Cabrillo National Monument, San Diego: Hours, Address, Cabrillo National Monument Reviews: 4.5/5
Cabrillo National Monument
Cabrillo National Monument
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Stately monument honoring Cabrillo, discoverer of San Diego Bay, is located in Point Loma that overlooks the city and the Bay.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Cabrillo National Monument
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
6 within 3 miles
Attractions
197 within 6 miles

Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery
1,463
0.1 miCemeteries

Point Loma
1,927
0.2 miHistoric Walking Areas • Geologic Formations

Cabrillo Tide Pools
395
0.5 miBodies of Water • Hiking Trails

USS Midway Museum
25,212
Speciality Museums

Coronado Dog Beach
204
2.9 miBeaches

Coronado Island
3,019
Islands

Harbor and Shelter Islands
365
Islands • Beach & Pool Clubs

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
2,093
Parks
La Playa Grande, Amapala
1
0.7 miBeaches

Lamb's Players Theatre
190
Theaters
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
4,856 reviews
Excellent
3,185
Very good
1,412
Average
226
Poor
22
Terrible
11
WanderingOttersons
Denver, CO696 contributions
Not just the Monument and lighthouse but also the coastal area park and Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery nearby so take some time to explore the whole area while you're here. On the west side of the point is a nice and easy walk along the coastline and the Point Loma tide pools. The history of the monument is interesting and gives you some background to the beginnings of San Diego. The lighthouse is cool and also has some great history and stories to read over. On top of the hill and on the east side of the point are some great views of the city, the bay and Coronado with the naval base. It is a national monument and park so there is an entrance fee for a vehicle but if you take some time to explore everything, it is well worth the amount.
Written February 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Beth K
Shawnee, KS1,613 contributions
So many great things about this location and I'm so happy we were able to visit. The cost is $20 per carload at the gate, which is very reasonable. The ranger also mentioned a national parks season pass is $35, so take that into consideration if you travel to other national parks.
Our first stop was overlooking the water and climbing up some paths along the shore. Absolutely beautiful and breathtaking! We then went to the Visitor's Center to see a great view of Coronado Island and the water below. We also took a short five minute hike up to see the lighthouse. It was open for viewing, so we visited the lighthouse keeper's home and went up the steep staircase to the top.
Absolutely worth the trip!
Our first stop was overlooking the water and climbing up some paths along the shore. Absolutely beautiful and breathtaking! We then went to the Visitor's Center to see a great view of Coronado Island and the water below. We also took a short five minute hike up to see the lighthouse. It was open for viewing, so we visited the lighthouse keeper's home and went up the steep staircase to the top.
Absolutely worth the trip!
Written March 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
GitchSup
Duluth, MN1,247 contributions
Quite a beautiful National Park with views and history galore! Take the time to go to the visitor center for a map and some information before you head out. Right out of the visitor center you can see the ships on maneuvers just over the cliff edge, there is a poster about the various ships and boats you might see. The statue of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo is just a little bit further down the path and has more great views. If you continue up the hillside you will get to the old Point Loma lighthouse which you can walk around outside as well as inside. Remember it's a National Park so there will be a fee to get in unless you have a National Park pass.
Written May 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Anantha
Hamden, CT143 contributions
Family
Beautiful setting. The monument and the backdrop is splendid. There are exhibits which talks about Cabrillo. Very close to the Cabrillo monument is a small lighthouse which is very picturesque. Recommended to be here early in the day as later cars get backed up at the entrance where u pay fee (which is valid for 7 days).
Written January 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Katherine M
Houston, TX86 contributions
This national monument and museum are a great way to learn about the first discovery of California by the Spanish. It also discusses the native Americans who lived here first and how they influenced the Spanish settlers. Sadly, many died from disease after the "white man" came.
The views are fabulous. Take your binoculars so that you can identify any Navy ships that are coming into port or going out to sea. Enjoy the various trails around the monument and take in a good long look at the Rosencrans National Cemetery. Sobering to see so many lives lost in senseless wars.
The views are fabulous. Take your binoculars so that you can identify any Navy ships that are coming into port or going out to sea. Enjoy the various trails around the monument and take in a good long look at the Rosencrans National Cemetery. Sobering to see so many lives lost in senseless wars.
Written August 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ian B
Silver Spring, MD202 contributions
Although it can get very busy on weekend and holiday periods, this is great stop to see the best views of the city and learn the early history of the area. Be sure to run up to the lighthouse and see how a family used to run and see their living area. On a clear day run your eyes south down the coast and you can spot Tijuana, Mexico. Trails lead down to the coast if you want to hike a bit. Parking is easy and close by. If you have a national parks pass you can use it for free entry, otherwise it's currently $20 for a car.
