Cabrillo National Monument
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive,San Diego,
California 92106
(619) 557–5450
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7 Reviewsfor Cabrillo National Monument
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450 families found this helpful
"Magnificent views of SD Bay"
In addition to great views of the SD Bay (where Cabrillo first landed), we also got to see a naval carrier ship afloat during our recent visit with the kids. The exhibits about Spanish explorers were informative for me and my hubby while my little ones liked pressing the buttons within the exhibit room. We were disappointed to find out that the low tide was still too high for good viewing in the tidepools on that particular day. We were told by the staff that the best time for tidepools there was in the winter. We did walk up to the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and were interested in how the lightkeepers lived and spent their time. My 3-year old liked going up the steep spiral staircase in the Lighthouse. On the June gloom day that we went it was a little windy so we were glad to have hooded sweaters for the kids handy.
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0 families found this helpful
"A Lasting Memory"
I am writing this review from my person experience as a child here. I vividly rememebr this experience at the Cabrillo National Monument. As a child we had a lot of famil from overseas come to visit and we brought a large group here once. As a child growing up on the west coast this was truly an amazing site. I had never seen a building like this before and I was in awe. I don't think there was anything particualrly fantastic or amuzing just the sheer size and beauty left a lasting impression. I recommend taking your kids here if you would to experience something different!
1 family found this helpful
"Wonderful end of the world scenery one side and panorama of San Diego on the other"
We had a wonderful time at Cabrillo National Monument. It is located on Point Loma in San Diego but feels like worlds away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. Try to plan your visit around the tides because the tide pools are supposed to be wonderful (we tried to visit at low tide but the Chile earthquake screwed up the tides) and the scenery around the tide pools is incredible. There is wonderful trail that follows the cliffside and provides incredible views of the never ending expanse of ocean beyond. The trail does hug the cliff in some places so make sure to hold the hands of little ones in those spots. The Point Loma Lighthouse is a beautiful site and there are tours conducted often. The visitor center is has fun examples of 16th century swords and helmets that kids can try on. The views from this are give you panoramas of the city and the San Diego Bay. A wonderful memorial to Juan Cabrillo (the first Eupopean to set foot on the West Coast) is alos located in this area. I love our National Park system and I think this magical place is a perfect (and easily accessible) addition. If you are in San Diego, Cabrillo National Monument is a must see.
1 family found this helpful
"Lovely Views"
This widely acknowledged First European landing site on the West Coast of the New World is a lovely spot to take in the sunset and just maybe learn a little something about the local history of San Diego, California.
For a reasonable fee ($5/vehicle buys you unlimited admission for 1 week) a family can spend some time taking in the views. The harbor view to one side lays out much of San Diego at your feet (Downtown, Coronado, Harbor Island, etc…). To the other side you can watch the sunset over the ocean and view whale migrations (spring and fall). With a special pass you can drive up the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and have a look around as well. There are multiple walking paths and down below, tidepools are a great place for children to explore nature. There is also a visitor’s center to expand your knowledge.
Overall this is a great value and a nice place to visit while in San Diego. Add a trip to one of the many local missions for a full day out.
Cautions: wear shoes appropriate for walking / climbing trails and bring a jacket during winter months as the wind can get chilly. Also rattlesnakes are indigenous to this area, so be aware.
0 families found this helpful
"Perfect Place to view San Diego Skyline"
We stopped by the park as a detour and we glad we did. What a great place to view San Diego Skyline. We didn't prepare for the hiking so didn't make it to the lighthouse. But we still spent a great deal amount of time enjoying the view of San Diego bay.
Locals told us that you can check the naval schedule and might be able to see the ships sail back to port.
Also we made a quick stop to the tidepool and enjoyed the time viewing the surfers out on the pacific ocean. What a view!!
1 family found this helpful
"Fun with the Family"
Cruising the Pacific Coast north of Mexico in 1542, explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo first landed at Point Loma, a 400-foot-high peninsula separating San Diego Bay from the ocean. He claimed it (and everything else in sight) for Spain. Today you can marvel at the same view Cabrillo had of the southern most tip of this narrow finger of land. On Point Loma’s plateau-like surface are two military reservations, a cemetery, and informative attractions for young and old alike. You can get your bearings at the visitor center, tour the monument’s small museum, and take in a free film or a ranger sponsored program in the auditorium. Then let the kids climb Old Point Loma Lighhouse, with its breath-taking panorama of the city meeting the sea. This is a superb spot for winter whale-watching.
1 family found this helpful
"Tidepools and Lighthouse"
Cabrillo National Monument is a U.S. National Park that grandparents with a lifetime National Park membership card can take a family of four to explore for free. Kids can learn all about light optics through the Fresnel lens display at the Point Loma Lighthouse inside the park. You can hold the young ones by the hand to walk down to the tide pools, where crabs and marine life abound. The wind carved cliffs along the shore is a sight to behold, but hiking it looks especially treacherous with kids. Better to oogle at the huge statue of Jiao Cabrillo, and the wide open view of Coronado Island and San Diego.
http://www.nps.gov/cabr/
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