RoundAbout San Diego

Cabrillo National Park

There’s no better way to start showing a guest around San Diego than taking them to Cabrillo Point. With incredible views of San Diego, Mexico on a clear day, whale watching during certain months, as well as a lesson in the history of the area, it’s a great start to a vacation for anyone, no matter their age.

Why do I like Cabrillo Point so much? There is so much to do and see. The park highlights some of the early history of San Diego. Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo landed close to the point and the park commemorates his landing.

Start off at the information center and walk around the museum. Enjoy the exhibits and learn about Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. You can visit this page for further information

The Juan Rodrigues Cabrillo monument offers stunning views of San Diego and Coronado Island. On a clear day you can see for many miles into Mexico and all the way to the Cuyamaca Mountains which might be covered in snow during the winter months. With San Diego being home to a major navy base you might even see an aircraft carrier slowly passing by the point. And while taking in all the sights how many languages do you hear around you while you take in the views?

From the monument take a slow walk up to the old lighthouse. As you walk take note of all the plants, which are native to California. When you arrive at the lighthouse you can explore the main lighthouse that has been refurbished to show life in the 1800s, and the assistant keepers quarters with interactive features.

Further on past the lighthouse is the lookout point, where you can watch the ocean for water spouts (binoculars recommended). A waterspout is a clear indicator that there are whales in the area. It is possible to spot whales during the months November through March. The whales migrate south to the bays of Baja, Mexico, to give birth and nurse their young before heading back north up the coast for the rich feeding grounds of the arctic.

A great way to end your visit to Point Loma is to drive down to the tide pools on your way out. Just past the exit turn left to go down the hill where you’ll pass the new lighthouse on your way to the tide pools. On a warm day this is a great place to picnic and climb along the rocks.

I’m sure you’ve noticed that throughout this entry all the web pages I’ve cited belong to http://www.nps.gov. The National Park Service offers a wealth of information for all parks nation-wide. Remember to take care of our parks when you visit by taking out all the trash you carry in.