Planning a Trip to Cabrillo National Monument - San Diego, CA

My wife and I live in Orange County, California. We moved here from Ohio a little more than a year ago. We usually spend the weekends visiting and exploring new places in the area. Earlier this summer, my wife suggested taking a trip to San Diego to Cabrillo National Monument. I had never heard of the park, but upon arrival was pleasantly surprised to find a great variety of historical, cultural, and natural attractions.

Cabrillo National Monument is located on Point Loma, a hilly peninsula that separates a portion of the San Diego Bay from the Pacific ocean. The majority of the park sits atop an enormous hill. From there, visitors can see downtown San Diego in the distance across the bay.

Many features of the park reflect the various historic events that occurred in the area. The park is named after Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, leader of the first European expedition to the west coast. During the expedition, which began in June of 1542, the San Diego Bay was discovered. In 1855, the Old Point Loma Lighthouse was built to help guide boats safely in the bay. In 1899, Fort Rosecrans was established at the site. In addition a series of gun batteries were built to protect the US coast during World War I and II.

One of the most prominent features of the park is the large statue of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo overlooking the bay. From beneath the statue, visitors can watch the many sailboats enter and exit the bay. You can also use the coin operated telescopes to get a closer look of downtown San Diego.

A short walk up the hill will take you to Old Point Loma Lighthouse. Guests who explore the lighthouse and its adjoining housing quarters will soon learn what it was like to live as a lighthouse keeper in the late 1800's.

Past the lighthouse is a whale watching observation platform. During the right time of year, visitors may get lucky and catch a glimpse of Gray Whales as they migrate from the Arctic to the warmer waters of Mexico. While the whales can be seen anytime from mid-December through March, January is the peak month for whale watching. If you are planning to visit during this time, don't forget to bring your binoculars.

On the way back down the hill from the whale watching platform, guests should be sure to visit the military history museum. The small museum features various pictures and other artifacts from the Point Loma defense installations during the World War era. In addition to the museum, visitors can also explore the several bunkers that were built into the hillside overlooking the Pacific.

Before leaving, be sure to take a drive down to the bottom of the hill to the tide pools. This is a great place to let your kids explore and get pictures with the family. There is also a walking path that runs along the shoreline around the peninsula.

Cabrillo National Monument is a great place for your family to explore the natural beauty of the area, take in breathtaking sights, and learn a little about several important eras of American history. In addition to being a wonderful place to visit, it is also very inexpensive. The entrance fee for the park is only $5 per vehicle. Whether you are a resident of Southern California or just passing through, Cabrillo National Monument is guaranteed to be an experience that you wont forget.