was a really amazing experience. the views just looking over coronado and san diego we’re amazing and beautiful!! i might start coming here more often.
Wonderful views! Bring a jacket! The winds off the water are cool!
A wonderful experience for our family! The park is in great condition, the park rangers are super-friendly, and the history of this park is fascinating. Definitely check out the tidal pools before you leave!
Really spectacular views especially on a good sunny day. The grounds/facilities and trails are well-kept and clean - I definitely recommend others to visit!
Get your National Parks Passport stamped! Various, wonderful things to see! Youll enter at military gates manned by a Park Ranger, pay the Park fee, pass by well kept, somber military cemeteries and military buildings. On to a lovely drive to The Old Point Loma Lighthouse, magnificent Tide Pools and further on to The Cabrillo National Monument and Visitor Center overlooking Mexico back to the Marine and Naval Base at Coronado Island. Great historical detail. Plenty of hiking available. Wear hiking boots and long pants to hike and go to the Tide Pools. Stay on the marked paths. Do not disturb rocks, plants, flowers, birds, wildlife, ocean creatures and take nothing from this National Park. Pack in pack out - leave no trace so this Park remains open and pristine.
Nice place to visit. Incredible look around view to the bay and ocean.
A great San Diego getaway! Beautiful views of San Diego & the Ocean, then a quick downhill to the tide pools or a walk down a trail for those in shape! Membership is very low cost, a day trip is also nice. Active duty military get in FREE! Also disabled vets can get a lifetime pass for ALL national parks at the gate w your VA letter.
THIS IS A MUST SEE WHEN VISITING SAN DIEGO!!!!! I TRULY DID ENJOY THE LANDSCAPE; IT WAS GORGEOUS. AND I DID SEE THE MILITARY GRAVESITE, WHICH LEFT ME SPEECHLESS!!! I dropped 2 pics for you to enjoy 😉!
Not much time in your San Diego visit... Dont miss this. See my review for the Point Loma Lighthouse.
Overall a very positive experience. They have several areas and things that you can do once you enter. Including visiting their gift store and using their toilet facilities. The highlight for me, was the views when walking around. It is probably the one place you can be in San Diego, that is not full of buildings. You get excellent views of both the city and airport as well as the ocean. Well worth the $20 it cost to enter for the car.
Very nice view! Lots of information on the history at a small museum. Books, trinkets & more on site, you can buy souvenirs to take home & other cool information given. I really liked the view, it is very nice.
I simply cannot get enough of this majestic view of not only all of San Diego County and as far South as Mexico. The sweeping views of the Pacific are unmatched anywhere else in all of San Diego and on a clear day, an unobstructed view a hundred miles up the So Cal coast line.
Beautiful place to overlook the city and ocean! 20 $ Fee at the door national monument! Fighter Jets and military helicopters can be seen flying out of the airport! The lighthouse was nice and the visitor center had things to buy and the staff was soo friendly! The tide pools area is a must stop along the water! So glad we stopped here for a few hours!
Wonderful place to stop and linger on repeated days. Though we wish theyd not clear the tide pools 30 minutes before sunset. Seems ridiculous when a beach sunset is the perfect time to be at the shoreline facing west. Why not close the EAST shoreline at 30 minutes to sunset, and work around to the west right after sunset?
Nice spot to take in the views and enjoy the weather. Free on NPS free days (we visited on MLKJ Day).
Spectacular views of the San Diego waterfront all the way to Mexico. Great place to take pictures and whale watch. Small gift shop. Visit the military cemetery along the way. Bring your own lunch because there isnt a restaurant. Visit more often with a national park pass.
Great views of San Diego on one side and a great view of the ocean on the other. There is a nice trail by the coast where you can get to some tide pools when the tide is right. Weather was beautiful, but you still need to take water with you even if it doesnt seem hot at first.