Written January 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jeri B
13 contributions
Definitely a must if you are visiting San Diego. On a sunny day, the views are just spectacular. Entrance into the park now costs $35 per carload (unless you have a senior federal park pass), but then everything else is free. There is a gift shop. There are several hikes down to the water (and straight up on the return), but even without doing the hikes, there is enough walking (or as little as you want) here. The old lighthouse is interesting...you can see most of the interior. If you don't have a car, Lyft can take you there, or a bus. We took Lyft there from the downtown area, then caught a bus to a place we could walk to sunset cliffs for the sunset, then caught another bus back to our room. Bus costs $2.50 for one ride ($1.25 for seniors) or $3.00 for all day, I think. Anyways, this is a very worthwhile place to visit.
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Saluga
Wading River, NY2,463 contributions
Apparently, Juan Cabrillo was the first European to set foot on the western coast of the United States. There's a large statue of him at the monument that overlooks the beautiful views of the bay. We took the short walk up to the Port Loma lighthouse and went inside. It was interesting to see all the artifacts from when it was operating. We also toured the lighthouse keeper's quarters. There are two trails that go around the area, the bay trail and the coastal trail.
Written March 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
FloridaSunDevil
West Palm Beach, FL835 contributions
We didn't visit the Monument until late afternoon after most of the fog had lifted. There is an admission fee for the park but is not necessary if you have a National Parks pass. Be patient, there was a long line of cars entering the park. The panoramic views of the harbor, naval air station and the cemetery are marvelous. There is a lot to learn in the museum about the explorer Cabrillo and some local history. There are two lighthouses if I recall right and there is a statue of the explorer. We also visited the tide pools which were very interesting. We weren't dressed for going in the water however and they closed at 4:30 the day we visited. Point Loma is definitely a must see when visiting San Diego.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
chips57
Illinois227 contributions
We stayed in Coronado and decided to take a drive to Cabrillo Monument. Great decision. Scenic drive up there. There is a fee of about $20 to get in because it is a National Park unless you have a pass. It is worth it plus the ticket is good for a week so you can come back any time. The place closed about 5:00 so allow enough time to be there, like at least 2 to 3 hours. You can see the monument and then walk up to the lighthouse, there are a couple of trails you can hike and a pretty overlook on both sides to see the ocean and the Navy Base and even a place to sit if you want to be hopeful to sight a whale! Also while you are there drive down to the tide pools and get out and walk around there. Pretty coast line , too There is also a nice visitor center at Cabrillo Monument
Written March 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BethJ117
Piedmont, SC128 contributions
Are you allowed to hold a sign up for departing Naval ships? I don’t want to break any rules or get my sailor in trouble - but I’d love to hold one up as the ship passes by. Thanks.
Tootsiewest
Westerville, OH717 contributions
We are coming for a visit in September and I would love to visit. I want to see the tide pools for the first time but not sure how to know when low tide is? Can you tell me?
paws0810
Mesa, AZ2,443 contributions
You have to watch reports listed on web sight
applejanna
Apple Valley, CA940 contributions
Can we picnic here?
rsbdesign
Carmichael, CA56 contributions
Outdoor areas are open but there are no picnic areas specifically. There’s plenty of outdoor space if you bring your own chairs, etc so you should be able to find somewhere that works for a picnic.
Sheepdog1125
Spokane, WA141 contributions
How do I get there on public transport? Thanks.
lumadee75
San Diego, CA54 contributions
You can take a Lyft or Uber but either way
Ronda345
Panama City, FL59 contributions
Handicap accessible?
Ismailbandook
Pune, India984 contributions
The m payment is accessible but the tidal pools are difficult to access by wheel chair.
morganbalazic
Oceanside, CA
Is this pet friendly?
Ray H
Saint Charles, IL49 contributions
Yes , I think so, but recommend calling Park directly to confirm (or check their website). I didn't notice any pets while there, but wasn't really paying attention to that given the scenic beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cabrillo National Monument
- Cabrillo National Monument is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking Cabrillo National Monument tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 15 Cabrillo National Monument tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Cabrillo National Monument:
- San Diego Best of the Bay 2 Hour Harbor Cruise (From $42.90)
- Sunset Sailing Tour of San Diego Bay up to 6 Guests (From $600.00)
- GoCar Talking GoCar 3Hr Tour: Point Loma Adventure (From $115.28)
- San Diego GPS Talking GoCar: Best Value - All Day for the Price of 5 Hours (From $158.50)
- Sailing Charter Sightseeing Cruise on San Diego Bay up to 6 Guests (From $600.00)
- Hotels near Cabrillo National Monument:
- (3.69 mi) 1906 Lodge
- (3.49 mi) Hotel Marisol Coronado
- (3.62 mi) El Cordova Hotel
- (4.15 mi) Courtyard San Diego Airport/Liberty Station
- (3.48 mi) Cherokee Lodge
- Restaurants near Cabrillo National Monument:
- (3.58 mi) Nado Gelato
- (3.58 mi) Burger Lounge
- (3.34 mi) Supannee House of Thai
- (3.54 mi) Mitch's Seafood
- (5.32 mi) Salt & Straw
- Attractions near Cabrillo National Monument:
- (0.12 mi) Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery
- (0.16 mi) Point Loma
- (0.48 mi) Cabrillo Tide Pools
- (4.63 mi) USS Midway Museum
- (2.57 mi) Sail Stars & Stripes