Don’t let the name fool you. Cabrillo National Monument is much more than the imposing limestone statue dedicated to Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo (Cab-ri-yo) – the first European explorer to set foot on the United States’ west coast in 1542. This beautiful park overlooking San Diego is truly a gem for both locals and visitors.
As San Diego residents, this is one of our favorite areas to explore. Our kids enjoyed this area growing up and still love coming here as young adults. There are a variety of natural and historical attractions to see in this small National Park site.
Who was Cabrillo?
As a commander of three vessels, Cabrillo set sail from the coast of Mexico and entered a harbor he described as “a closed and very good port”. He named the area San Miguel — modern San Diego’s current location.
It’s quite interesting that the San Miguel name didn’t last. Instead, San Diego was named for a Spanish patron saint almost 60 years after Cabrillo landed here.
The regal statue fittingly looks over the breathtaking view of the city, the harbor and Coronado Island. There’s nowhere else in the city that rivals this panoramic scenery.
On a clear day, Mexico to the south is also visible through the viewpoints. But, the area also includes a diverse group of attractions that include tide pools, an old lighthouse, an ecotype trail, a military reserve and a very interesting visitor’s center.
Visit the Rocky Intertidal Zone
This fascinating area known as the rocky intertidal zone or tide pools along the coast is a “must-see” attraction. The area is usually covered in water but during the low tides, the rocks and small tide pools are exposed for everyone to enjoy.
Check the San Diego tide times before going to the tide pools. Ideally, you want a .7 low tide and anything with negative tides for optimum conditions between 9 AM and 4:30 PM. Plan to arrive an hour before the peak low tide since water levels go back up after it peaks.
The tide pool areas are a few minutes drive down from the entrance and visitor’s center. It is not walkable from the visitor’s center.
The closest parking lot to the trail is quite small and the overflow parking lot on a nearby lookout also gets crowded quickly. Roadside parking is not available so this is something visitors should be aware of when visiting – lack of parking.
We really recommend going early. There have been several times we’ve been turned away later in the day due to overcrowding.
The trail leading to the tide pools is wide but not paved and ends at a stairway to the shoreline. This is not the ideal spot for strollers and wheelchairs. Although, babies would be fine on baby carriers.
During weekends, there may be docents by this trail to answer questions. They also have tables with some interactive exhibits and brochures to learn more about the park and the tide pools.
The low tides always reveal great wonders at the tide pools for the visitors. Of course, great weather and low tides also there will be quite a lot of people exploring the area. So, always pack your patience and enjoy this beautiful area slowly.
Sandstone cliffs surround the tide pools. Visitors can climb down these picturesque and layered rocks, albeit very sharp and rough. But, it is definitely worth the climb to fully appreciate this area.
This was a very popular place for kids to climb on. It is also a popular backdrop for many pictures.
There is always a diverse group of marine animals and plants here. My kids could always spend the whole day wandering around, turning over rocks and spotting the creatures.
Most time, they actually don’t want to leave even after spending a couple of hours here. This exploration would be better if you have a sheet or book with images of the the tide pool creatures to use as references to identify things.
There is always much activity in each rock crevice or tiny pools of water between rocks. Sea stars, sea urchins, goose barnacles sticking to rocks and sea anemones among others were all waiting to be observed. Hermit crabs scampering along the rocks are always fun to see.
Watch and observe only. This is the key here and must be stressed to the kids and even some adults. Removing or disturbing plants or animals are protected by federal law and subject to heavy fines. Walking along the rocks can be somewhat slippery so watch your steps.
Slow down, walk gently and observe. It is a very interesting ecosystem where the creatures have obviously adapted well to a harsh natural environment.
The Visitors Center and Exhibit Room
The park recommends going to the Visitor’s Center first as an orientation on the Spanish explorers and to plan your visit. The glass windows offered an enviable panoramic view of the bay and the city skyline.
There are plenty of interactive exhibits for the kids by the windows. They are encouraged to try on the helmets and wear the armors used by the Spanish soldiers.
This place has always been a highlights for my kids during each visit. Many San Diego elementary school kids go to Cabrillo National Monument for field trips (including my son several years ago) so the visitor’s center knows how to set up programs for young kids.
Another wonderful display was some of the weapons used by the soldiers. We have always learned along with the kids too. Little fun fact: Biscuit and dried fish were common foods in a sailor’s diet.
Exhibits of animal bones and stuffed local wildlife are also available on display — the next best thing to seeing real animals. Kids can actually pick up the bones including one of a whale. Films, which are about 20-25 minutes long, are also shown throughout the day at the top of the hour.
The Exhibit Room was a walk-through museum with plenty of interactive exhibits about Cabrillo’s life and explorations. There was also a small exhibit on the Kumeyaay Indians Cabrillo met — all very informative and interesting.
Kids always enjoy pushing all the buttons on a board that corresponded to a ship painting showing them people’s various jobs aboard as well as the ship’s quarters.