Phenomenal views of San Diego from the lighthouse area and a wonderfup education on the founding of the city/first European contact with California. If youre very lucky you may have a whale sighting. Plenty of parking but the lighthouse as well.You should try to time your trip during low tide to catch the wonderful sea life in the tide pools below, but beware because parking is sparce (only two small lots) and very contentious. The walk down is not realistic for 99% of visitors so prepare to drive down and hunt for parking.Military get in free with a national parks pass (theyll give you one at the gate if you have your military ID), otherwise youll have to pay a fee per car.
We wanted to take a break from business operations so we decided to check out Cabrillo for a quick dazzle. Discovered it’s only $20 per vehicle for a 7 day pass…That was a surprise! We will be back.
Great place to hangout. Plenty of parking, 20$ per vehicle which is National Park Fee.
Such a lovely way to spend the day. Beautiful sailboats on the water, happy couples taking pictures and wonderful weather to hike to see the lighthouse!
The tide pool is a must see. Look up the low tide times, and come prepared with anti-slip / water proof shoe ware or good balance skills ;p
If youre looking to go to the tide pools you really need to lookup when low tide is. If you arent there within 1.5hrs of low tide you miss the best part of the tide pools. A few cool walking paths and great views of downtown San Diego/Coronado island. The best part though is definitely the tide pools.
Monument and visitor center itself is not that interesting, but you usually see a lot of military activities, either ships or helicopters, sometimes both. Helicopters will pass around your height over the channel, worth seeing it if youre into that.
It is a good place to hangout for all ages. The views are amazing.
The view of the place is pnomenal the statue looks almost new also you can see the bay with all type of ships but mostly you can see the jet fighters take off from the base which is stunning a really nice place to walk around or to hike.
Best place to hike, learn about the history of SD and the military. Light house is amazing. Worth the annual park pass because you see so much. Highly recommend the tour guide.
Expensive to get in and if you want to see tide pools there isnt enough parking, we missed this.We took some food up and had a beautiful outside picnic. They really need to put some shades where the benches are located.The light house has some nice history.But the real reason to come here are the views. Water all around it is stunning.
Nice park for hiking and aerial views of the San Diego harbor and Naval Air Force Base nearby.
Wow, so Beautiful definitely visit on a clear day, the views are astonishing! We purchased a yearly pass, so worth it.Take a hike down to the tide pools, the rangers are very informative. We like to bring a picnic, sit and enjoy the views, nature etc. Also we usually go on a weekday not too crowded.
Very interesting facts and history details.First time visiting here. Loved the walk along the beach. Beautiful weather 😍.
Very Highly recommended visiting when you come to SD, Cool history and the views are Epic!
So much fun, 20$, bring good hiking shoes.
Beautiful views of San Diego and the ocean. Get there early to beat the weekend crowds. Moderate difficulty hiking trail that takes 30 - 45 minutes to hike down and back up. Self guided lighthouse tour and visitor center where you can get your cancellation stamp for the National Parks Passport and Junior Ranger workbook and badge. Come during December to March to see whales.
The most beautiful place I have ever been. You have to pay for entry ($20) but pass is good for 7 days and it is completely worth every penny. There are also annual passes available. Good, easy, well maintained trails available as well as some of the most gorgeous ocean views.
Beautiful place to spend time with family and friends. Awesome view of the ocean. Entry ticket is $30 per car.
Always a pleasant walk with beautiful views. The annual pass is the smartest buy, and the price of it ($35) can be used as a discount at other national parks!!I do wish dogs were allowed on more than just the coastal walk, but oh well. Its still lovely.
Had a great time if you like hiking right place
A truly remarkable place in many ways. I went to visit my late uncles grave in the beautiful cemetery. After, we braved the ferocious wind and went to the tidal pools on the west side of the promontory. On the east side we read about Juan Cabrillo and his tiny ship with a gorgeous view of San Diego and several huge aircraft carriers, many times the size of Cabrillos puny little vessel! A great place for an education!
