"The Visitor's Center!" Cabrillo National Monument Things to Do Tip by lmkluque

Cabrillo National Monument stands witness to the landing of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo on the shores of what we call San Diego over four hundred years ago. The year was 1542 and it wasn't until 1854 that the lighthouse was built. However, Cabrillo is credited for bringing the first European expedition to what is now the West Coast of the United States.

Over recent years the Visitor's Center has developed into an interesting educational tool. With films and lectures, we can learn about the history of the area, about the flora and fauna of San Diego and about the things that make this a unique place.

Also books and souvenir items are sold, but the best is free. The views are fascinating and on a clear day, past the bay, much of the city and county of San Diego and parts of Tijuana, Mexico is mapped out before your eyes.

Along the viewing deck are plaques that define the ships you might be looking at, the birds flying over head and the mountain peaks you'll see in the background of the city.

If you visit between December and February, you may even get a glimpse of the gray whale migrating.

Address: 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego
Directions: Just drive to the south end of Catalina Boulevard until you reach the toll booth.
Phone: (619) 222-8211
Website: http://www.nps.gov/cabr/index.htm