Cabrillo National Monument

Planning a Visit: Practical Notes for Service Families and Veterans

Cabrillo sits at the southern tip of the Point Loma peninsula, and the drive in takes you along Cabrillo Memorial Drive past Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, where many generations of service members are buried. Plenty of visitors stop there on the way in or out. If you do, keep in mind it is an active national cemetery, so quiet, respectful conduct is expected and services may be taking place.

What to see

• Old Point Loma Lighthouse: a nineteenth-century lighthouse restored to show what life was like for keepers and their families. It is one of the few places in the area where you can step into San Diego's early maritime history.
• Coastal military history: the peninsula was fortified for harbour defence for much of the twentieth century, and remnants and interpretive exhibits explain how Point Loma guarded the entrance to San Diego Bay. For veterans, this is often the most meaningful part of the visit.
• Tide pools: on the western side of the point, the rocky intertidal zone is best explored at low tide. Check a tide chart before you go, wear shoes with good grip and watch the surf.
• Bayside Trail and overlooks: views take in the harbour entrance, Coronado, the downtown skyline and, on clear days, the coastline toward Mexico. Winter is a popular time to watch for migrating gray whales from the overlooks.

Tips before you go

Cabrillo is run by the National Park Service and charges an entrance fee. Current or former military members may qualify for a free or discounted federal recreation pass, so ask about eligibility or check the NPS website before your visit. Opening hours and tide pool access can change, and the road passes through a naval installation area, so allow extra time and confirm conditions on the official site on the day.

Bring layers, as the point is often windy and foggy even when inland San Diego is warm, and pack water, since shade is limited along the trails. For more local outings, browse our nearby places, or see our benefits explainers for more on recreation perks available to service families.