Lots of family fun. It is also a beautiful walk around the park. The tidepools had to be my favorite thing we saw that day. It was a great opportunity to learn about the ocean and some San Diego history.
This is a national park, meaning if you have an annual pass you can use it here. It consists of trails, lighthouse, observation decks, and of course the monument for Cabrillo who was the first European to explore California. If you consider all the trails, I dont think you can finish the whole park in one day. There are free days, you can check their calendar on their web site. Bayside trail is open until 4PM, it is an average downhill trail with downtown view. You wont reach the bay, you will reach a small open area to observe the bay area. You can also observe different animals as well as Navy vessels (there is actually an informative sign about Navy vessels separate from birds). Coastal trail is less lush, but it has ocean breeze and more sea experience. Living in San Diego, I think I have been here maybe 5 times total. It is never boring.
This is a great spot for its scenery drive and short easy trail. Great for half a day activity for the whole family with kids. The entrance fee is $15 but its free if you have 4th or 5th grader with the group. Plenty of parking spots inside. The view is amazing of the light house as well as the overlook. The trail is short but it will take you closer to the water. Highly recommended.
Love the view of San Diego...first lighthouse Ive ever seen,the trailer lead to people who talked about certain sires on that area...loved it...did not know they had a cemetery...
Amazing views of San Diego. I definitely recommend.
Wonderful views. There is a short hiking trail and a souvenier shop.
Gorgeous views. Nice trails to walk. Great breeze to keep you cool. Went during the week and didnt have a problem with parking at all.
I decided to stop by this park on my way into San Diego. The great thing about it, it’s highly scenic and you get a great view of the greater San Diego area and the coast. There’s not a ton of walking involved, so you really can make it a short trip to jump out and catch the scenery or you can stay longer and visit the little shop and museum. There are also hiking trails that you can take to extend a visit. Overall, it’s a pleasant park that pretty accessible.
Amazing view! The place is incredible! Always an enjoyable place to visit
Must visit Cabrillo National Monument when visiting San Diego. Not a long visit but worth the park entrance fee. Only 20 minutes from downtown. Incredible views of everything! Excellent accessible pathway for anyone that has difficulty walking.
Great visit. It was a cool breezy day. There were national forest workers there who were happy to chat about the area. Very interesting history. Beautiful area, an easy must do when in San Diego!
Great historical site, with details in writing. Secure, and serene, but, hurried to leave ahead of closing. Friendly, informative, clean, and inviting staff, non smoking allowed. Thank you, will be back, the serene views over the ocean, absolutely beneficial to ones state of mind and heart.
Really beautiful spot. The statue is huge and makes a good place for a nice picture or selfie. You can see downtown across the water so make sure to take advantage of the amazing view.
Went to visit one hour before closing which meant less people. Took the small hike behind the military museum and along the light house. So beautiful. The scenery is always spectacular.
A small monument well worth the stop! This place has an old light house with an impressive Fresnel lens light house. Sweeping views of San Diego and Mexico from the peek. Visitor center closed at 3pm and we couldn’t get any memorabilia but the center looked stocked with goodies.
I absolutely love this place. As a San Diegen native, I highly recommend this place. In my opinion the best time to be here is during whale migration. Often times they will come and feed. September-April. Regardless, its beautiful all year.
Without question Cabrillo has the best overall view of San Diego and the harbor. It also has a scenic relatively easy hiking trail as well as a small but interesting display of early San Diego history. If you dont have an annual or senior pass the entry fee is $20 per vehicle. My wife and I always enjoy visiting.
The park sits high atop a cliff overlooking the bay, downtown, and Coronado. Masks are required indoors. Theres a small museum, lighthouse, and other historic structures to explore. Theres also a few trails for quick nature walks. Good for families.
