Spot a Whale and Explore the Tide Pools at San Diego's Cabrillo National Monument

Introduction

Cabrillo National Monument isn’t exactly off the beaten path (its visible from many parts of San Diego) but not many people realize what it is or prioritize the visit to this scenic and historical landmark. It’s unfortunate because it’s well worth it, in fact it’s one of my favorite places to send visitors who are new to San Diego. From the top, at over 400 ft above sea level, it offers expansive views of downtown San Diego, San Diego Bay, and Coronado. On clear days, you can see all the way down to the border with Tijuana in the distance. It’s a great place to bring kids, when low tide exposes tide pools teaming with marine life. During winter months, you may be able to spot gray whales migrating off the coast.

The park is located on the tip of Point Loma

Cabrillo National Monument is located at the southern tip of Point Loma, about 10 miles from downtown San Diego, California. To get there, you’ll drive south on Catalina Blvd until you pass what looks like an open military gate (where it becomes Cabrillo Memorial Drive). You’ll continue past this first gate and past the beautiful and scenic Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery on either side of road.

The entrance fee is $20 per vehicle. An annual pass can be purchased for $35, but of course at Drives & Detours we highly recommend the $80 annual National Parks Pass which gets you into any national park in the country. Military can get this pass for free, and seniors over 62 pay just $20.

 

The site dates back to 1542

Cabrillo National Monument commemorates the landing of Spanish explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo at Ballast Point on September 28, 1542. In 1855, a lighthouse was built at the highest point and operated until 1891 when it was replaced by a more modern lighthouse at the bottom of the hill. That newer lighthouse is still in operation today.

During World War II, the site was used by the US military to keep watch and defend San Diego from potential invasion from enemy war ships. Artillery batteries were built into the hillsides and many of them can still be seen today. In fact, on certain weekends, some of them are opened to the public.

Old Point Loma Lighthouse - Photo by Kevin Dunlap

Check out the tide pools and keep an eye out for whales

A visit to the tide pools is perfect for families with children. At low tide, you'll be able explore all the little pockets of water packed with marine life including crabs, starfish, sea urchins and more.

Interested in seeing whales? The best time for whale watching is during winter months when these massive mammals migrate close to shore.

Crab at tide pool - image by @taylorannart

Take a walk down Bayside Trail

Want a little exercise? While you can drive down the western side of the peninsula to get a look at the tide pools, there’s just a foot trail on the eastern slopes. The Bayside Trail winds just about all the way down to sea level before you have to turn around and walk back up the 400 feet in elevation to get back to the lighthouse. On a cool day, it’s a nice walk with beautiful views, and it doesn’t get much use.

Conclusion

If you haven’t been, we think Cabrillo National Monument is worth a visit. And if you already have a National Parks Pass, there is no excuse! In fact, because I maintain a National Parks Pass, I end up visiting Cabrillo National Monument a few times per year. Each time I go I tell myself I should visit more often.