Entrance Fee
$20.00
/ Entrance - Private Vehicle
Park Hours (Today)
9:00AM - 5:00PM
Visitor Center and View Building: 10:00AM - 5:00PM
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About the Park
In 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo climbed out of his boat and onto shore, becoming the first European to set foot on what is now the West Coast of the United States. Cabrillo National Monument not only tells the story of this 16th-century exploration but also houses a wealth of cultural and natural resources. Join us and embark on your own Voyage of Exploration.
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What to See & Do
Visit the Cabrillo Tidepools
Learn about visiting the tidepools at Cabrillo National Monument!
Oceanside Trail
The Oceanside Trail significantly increases recreational opportunities by providing an entirely new trail that increases the park’s trail network by over 20% while also offering a car-free mode of access to the tidepool area.
Earn Your Cabrillo Junior Ranger Badge
How to earn your Cabrillo National Monument Junior Ranger badge
Bayside Trail
Learn about what you can see and do while hiking the Bayside Trail at Cabrillo National Monument.
Coastal Trail
Learn about hiking the Coastal Trail at Cabrillo National Monument!
Whale Watching at Cabrillo
Learn about Whale Watching at Cabrillo National Monument!
Self-Guided Tours
In-Depth Lighthouse Tour
Tour the interior of the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and learn about life and work in a lighthouse. Then visit the Assistant Keeper's Quarters and learn about the lighthouse's Fresnel lens and how it worked! Each of the map points represents a space inside of the lighthouse, but unfortunately are not completely accurate. Please follow the written/verbal directions within the tour itself.
Self-Guided Walking Tour of Cabrillo National Monument Hilltop
This tour takes you through a short walking loop around the "upper" portion of Cabrillo National Monument - that is, the portion of the park that sits on the crest of Point Loma. Along the way you will learn about many of the major things to see at the park and be given a chance to find a greater personal meaning in them.
Walking Tour of Cabrillo National Monument Coastal Trail
This tour takes you on a 1 mile walk on the Coastal Trail. This self-guided tour offers a view of many of Cabrillo National Monument’s resources. Explore the unique ecosystem the peninsula has to offer.
Visitor Centers
Visitor Center and View Building
The Visitor Center at Cabrillo National Monument is the perfect place to get oriented to the park. Rangers and volunteers are always available to answer questions and provide suggestions on what to do. Here you can: • Find the day’s schedule of auditorium programs and ranger talks • Get your National Parks Passport book stamped • Chat with a ranger • Pick up a Junior Ranger activity for kids • Find out when low tide is • Visit the park store • Many other things!
Parking & Access
Getting Here
FROM DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO Take Harbor Drive past the airport Turn left onto Rosecrans Street Turn right onto Canon Street Turn left onto Catalina Blvd. (also known as Cabrillo Memorial Drive) Follow Catalina Blvd. all the way to the end
Official NPS directionsParking Lots
Tidepools/Coastal Trail Parking - Lot 1
This is the parking lot along the Coastal Trail at the Tidepools. This is the closest parking lot to the tidepools entrance. Parking is limited. There are two accessible parking spots at this location. There are two other parking lots further along Gatchell Road.
Open in MapsTidepools/Coastal Trail Parking - Lot 2
This is the parking lot along the Coastal Trail at the Tidepools. This is the second closest parking lot to the tidepools entrance. Parking is limited. There are two accessible parking spots at this location. There are two other parking lots along Gatchell Road.
Open in MapsTidepools/Coastal Trail Parking - Lot 3
This is the parking lot along the Coastal Trail at the Tidepools. This is the farthest parking lot to the tidepools entrance. Parking is limited. There are two accessible parking spots at this location. There are two other parking lots along Gatchell Road.
Open in MapsUpper Monument Parking
This is the main parking area for Cabrillo. From this parking lot, you can access everything except the tidepools and Coastal Trail. You can hike down the Oceanside Trail to access the Coastal area, or drive down to additional limited parking.
Open in MapsGetting Here & Transit
How to Get Here
FROM DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO Take Harbor Drive past the airport Turn left onto Rosecrans Street Turn right onto Canon Street Turn left onto Catalina Blvd. (also known as Cabrillo Memorial Drive) Follow Catalina Blvd. all the way to the end
Park Amenities
Entrance Fees & Passes
Standard Fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle
$20.00Admits one single, private, non-commercial vehicle and all its passengers.
Entrance - Motorcycle
$15.00Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Entrance - Per Person
$10.00Admits one individual when entering by foot or bicycle. Groups of up to 4 people walking in or on bicycles are capped at $20 total. Individuals 15 years old and younger are admitted free of charge.
Commercial Entrance - Sedan
$30.001 to 6 / ($30)
Commercial Entrance - Van
$45.007 to 25 / ($45)
Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus
$45.007 to 25 / ($45)
Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach
$100.0026 or more / ($100)
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups
$20.00Organized Non-Commercial Groups include church groups, college/school groups, scouts, service organizations, military, etc. Vehicles with a capacity of 16 or less are charged the $20.00 vehicle permit fee. Vehicles with 17 or more seats will instead be charged the $10 per person individual rate for any passengers that are not free. The total fee charged for an Organized Non-Commercial Group will not exceed $100 per vehicle.
Operating Hours
Cabriilo National Monument
The park is open 365 days a year including holidays from 9 am until 5 pm. The Bayside Trail and the Oceanside Trail close at 4pm. The tidepools and the Coastal Trail close at 4:30pm.
- Monday9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Tuesday9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Wednesday9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Thursday9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Friday9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Saturday9:00AM - 5:00PM
- Sunday9:00AM - 5:00PM
Photos
Dusk at the Old Point Loma Lighthouse
Spring flowers in front of Old Point Loma Lighthouse
Looking out on San Diego from Cabrillo
When to Go
Crowd CalendarPlan your trip around peak seasons to avoid crowds or embrace the energy of the busy months. Our crowd predictions are based on historical NPS Visitor Use Statistics.
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Best Time
Year-round
Trip Length
1 day
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Planning Cabrillo National Monument
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