Cabrillo monument, historic lighthouse, visitor centre and two different coastal hikes, one on pavement and the other on the shore past tide pools. 20 dollars per vehicle entrance unless you are a National Parks Service annual pass holder. You could spend half a day here, bring binoculars and snacks
I visited Cabrillo with my 2 young grandsons (3 yr and 6 yr). I used to bring my sons here 30-some years ago when they were also young and we all loved it. However, the trail down to the pools and the rocks surrounding the pools looked intimidating today. I guess my confidence is lower now and my rapport with my grandsons not as polished as when I was the Mom. I was debating heading back to the car when a similarly aged woman came up to us and showed us the best way down and which tidepools had the best sightings and told us we would be fine. It worked so well! On our way back, she identified several species we had seen. We thankfully call her a Saint and feel she deserves recognition.
THE best place for views of San Diego and SD Bay. Absolutely beautiful. Visitors Center and exhibits are typical NPS fare. Easy walk to Monument and Lighthouse. Didnt try any of the other trails. Annual NPS pass is accepted at fee Station. Can be long long lines to get through the fee station and into the parking area.
I was a little bit disappointed by this. There is one exhibit, the statue, the gift shop, and the lighthouses. The views are beautiful, but Im not sure the $20 we paid to get in were worth it. You cant go to the top of the lighthouse, and it gets very crowded.The parking to the tide pool was full the whole time we were there, so we couldnt go. You also dont learn that until you get up to pay, even though they have other signs and someone who talks to every car in line.
Set your sights to the sea and arrive during sun rise, or better yet, sun set. They close quite early, but if you stay till that time, you will be rewarded for your persistence.
Superb views of San Diego And the Pacific Ocean can be seen from here. ThereAre some nice tide pools and some scenic trails as well as a far above average visitor center. It is highly recommended to visit here. An entry fee is charged. National Park and interagency passes are accepted.
If you want to have a big impression about San Diego this place should be on you List to Visit in San Diego. I believe that every trip Im San Diego should start with this place . Amazing Views . Tide pools are very scenic. Just epic picturesque Location and worth of spending $20 to check it out . If you are a tourist this should be on your travel list in SD.
Beautiful! Clean, safe, fun! Fascinating history, beautiful views, fun hikes!
This is a nice National Monument. I went here and was satisfied with my experience. This National Monument is where the first Spanish explorer to visit America landed. This place has a statue of him plus the Point Loma lighthouse, which you can go inside and climb up to right below the light room. There’s a trail that goes from the lighthouse down to near the water on the east side of Point Loma, which is pretty nice. There are also tide pools that you can visit, which is really cool because at high tide they’re underwater. In addition to this, there’s a WWII bunker at this site. I gave this National Monument five stars because it has lots of cool stuff like tide pools, a WWII bunker, a lighthouse, and nice views of downtown San Diego.
Beautiful views! Nearby National Cemetery. So many sacrifices! And Point Lomas Tide pools are a must.
Some of the most dramatic views in the country, on relatively accessible and easy-going trails. Old Point Loma Lighthouse was lit from 1854 through 1891 but its dramatic cliff location 400 feet above the ocean meant that it was often too obscured by fog to do its job; its been a museum since 1935. The statue (the national monument) commemorates the Iberian explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo who was the first European to navigate the Californian coast in the 1540s. Plus tidepools in the fall, migrating whales in the winter -- all in all, theres a ton to do and see packed into this relatively small (140 acre) park. I know there are a billion photos posted already but I cant help adding some of mine --you just cant take a bad photo of this place!
We just went to see the tide pools and walked the trail. Unfortunately the tide was too high to be able to investigate them, but the trail is nice and the views are wonderful. We will definitely go back
Loved the views and neat history. The best part was the Park interpative volunteer who had period correct warfare exhibits, he did an excellent talk and demonstration.
We visited during covid-19 (August 2020) We have been here before. But this national monument never disappoints. Beautiful views, oceanfront with ocean breezes. They have the old lighthouse up high on the cliffs and there is a new lighthouse down below bathrooms were open and clean. Mostly everyone visiting was social distancing and wearing masks. The visitor center and lighthouses are closed due to covid-19. Check us out on YouTube @ Time4Dirt
Great view of San Diego from the information center and several informative areas at the site including the old lighthouse.Dont forget to get a stamp here for your National Parks passport book and if you have an America the Beautiful pass, you can use it here to get in for free!
