USA :: San Diego :: Point Loma

Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo Monument with San Diego Bay in the Background

Cabrillo National Monument is at the southern tip of the Point Loma Peninsula. 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.  (Wikipedia quote). 

Access is via Cabrillo Memorial Drive; take Rosecrans exit from Interstate 5, then follow signs.  Road passes through Naval base and there is usually checkpoint.  The Park is open 9am - 5pm daily. Mornings are typically better time to visit Point Loma during the winter as Coastal Fog aka Marine Layer usually advances in early afternoon.

One would not normally associate Point Loma with hiking, but behind the lighthouse is neat little trail;  it switchbacks lazily down the patchy mesa, then swings north and descends to Naval Base gate, which is the turning point.  Sweeping views of San Diego Bay are the main incentive;  on clear day one can see all the way south to Mexico and East to Cuyamaca Mountains.  So after touring Cabrillo Monument Visitor Center and visiting the lighthouse (not in operation), this easy walk is highly recommended.  On return make sure you stop by Tide Pools on west side of Peninsula;  side road branches off ~1km before Cabrillo parking.   Check tide charts so you are there when tide is low for optimal beachcombing.

Cabrillo Memorial Drive passes by Naval Cemetery and will allow nice photo-op in right conditions on drive back;  see gallery.

Gallery