Cabrillo National Monument — Park Review | Condé Nast Traveler
"Tell me: What’s this place all about? This nature preserve and historic site at the edge of the Point Loma peninsula is one of the most picturesque spots in San Diego , and it’s easily accessible. It’s about 20 minutes from downtown , and the scenic ocean views start from the moment you drive in. Once you park at the visitor center, you’re treated to panoramic views of San Diego Bay, downtown, Coronado, and the naval station on North Island. On clear afternoons, you can see all the way to Tijuana, Mexico. The park spans 140-plus acres, and there’s plenty of outdoor activities here from hiking trails to exploring tide pools, or just enjoying the views from one of the many overlooks. Cabrillo National Monument is a landmark where several milestones in San Diego’s modern history converge. In 1542, Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo landed in San Diego Bay as the first European to explore the West Coast of the U.S., and a statue commemorates the event. Uphill from the visitor center is the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, which first opened in 1855 and is now a museum. The park also houses Fort Rosecrans, which the U.S. military used for security operations during WWI and WWII, as well as Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. The park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the $20 per-vehicle entrance fee provides a pass that’s valid for seven days. Tickets can’t be purchased in advance, but there’s usually not a long wait at the entrance gate to get in. On holiday weekends, especially Memorial Day and Fourth of July, anticipate wait times of 20 minutes or longer. What’s it like being there? The overall mood here is both reflective and peaceful. Visitors will pass some military facilities and the national cemetery on the way to the main entrance, and as you start exploring the park there’s plenty of open space and scenic trails to be found. Is there a guide involved? We opted for a self-guided tour, but there are one-hour guided tours available every Saturday at 11 a.m and 1 p.m. that depart from the visitor center (reservations are not required). The military bunkers are also open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and it’s staffed by volunteers sharing the history of Fort Rosecrans during WWII. Who comes here? Since it’s a national monument, it’s popular with tourists and families who drive in for the views and to see the tide pools. Some dedicated locals will hike or cycle in. Did it meet expectations? The views here can’t be beat, and it’s definitely worth making time to see. So then what, or who, do you think it’s best for? History fans and children will love exploring this park, especially the former military bunkers and the inside of the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, which has an exhibit on the former lighthouse keeper’s quarters and a spiral staircase and small ladder that can be climbed to see the 19th century-era lens inside the tower. Nature lovers will enjoy the tide pools on the west end of the peninsula that are surrounded by sandstone cliffs (they can be reached by car on an access road near the main entrance). For a moderate walk or run with an incline on the way back, the 2.5-mile Bayside Trail starts at the lighthouse and traverses through the eastern portion of the park–from this vantage point it’s common to see aircraft taking off from North Island and navy ships in the bay. Depending on how much time you have, you can spend just a couple of hours here admiring the views and the tide pools, or you can make a whole afternoon of it if you plan to be active. The parking lots, visitor center, restrooms, and main overlooks are accessible for everyone, and wheelchairs are available for use. Park rangers can assist with additional services if needed, call (619) 523-4285 ahead of time." - Marie Tutko