Very cool spot to take in some history with amazing views!
Beautiful sunrise service. So cool to be in the park way before it normally opens.
Great place with alot of historic information.
In this place you can reach the sky. It seems that the cloud can be touched with your hand.
The whole national park offers views and trails that are very unique, in one side you can see the bay and in the other you can view the ocean. Really great place to walk around.
Wide view. Beautiful place
Enjoyed the weekend roaming around Cabrillo National Monumnet. I must say, it was an awesome experience. You get a landscapic view of San Diego and the Pacific ocean. Could be busy during evening so try visiting during early hours. You need to have a National park annual pass or have to buy a daily pass at the entrance.
This is a really nice place to walk around. Part of the National Parks System so if you have a all park pass, youre in. Otherwise you can buy a day pass. There are a few trails you can walk down to the water area or over by the newer lighthouse. The views from up top are a great way to see the San Diego skyline along with Coronado Island. Might catch some military ship activity as well. Worth a visit!
Impressive views of the San Diego skyline and San Diego Bay.A gold mine of California history.The Tide Pools have great vistas of the Pacific Ocean.A must see if visiting San Diego.
Really nice place to visit if you have a year park pass or a senior pass. Im not sure its worth the admission price otherwise. A combination of the old lighthouse, tide pools, and military artifacts are what this park is about. Spend at least a couple of hours here. I worked in Battery Humphreys so I know more than the average visitor about whats here at the top of Point Loma. The park closes at 5 pm as its access is thru Navy property.
Great views and walking trails. Friendly staff and plenty of parking.
Even with a pandemic, CNM is great to visit and to take beautiful scenic pictures. Although they close at 5pm, we got to see the sunset. We arrived before 4 and there were still plenty of people and more coming in. The cost is $20 per vehicle unless you have a national park pass or are a member of the military, then its free. They also charge $10/person if you walk in.
Excellent views of San Diego, the harbor while learning about the discovery of San Diego and life before modern times. Tidepools and nature walks are definitely worth your time. Fort Rosecrans National Cemetary is worth a stop to contemplate those who served and those who gave their all for our country.
Amazing NM! Lots to see and do, even with Covid19 going on. Great coastal trail and if you go at the right time, you can go into the tide pools to view sea life. Pricey to enter, so go early, bring a picnic and stay all day. I think the pass is good for 3 days too tho.
The most amazing location at the end of Point Loma overlooking the ocean with the best view of San Diego and North Island. It really is an incredible photogenic place.
This is a great place to see and learn about the history. The views are stunning and I saw some jets take off from the base nearby which was neat. Go check it out and take some great pics!!
Great veiw, wonderful hiking trails, staff and amenities are fantastic!
Beautiful views, very interesting shop and theres even an exhibit explaining tue monument. Theres also a lighthouse. It was very enjoyable.
The Coastal trail hike is a small little hike to do with kids and finally you reach the tidepools. During low tide, you can see anemones, tiny crabs. After that you can drive upto the visitor center and see the fantastic views of San Diego
Absolutely gorgeous views! There is also a gift shop. The employees there are helpful and knowledgeable. Planes take off periodically, whichis so cool to see. Be sure to visit the bunker and lighthouse, and if youre lucky, you may see some whales. The beach is also accessible by road and is a beautiful place to check out while visiting.
Wonderful views on this peninsula national park. Great walking and biking trails.The museums offer a plethora of information on Cabrillo, lighthouses, marine life, and early navigating.Helpful, friendly staff. Good gifts in the shop, especially books for kids.Fun prop area to take pics with early helmets and shields specific to the time period.Wonderful spaces outside to sit and watch the ships come in.
