Cabrillo National Monument: what it is, what it costs and the best time to go

At the tip of Point Loma, Cabrillo National Monument packs San Diego's founding story, a lighthouse, tide pools and the best harbor view in the city into a few acres. Here's the history in one minute, then the practical stuff: fees, hours and when to time it.

The lighthouse that was too high

The Old Point Loma Lighthouse was first lit on November 15, 1855, and at 422 feet above sea level it was once called the highest lighthouse in the country. That turned out to be the problem: fog and low clouds often hid the light from ships. A new light station opened lower on the point on March 23, 1891. The Park Service restored the old one in 1933–35, and you can walk through the furnished keeper's quarters today.

Tide pools: go in winter, go early

The tide pools on the ocean side are some of the best in Southern California, and the best low tides (minus 1 foot or lower) come in late fall and winter. The Park Service closes the coastal area at 4:30 p.m., so you need a midday low tide. On busy weekends the road down can close for 30 to 45 minutes when the lots fill, and there's no cell service at the pools, so arrange rideshare pickups in advance. Dates in best tide-pool days this winter.

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Cabrillo

1. 1Cabrillo National Monument visitor center — 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr
2. 2Old Point Loma Lighthouse — Lit 1855, retired 1891

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See these on the full San Diego map

Short on time? Combine Cabrillo with Sunset Cliffs on the drive back, or read the Point Loma neighborhood guide.