State Parks and National Parks

Cabrillo National Monument has an outstanding view of the Pacific Ocean, the city of San Diego and San Diego Bay.

Within the park's 160 acres, visitors walk to a historic lighthouse, learn about 16th-century Spanish explorers, hike on nature trails, explore tidepools and learn about World War II military sites.

Visitors also come to watch a remarkable natural event — the migration of the Pacific gray whale. From late December through February, gray whales pass the coasts of southern and Baja California as they journey south from Alaska to Mexico. From the Whale Overlook sheltered observatory, visitors watch whales swim past Point Loma.

The best time to visit the intertidal areas at Cabrillo National Monument is during the winter when daytime tides are at their lowest. Fascinating creatures may be found throughout the intertidal zone. However, collecting rocks, shells, plants or animals is prohibited throughout the monument.

On the Bayside Trail on the monument's eastern flank, the wildflowers of coastal sage scrub bloom profusely in spring. Squirrels, cottontail rabbits, lizards, snakes and migratory birds are common along the trail.

Cabrillo National Monument commemorates the voyage of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, the European explorer who moored off the California coast only 50 years after Columbus landed in the Americas, and claimed the land for Spain.

The monument is open from 9 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. daily.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of National Park Service. Courtesy of Cabrillo National Monument. Courtesy of Cabrillo National Monument.