Cabrillo National monument is a great old light house and history museum back to the early 1500s explorers time.Some steep walking and all but the lighthouse tower is accessible by wheelchair or stroller.
This is an amazing, peaceful and breathtaking place to be at. I love the opportunity to sit on the cliff and listen to the waves, take a walk and look at all the coast. 1000% recommended
Beautiful view of San Diego and a bit of history too. We actually parked our car a couple of miles before the park entrance so we could run to the top. Don’t forget your national card membership as this is a National Park. Otherwise $20 per car.The views are incredible and you get to see all the navy ships and aircrafts maneuvering around the military base.Wild life is abundant and you get to see a variety of birds, insects and small animals.There are a couple hikes there including one that goes down for 2.5km and reached sea level.
Worth visit for the splendid 180 degree view you get from the statue. You can see Coronado island as well.
One of the Most Beautiful places in San Diego. Very peaceful and serene. Its like stepping back in time. The Cemetery will give you shutters of the lives lost. Looking out and seeing California and Mexico borderlines so close is Amazing. Free admission to tour lighthouse just a park fee for going up to it.
A beautiful place, with the most amazing views! Dont think about it. Just go! -Regina
What an incredible place to visit. So much to see and do. Its about a 25 minute wait at the gate on a busy day but its not a bad wait and totally worth it. Going down to the tidal pools brings a nice view of the ocean. Then head back up to the lighthouse and the monument for more pics and views. Just be sure to get there with enough time to do everything, they close everything on time, so we only got to peak in to the lighthouse.
A beautiful location in San Diego, stunning views of the city on one side and amazing tide pools on the other. Parking could be an issue, recommend getting the annual pass. You will want to visit this place many times!
Such a beautiful area of Southern California. It is nice to walk around the Lighthouse and then visit the tide pools. Beautiful views on San Diego and the islands to the west.
I really like this place. It provides 360 degree views on the sea. Looking at east you can see the whole San Diego downtown. At the top of the mountain, you can see the light house. Near the light house, there is whale overlook trail. If you drive down, you can walk along the coastline trail and reach the beach. You can also see many wildflowers. Its really a beautiful place.
Awesome view of San Diego, north island, coronado. There is quite a bit to see and do here. There is the historic lighthouse, gift shop with overlook of Coronado. You can watch airplanes take off from Lindberg field, Naval Station and watch the ships going in and out of the harbor. Then there are the tidepools. Just a great place to visit, walk and explore.
Beautiful park and worth the visit to see the tidepools and the walk along the Cliffs by the water. The views of San Diego are worth a day off to visit this place.
After entering the area, you can either go right to the tide pools or left to the monument. Recommend checking the tide pools first since the lot is smaller. Weather was breezy and has some nice walking areas along the coast. Monument was also pretty and there is a nice view of downtown SD. If the weather is good, this is a nice place to visit and sightsee.
Update 1/9/2021 - Park entrance fee is now $20.00. It is valid for 1 week.**************************Update 1/13/2018 - Park entrance fee is now $15.00**************************Older review:Entrance to the Park is $10.00 as of 11/12/2016. This includes parking and unlimited visits for one week. The views of San Diego to the East and Pacific Ocean to the West are spectacular. There is a small museum and a movie that highlights the history of Juan R. Cabrillo and his Landing in San Diego in 1542. There is also a store that sells books, postcards and other souvenirs. Bring water and good walking shoes. Family Friendly
Awesome views and a lot of historical things to see. The day pass is 20$ per vehicle but its only $30 for a year pass so we got that and plan to take friends and family when they visit.
Requires a purchase of a pass - per person, or for a vehicleThis is a national park, and therefore protected under Federal rules... no droning allowed (anymore). Beautiful scenery and fantastic views of the entire city skyline and Coronado island as well
Nice day in San Diego. Views from visitor center were spectacular. Tide pools views on ocean side of Point were good too.
