Cabrillo National Monument
In 1542, explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo stepped ashore on the Point Loma Peninsula making him the first European to land on the west coast of the future United States.
Plan Around Cabrillo National Monument
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Cabrillo National Monument Details
In 1542, explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo stepped ashore on the Point Loma Peninsula near modern-day San Diego, Calif., making him the first European to land on the west coast of the future United States. Cabrillo National Monument commemorates that historic achievement with a 14-foot statue of Cabrillo (funded by the government of Portugal, the explorer's home country) and a visitor center with a film and exhibits detailing his expedition. A reenactment of Cabrillo's landing takes place every October along with a cultural festival. The park grounds, located 422 feet above sea level at the tip of Point Loma, include the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, built in 1854 and open for tours. Park visitors can also enjoy excellent views of the San Diego skyline and Coronado Island, tour old coastal artillery batteries that were once part of Fort Rosecrans, hike the two-mile Bayside Trail, and in winter scan the Pacific waters to spot migrating grey whales. Established: Oct. 14, 1913 Area: 143.9 acres
Difficulty
Open
Distance
N/A
Estimated time
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Region
National Monuments
Nearby Parks Around Cabrillo National Monument
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Nearby Points of Interest Around Cabrillo National Monument
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Cabrillo National Monument while the map context is still fresh.
0.2 mi away
Old Point Loma Lighthouse
Watching over the coast of San Diego, this historic lighthouse sits at the 400-foot summit of the Point Loma peninsula near the entrance of the San Diego Bay.
3.1 mi away
Coronado Beach
This 1.5-mile-long beach is one of the most popular beaches in San Diego, although it never feels overly crowded.
4.4 mi away
Bayshore Bikeway
Enjoy the best of what San Diego has to offer when you spend the day cycling along the coast.
6.0 mi away
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Take a trip down memory lane and visit this historic park to learn more about the early days of San Diego.
6.4 mi away
Silver Strand State Beach
With 2-miles of soft, golden sand hugging both the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay, this park is one of Southern Californias most beloved areas.
