Cabrillo National Monument
National Monument · California
NPS Photo / Dan Zeller
United States historic place
Cabrillo National Monument is a U.S. national monument at the southern tip of the Point Loma peninsula in San Diego, California. It commemorates the landing of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo at San Diego Bay on September 28, 1542. This event marked the first time a European expedition had set foot on what later became the West Coast of the United States. The site was designated as California Historical Landmark #56 in 1932. The area was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1966.
About Cabrillo National Monument
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.
Park Photos
Activities
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.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00AM - 5:00PM | 9:00AM - 5:00PM | 9:00AM - 5:00PM | 9:00AM - 5:00PM | 9:00AM - 5:00PM | 9:00AM - 5:00PM | 9:00AM - 5:00PM |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Cabrillo National Monument?
Entrance - Private Vehicle: $20.00. Admits one single, private, non-commercial vehicle and all its passengers. Entrance - Motorcycle: $15.00. Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers. Entrance - Per Person: $10.00. Admits 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: $30.00. 1 to 6 / ($30) Commercial Entrance - Van: $45.00. 7 to 25 / ($45) Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus: $45.00. 7 to 25 / ($45) Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach: $100.00. 26 or more / ($100) Entrance - Non-commercial Groups: $20.00. Organized 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.
What are the best activities at Cabrillo National Monument?
Popular activities at Cabrillo National Monument include: Biking, Road Biking, Hiking, Living History, Reenactments, Historic Weapons Demonstration, First Person Interpretation, Junior Ranger Program.
What is the weather like at Cabrillo National Monument?
Check the current weather from the National Weather Service at https://www.weather.gov/. San Diego's climate is characterized by warm, dry summers and mild winters, with most of the annual precipitation falling between December and March. The city has a mild climate year-round, with an average of 201 days above 70 °F (21 °C) and low rainfall (9–13 inches [230–330 mm] annually).
How do I get to Cabrillo National Monument?
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
Entrance Fees
Admits one single, private, non-commercial vehicle and all its passengers.
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Admits 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.
1 to 6 / ($30)
7 to 25 / ($45)
7 to 25 / ($45)
26 or more / ($100)
Organized 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.
Weather
Check the current weather from the National Weather Service at https://www.weather.gov/. San Diego's climate is characterized by warm, dry summers and mild winters, with most of the annual precipitation falling between December and March. The city has a mild climate year-round, with an average of 201 days above 70 °F (21 °C) and low rainfall (9–13 inches [230–330 mm] annually).
Directions
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
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Official Resources
NPS Official WebsiteMore Parks in California
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