Old Point Loma Lighthouse
The Old Point Loma lighthouse is one of the park’s iconic structures. It was operational for 36 years from 1855 to 1891 lighting the way for ships into San Diego Bay. The light was visible 39 miles out into the ocean.
A visit inside the lighthouse showcases the rooms as they were in the 1800s. The lighthouse keeper was working 24 hours a day 7 days a week to guide ships into the harbor. The assistant keepers quarters was a separate area from the lighthouse.
Military History Exhibit
The US government used this area extensively to build military facilities like bunkers, gun batteries as part of its harbor defense systems. This strategic location was ideal since it acted as a natural barrier for San Diego Bay.
Visitors can learn more about San Diego’s military history through informative and interactive exhibits. Go into the old radio station near the Visitor’s Center. See the interesting exhibit called “They Stood Watch”. It’s a glimpse into this area’s military history and the roles it played in the wars as a coastal defense unit.
Though we’ve never gone in, visitors can also go inside the Battery Commander’s bunker just up the stairs from the radio station. This bunker was the Battery Ashburn’s commanding officer’s office and also served as an observation station.
Other Areas of Interest in Cabrillo National Monument
Bayside Trail
This 2.5 mile roundtrip trail descends 300 feet into the coast. Along the way, hikers pass unique native plant communities and WWI and WWII bunkers that was used to protect the harbor.
Follow signs to the trail from the old lighthouse. There is a 340-ft elevation gain walking back up the hill. The hike takes about 1-2 hours. There are no restrooms on this trail. Bring plenty of water if hiking in the summer months.
Coastal Trail
We’ve done this one-mile round trip hike several times over the years. The views leading to the tidepools are amazing. There’s even some military history on the trail with sighting of the World War II underground searchlight shelter.
The trails are wide with some steep stairs along the way. Enter the trail from either Lot 1 or Lot 2 on Gatchell Road. It is a great family-friendly hike and also allows leashed dogs.
Kelp Forest and Whale Overlook
A bronze sculpture of a gray whale and her calf is in the area which provides a great lookout for the migrating whales between December and February. They can usually be seen beyond the kelp beds here.
Whale watching weekends are scheduled during these months including a variety of other activities for the whole family.
Junior Ranger Program
Like many National Parks, we highly recommend the kids participate in the Junior Ranger Program. Cabrillo National Monument had a Just for Kids four-page newspaper and in the middle fold were eight sections for kids to answer questions.
Unlike other parks, this was only aimed towards 3rd to 5th graders (about 8-10 year old kids). It’s a wonderful opportunity for kids to learn about the park and the Spanish explorers.
Kids can do the activities and tour the exhibit room and the visitor’s center which also qualifies. The rewards are a nice certificate and a very shiny badge to add to any existing collection.
Cabrillo National Monument is a fantastic place to visit for locals and visitors. It’s a family excursion with endless hours of exploration and learning. Do not miss going here
Tips for Visiting Cabrillo National Monument with kids
- Low tides are much more common during the late fall and winter months. If you plan to visit the tide pools, it’s best to find out when the low tides are predicted to see everything. Check this Cabrillo National Park website for information on any alerts and [park closures.
- Shoes with good gripping soles are recommended, as rocky areas become slippery with water and algae at the tide pools.
- Day use only – tide pools close at 4:30 PM and the visitor’s center closes at 5:00 PM.
- Restrooms are only available at the visitor’s center.
- Bring binoculars. You never know what birds you’ll see or if the migrating whales are visible from the lookout.
- Get an activity sheet or book with tide pool creatures from the visitor’s center or online to enhance the tide pool exploration. Kids can look for and identify the creatures at the tide pools.
- No food concessions other than vending machines. Bring snacks or pack a picnic. Picnic benches are available in some areas.
*Have you visited Cabrillo National Monument?
*Need more ideas? Here are 50 Things to do in San Diego with Kids
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This is another spot that was on my list when we visited San Diego (and I didn’t even know about the tide pools) but we ran out of time and couldn’t see everything. Definitely going to have to return and explore San Diego a little more! :)
I hope you come back soon because it would be great to meet you =)
We spent a week in San Diego when my son was a baby, but I don’t remember hearing about this one. It looks like there’s a lot to do there for it being only a monument, not a park. My kids would love the rocks!
It really is one of San Diego’s hidden gems. Many who do come here go to the lighthouse and visit for the views but there’s a whole list of attractions too. We were quite surprised at the level of activities here. The rocks were definitely a hit for kids of all ages.
The pictures are just fantastic! I love the last one. What a great family!
Thank you Jessica! You are too sweet. We liked the rocks “framing” us =)
We plan on visiting San Diego in May and would love to visit there. We weren’t planning on renting a car and just depending on Uber while there.
Would you suggest renting a car to visit Cabrillo National monument?