The coastal trail at Cabrillo National Monument is a short one-mile round trip hike ranging from easy to moderate difficulty due to a few steep slopes. You can find this trail on the west side of the peninsula, which leads to the tidepool access area. This trail can be started from the entrances at Lot 1 or Lot 2 off of Gatchell Rd. Take Cabrillo Rd. from the main entrance of the park to Gatchell and park at either lot.
The coastal trail at Cabrillo National Monument is a short one-mile round trip hike ranging from easy to moderate difficulty due to a few steep slopes. You can find this trail on the west side of the peninsula, which leads to the tidepool access area. This trail can be started from the entrances at Lot 1 or Lot 2 off of Gatchell Rd. Take Cabrillo Rd. from the main entrance of the park to Gatchell and park at either lot.
The Fire Control Station bunker for Battery Ashburn preserves a piece of San Diego's World War II history. Visit during an "open bunker" session to explore the inside of the bunker and learn about San Diego's coastal defenses.
The Fire Control Station for Battery Humphreys features an upper bunker for the battery commander an lower observation bunker. These two combined were used as part of a complex designed to aim and fire the two 6-inch coastal defense guns of Battery Humphreys.
This statue of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo Cabrillo commemorates his voyage of exploration. He was the first European to lead an expedition charting the west coast of what would become the United States of America.
The Kelp Forest and Whale Overlook provides sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and contains exhibits about coastal wildlife. It is also a good spot for Whale Watching during the gray whale migration season!
The Old Point Loma Lighthouse illuminated the San Diego coastline from 1855 to 1891. Today, the lighthouse grounds and its exhibits provide a window to the past.
The rocky intertidal area, also known as the tidepools, is a favorite spot at Cabrillo National Monument. Each year over 200,000 people visit the tidepools, one of the best protected rocky intertidal areas in California. The best time to visit the tidepools is during the fall and winter months, when we get our great low tides during park hours. During spring and summer, the tide is usually covering the tidepools when the park is open.
