Cabrillo National Monument: It's in San Diego, Not "Southern California" Generally

The Cabrillo National Monument sits at the tip of the Point Loma peninsula in San Diego—not vaguely "in Southern California." Precision matters for navigation and context.

Exact Location

1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive
San Diego, CA 92106

At the southern end of Point Loma, commanding the entrance to San Diego Bay and panoramic views of the Pacific, the bay, Coronado, and downtown San Diego.

What Commemorates

Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, the Portuguese explorer sailing for Spain, who on September 28, 1542, became the first European to navigate the coast of present-day California. He landed at "San Miguel" (now San Diego Bay).

What to See

• Old Point Loma Lighthouse (1855) — restored, furnished
• Whale Overlook — gray whale migration (Dec-Apr)
• Tide pools — accessible at low tide, rich marine life
• Bayside Trail — 2-mile coastal walk
• Visitor Center — exhibits on Cabrillo, Kumeyaay people, military history
• WWII coastal defenses — bunkers, searchlight shelters

Practical Info

• Hours: 9 AM - 5 PM daily (closed Thanksgiving, Dec 25)
• Fee: $20/vehicle (7-day pass); $15/motorcycle; $10/individual walk/bike
• Access: Car only (no public transit to monument); steep winding road
• Pets: Leashed on trails only, not in buildings/tidepools

It's a specific place with a specific address—not a regional generalization. Plug the address into GPS and you'll arrive at the monument entrance.