Located in San Diego California, the Cabrillo National Monument provides a historic lighthouse with plenty of activities. There are great views here as well, with tidepools, flora and fauna, whales to watch, and even military history.

The Monument offers hiking along designated trails, bicycling on paved roadways, and swimming within the park boundaries. Fishing is permitted here as well, with hook and line – although only one fish may be taken. When walking the trails and exploring, make sure to be on the lookout for cliff areas, as they can be very unstable.

A lot of visitors come to the National Monument to enjoy the breathtaking views of the San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Because of this very reason, the park has become of the best harbor views anywhere in California – or the world for that matter!

The tidepools are great to see here as well, although you should always be careful. Even though they are great to admire, the surface may be very slippery.

Anytime you are in the San Diego area, a trip to the Cabrillo National Monument is more than worth the time. You can walk the trails, have fun, or just enjoy the breathtaking views of San Diego that only the Cabrillo National Monument can provide you with.

COVID-19 Travel Notification

Get the Latest Travel Notifications at Cabrillo National Monument website.

• The outdoor areas and restrooms at Cabrillo National Monument are open from 9 am to 5 pm. The tidepools close at 4:30 pm.
• Indoor areas including the Visitor Center, Park Store, Lighthouse, and some exhibits remain closed.
• Visitors should come prepared to pack out their own trash, and bring enough food and water for their group.
• The road to the tidepools may be closed if the area hits capacity in order to maintain conditions appropriate for social distancing. The road to the tidepool area will be closed (usually around 30 minutes) until sufficient capacity in the parking areas becomes available. This temporary closure of the road allows for traffic to flow freely and allows a more pleasant experience for the visitor by reducing the number of people and reducing the damage to the fragile ecosystem. Please plan your trips to allow for this delay, and thank you for your patience.

Cabrillo Sea Cave Closed

The Cabrillo Sea Cave is located within a closed area of the park. The Sea Cave and nearby area have been closed since the 1980s due to extremely dangerous conditions and to comply with the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Entry into this area is not permitted at any time. Violators are subject to federal fines and sentencing.

Marine mammals use this area and are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Approaching and/or disturbing marine mammals (i.e., seals and sea lions) and their young is not allowed. Doing so is a violation of the Act, and violators are subject to fines and sentencing.

The cave was created by sudden and catastrophic sandstone erosion and rock falls. Periodic bluff collapse is constant along the California coast. To avoid injury, stay back from cliff edges and do not walk under overhangs or along the base of escarpment faces.