Excellent place to take the kids if you are touring the area. National Park quality all the way with multiple sights to see on the premisis. Definitely check out the old lighthouse which you can climb to the top. Lots of WWII history and an old battery to check out. Many trails and opportunities for panoramic photos of San Diego and the bay. Tide pools and wildlife. Also a ranger station with movies and educational things. A+ experience.
A location with amazing views of San Diego, the bay, and ocean. About a 25 minute drive from San Diego. If going by a care share, they will normally drop you off prior to entering since this is a fee based location.
Beautiful view! Absolutely beautiful view of all of San Diego. They have several various trails you can walk on. They also have the lighthouse which was cool to look inside but it appears you can only go straight to the top three times a year. I will try to go back around one of those times to check that out. They also have a couple of exhibits to look at as well which were interesting. Typically parking is $20 but we happened to be there on the day when parking was free. They also appear to have an annual pass for $35 which makes more sense especially if you intend on using the trails at this site. Look forward to heading back another time.
You can get in for free if you come with someone with a military ID, other than that I dont think its worth paying for. They have a great view and a small museum even the gift shop doesnt have that many things to buy.
Great views of city and ocean
Great park close to San Diego. Learn about the arrival of the first Spanish explorers in California. Visit the lighthouse. A short drive down to the tide pools and the coastal hiking path. Great views of San Diego from the visitors center. Watch navy and commercial ships as they go in and out of port. The conquistador gave a great presentation about the weapons and gear of the Spanish soldiers.
National Monuments are great place to learn and see lot in a short time and Cabrillo Is no exception. They have a wonderful exhibit of Cabrillo, his ship and his voyage. You are able to go up into the light house and learn about its history. The tide pools by the ocean cliff sides are spectacular and the amazement of waves crashing along the cliff sides. Definitely a scenic spot that is worth it.
If you’re visiting San Diego this is a must go place. You should probably allow at least 2 hours to enjoy a few spots including tidal pools, the lighthouse, some exhibits, observation decks, and the bunker.If you come early you shouldn’t have a problem with parking or heavy traffic. Drive down to the tidal pools first to enjoy the scenic shoreline and do a bit of hiking. Then go up to the lighthouse and check out observation decks, the bunker, and exhibits. Very beautiful and fascinating.
This is such a cool place.. great views and history..
This is an amazing spot take in spectacular views, take on some trails, and learn interesting facts about history. The Rangers are friendly and go above and beyond with their information and customer service. The tidal pools were terrific and I enjoyed the shore birds. Plenty of photo opportunities to be had!
Great place with own history! There are a couple of parking lots. So you always have a parking place. The territory of the park is clean - no garbage around. There is a clean restroom which is important.There are amazing landscapes! You can take awesome pictures!There is a pebble/rocky beach. It is also good for taking pictures, enjoying fresh sea air and just having rest.
My girlfriend and I spent hours here. Its a wonderful place with great views. It is pretty busy but has some great hikes and a nice little visitor center. You can get all the way down to the wave pools by the ocean and then go all the way up to the top of the hill that overlooks all of San Diego. I would love to go back here. There is lots of parking available, definitely lots of tourists which is kind of annoying because the tourists are not very respectful. Cool little lighthouse at the top of the hill that you can go (almost) to the top of lots of great exhibits in the lighthouse
The lighthouse and visitors center are great! To really experience Cabrillo though, you have to drive (or walk or bike if youre up for it) down to the tide pools. Its only a short hike from the parking areas at the bottom of the hill, and the wildlife and scenery are well worth the trip.If you live in San Diego (and dont need a national parks pass), its well worth getting an annual pass for less than the price of visiting twice.
Went here at almost closing time and the staff was sweet to let us in and enjoy it until 5pm. They do close and monitor the people in the park, so do not plan to stay and watch the sunset here. Thank you Veterans for your service!!
Good museum, gift shop ok. Great views of the ocean and San Diego region. Getting to the tide pools is difficult during low tide. The parking is very limited and walking down from the visitor center area is not a good idea.
