Cabrillo National Monument
Cabrillo National Monument is one of the best national state park locations in San Diego. The location of Cabrillo National Monument is at the tip of Point Loma, which allows visitors to have a panoramic view of Downtown San Diego, Coronado Island, and the Pacific Ocean.
Cabrillo National Monument Directions and Information
This National Park costs $5 per car to get into which you pay at the entrance to the Park. To get here, follow signs for Cabrillo National Monument from the I-5 all the way to the park. You will drive through Point Loma and if you don't pay attention you could get lost. There is a visitor's center next to the Cabrillo Monument with all sorts of information. Dogs are allowed inside the Park but not inside the visitor's center.
Cabrillo National Monument History
The Cabrillo National Monument itself was built to honor the famous explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. On September 28, 1542 Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo was the first European to set foot on the West Coast of the United States. The monument was dedicated on October 14, 1913 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October15, 1966. Made of sandstone and standing 14 feet tall, the Cabrillo National Monument was sculpted by Alvaro de Bree in 1939. On a Sunday in October every year the Cabrillo Festival Open House reenacts the landing at Ballast Point in San Diego Bay.
Cabrillo National Monument Park Attractions
From the Cabrillo Statue, visitors can see San Diego's harbor, the San Diego Skyline, Coronado Island, and the Naval Air Station North Island. Views of the Pacific Ocean West of the harbor are fantastic. On clear days, onlookers can often see Tijuana, Mexico and the Mexican Coronado Islands.
The Point Loma Lighthouse that was built in 1854 at the highest point was closed in 1891 because its light was often hidden by fog and clouds. Another lighthouse was built closer to sea level. The light hike to the lighthouse is worth it as the 360 degree view from the top is spectacular.
San Diego Cabrillo National Monument Insider Secrets
San Diego Locals know the Cabrillo National Monument Park is an excellent place for whale watching during winter. Often, migrating gray whales can be spotted off the coast. On the way to Cabrillo National Monument before you enterthe National Historic Park, you will pass a very picturesque National Cemetary for United States Veterans.
