"Historical, Interesting And Awesome Views!" Cabrillo National Monument by lmkluque

Cabrillo National Monument Travel Guide: 39 reviews and 132 photos

Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo - Cabrillo National Monument

Cabrillo National Monument/Point Loma

Welcome to my Cabrillo National Monument page,

Point Loma is a community situated on a high peninsula located at the northwestern edge of San Diego Bay.

At the tip of Point Loma is the Cabrillo National Monument. Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo (statute pictured here) arrived in San Diego in 1542 and is considered the discoverer of our fine city.

There are several sites worth seeing up here. Not least of which are the spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.

Don't miss the "Tide Pools" on the west side and Fort Rosecranes Cemetery, the West Coast's version of Arlington Cemetery. You'll find more information on my Fort Rosecranes page.

The road to Cabrillo is closed to non-military persons at 5:00 p.m. So be sure to come early.

I Hope You Enjoy your visit,
Linda

The Peninsula Of Point Loma

Tip of Point Loma from Coronado Beach

Between Ocean Beach and Cabrillo National Monument you'll find the San Diego community of Point Loma. It spreads down the peninsula on the east side with fantastic views of the San Diego Harbor and on the west side with awesome views of the Pacific Ocean.

Plan to visit Cabrillo N.M. sometime before noon, with enough time to leave by five, then wander down Catalina Boulevard until you reach Hill Street in plenty of time to watch the sunset at Sunset Cliffs Park. Make a left onto Hill and follow it all the way to Sunset Cliffs Boulevard. You'll not see a sign announcing Luscombs Point and you might not even realize it is a park. There are seveal small parking lots to pull into and signs warn that the cliffs are unstable so, don't try climbing down them--some people do, but the fine for the climb is between $50.00 and $290.00. Part of this area is technically considered Ocean Beach, but it is still on the west side of the Point Loma Peninsula.

Find Your Spot

Sunset Cliffs View

While waiting for the setting of the sun, drive through Point Loma Nazerene University, a small school located on one of the most beautiful spots in San Diego.

Another idea is to take a few right turns off Catalina Boulevard to see views of the San Diego Bay. Then take a few left turns off Catlalina to see views of the Pacific Ocean, well the best street to do this is Hill Street, from the top of it there is a panoramic view of homes, palm trees and ocean. So Beautiful.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Historical, Fun and Awesome Views
Cons:Closed after five
In a nutshell:Worth a trip out here!

Last visit to Cabrillo National Monument: Mar 2010
Intro Updated Jan 8, 2012
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Reviews (27)

Entrance, East View - Cabrillo National Monument

Affordable, Old, Clean and Very Friendly Hotels (3)

I did not stay at this motel. A VT'er asked me about it and I went to check it out. Seems that most of the reviews for... more travel advice

West on Hill St. - Cabrillo National Monument

Living in Point Loma Favorites (2)

Point Loma's residential section historically was developed to house military personnel and their families, some of the... more travel advice

Whale Watching platform. - Cabrillo National Monument

Free Whale Watching Things to Do (7)

There are several companies that offer Whale Watching during the months of December through April when whales migrate... more travel advice

Entrance to Bayside Trail - Cabrillo National Monument

Bayside Trail at CNM Off The Beaten Path (2)

This trail is usually overlooked by tourists and for anyone liking a good hike or families with active children needing... more travel advice

Travelogues (3)

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Comments (16)

Nemorino Jan 7, 2012 at 7:05 AM Report Abuse

This was all new to me, since I had never even heard of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo and didn’t know that he landed at what is now San Diego in 1542. It seems very fitting to have a National Monument in his honor. This looks like a worthwhile place to visit, with free whale watching as an added bonus.
balhannah Nov 29, 2009 at 2:49 AM Report Abuse

Thanks for an interesting tour of a place I haven't heard of!
septem Jun 10, 2009 at 11:23 AM Report Abuse

Lovely pages and tips. Juliana
Basaic Apr 28, 2009 at 11:29 AM Report Abuse

very good, very comprehensive page.
timada Nov 25, 2008 at 8:32 AM Report Abuse

Enjoyed to watch smole creatures of the sea , the lighthouse , the sunset ...wonderful trip !
SLLiew Jan 5, 2008 at 10:06 PM Report Abuse

Would love to go whale watching from the shore here. Excellent tips for Cabrillo NM. Cheers from Penang, SL :)
travelgourmet Jul 7, 2007 at 11:45 AM Report Abuse

Sunset Cliffs, memories of where I learned to surf in 1958 and abalone was free for the taking, just bring along an ab-iron.
KimberlyAnn May 28, 2007 at 2:31 PM Report Abuse

Great tips, with lots of information! The tide pools, history, hiking, and light house are all things that we would like. I have saved a number of these tips for the future.. and I like the picnic idea----Thanks!
Pawtuxet Apr 29, 2007 at 11:39 AM Report Abuse

Cliffs are wonderful sun up or sun down. Someone just mentioned Pt. Loma to me the other day. Said I should see it on my next trip. hmmmmm probably they are working w/ my son to get me out there. :-)
globetrott Apr 20, 2006 at 1:52 PM Report Abuse

an interesting page & location, Linda ! The Cabrillo National Monument looks really great !!