Dropped off a family member at the San Diego airport and decided we did not want to sit in traffic back to Laguna. So did a little searching and found this gem.My boys were not to excited to visit this National Park 🏞 at first, but after walking into the first building and seeing all models of ships, cannons, and such they were very excited to explore some more.Wife loved the lighthouse. The bedrooms and such in the lighthouse brought a new light to what life might be like living in a lighthouse.We enjoyed the visit and would go again. If you have a National Park pass entry is free.
4.8 (199 comments)
Review №1
2022-01-27Amazing place close to San Diego. Amazing views of the city, ocean, coast, and more. Really nice staff. The bay side trail was awesome and only 2 miles. Perfect for a half day visit. It was 20 dollars to get in. Would love to go back to try other trails and spend more time in the museum.
Review №2
2022-06-15All about the views for as far as you can see. While it can get touristy around the monument, you can learn a little history about the origins of Point Loma, see a really cool lighthouse, and go for a nice hike by the water. The tide pools offered a nice contrast where there were, yes picturesque views, but was a little calmer than your typical beach going areas. They offer an annual membership at a very inexpensive rate. The only knock is it closes early and would make it hard to visit during the workweek.
Review №3
2022-05-26Probably some of the best views of San Diego. You can watch planes coming and going at the airport and airbase, and see the boats and ships coming and going from a high vantage point. The monument and light house stories are interesting part of history, but I think my favourite part was driving down to the new lighthouse area and checking out the tide pools and cliffs. There was even a sailboat that been breached and sent ashore at some point. Please just be careful of the cliff edges, there are no guardrails and Im not sure I would be as trusting as some of the ground beneath them.
Review №4
2022-03-13Very peaceful with great views overlooking San Diego and Coronado Island. Unfortunately, the tide was coming in when we arrived around 11am. Low tide is 8am and 5pm. High is peak at 1pm. Were still able to do tide pooling in some areas. We saw the shipwreck, which is cool. History of the lighthouse is very interesting.
Review №5
2022-02-15Cabrillo offers the best views of the city and ocean in San Diego. There are a few hiking trails with wonderful views. Make sure to not forget to go to the tide pools at the bottom of the mountain/hill. If you are in town for a few days do this first as your pass is good for 7 days.
Review №6
2022-02-20If you travel to San Diego on a sunny day, I would confidently recommend this place. Enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean, downtown San Diego and even the Tijuana side of Mexico. You can enjoy hiking while looking at the fantastic scenery. In addition, The entrance fee is not worth it. And, If you have a National Park Pass, you can enjoy it for free.
Review №7
2022-05-04We visited from LA as a day trip and this place did not disappoint us. First the visitor center ,with amazing views of ocean, navy base, harbor, Coronado island. There is a exhibit room with some history of Cabrillo, explorer. Then head towards the Statue of Juan Cabrillo, then Lighthouse, big lens, whale overlook, tidepool and the cemetery. There are few hiking trails too. If you are planning for picnic, carry food and water. There is a small drink and snack vending machine near the visitor center.
Review №8
2022-03-11The statue is pretty cool, with the nice view and all. Its standing on top of the water overlooking the harbour. You can also see all the ships and boats in the water. Military helicopters pass every now and again. So do the ships. It has a really nice view and you should definitely take pictures.
Review №9
2022-02-21Nice place to see sweeping views of San Diego. We hiked multiple trails and they seemed relatively easy, although there were some decent inclines, for me anyway. Went to see the tide pools at low tide and that was very neat.
Review №10
2022-05-02Cabrillo is an amazing place. Views in every direction (weather dependent), ample parking, tide pools, historical lighthouse, hands on exploration, clean and accessible restrooms.Plan ahead for clothing. Overcast mornings can be cold, there is usually a breeze. Warm summer months have nearly endless views. Tons of photo opportunities.Coronado and downtown to the east, Mexico to the south, the vastness of the Pacific to the west, and historic Fort Rosecrans to the north.