Cabrillo National Monument Visitor Center image

Cabrillo National Monument Visitor Center

Tourist attraction Museum Visitor center

One of the Top rated Museums in San Diego


Address

1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106

Website

www.nps.gov

Contact

(619) 557-5450

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (2.8K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Monday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Tuesday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Wednesday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Thursday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Friday: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Saturday: 9 AM to 5 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Diego (26) views (22) tide (19) visit (17) center (16) pools (16) visitor (15) park (13) view (12) lighthouse (12)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 John H. 1 month ago on Google • 148 reviews New
    There's plenty of parking. There's clean restrooms here. There's a snack vending machine area. There's a gift shop, a museum of artifacts, and an auditorium. There are park rangers on site to assist. All points of interest are within walking distance from the visitor's center. Tho, it is easier just to drive down to the tide pools. There are 3 parking lots down at the cliffs. There is a fee per vehicle to enter this National Park.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 RedBullKC 1 year ago on Google
    Impeccable! The location is unbelievable with an unforgettable view of the city, ocean, bay, Mexico and Coronado Island! The museum is perfectly preserved and well kept with all the visitors going thru it! Very impressive! The historical function of this site is amazing to imagine while touring! Well worth the visit, as a local or a tourist! It's clean, bathrooms are available and several different directions you can go to complete your tour! Have fun, and take lots of photos! 📸
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Matt P. 1 year ago on Google
    Cabrillo NM is one of the only national park locations near the border of Mexico in the west. On the water and southern end of San Diego, it's very easy to get to, just a bit of a drive through the base and cemetery. $20 per car or $10 per bike/walk-in, they have a huge parking lot, clean bathrooms, vending machines and a store. The views here of the base are pretty amazing when there isn't any fog/clouds. You can normally catch a few ships or aircraft if you stand here long enough. Staff here are very friendly and helpful. Make sure to get the cancelation here for your national parks passport.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Karl P. 1 month ago on Google • 420 reviews New
    Visiting from out of town and have been here before but hadn’t left a review. We walked around the park and went in the visitor center but didn’t have time for the auditorium show or the exhibits. The main center building is one wide open space with various typical merchandise for sale. I would have liked there to have been a snack bar but there were a couple vending machines. Looks like the facility can accommodate a lot of tourists but I’m glad there were only a few people when we went. The visitor center isn’t the main attraction but it’s good.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 G T. 1 month ago on Google • 333 reviews New
    Set sail for epic views at Cabrillo National Monument! ️I climbed to the top (okay, maybe hiked a gentle trail ) and snagged panoramic views of San Diego Bay that could rival a pirate's treasure map. ☀️ Between the historical lighthouse vibes, tide pools teeming with life, and endless ocean breeze, this spot is pure #CaliforniaDreamin'. ⚓️ Feeling grateful for wide-open spaces and a healthy dose of Vitamin Sea!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Curtis H. 2 years ago on Google
    The visitor center at Cabrillo National Monument was informative and had a great view of San Diego. There is a gift shop and the staff was friendly. There is a bathroom available and informative maps for the hiking trails in the area. A friend recommended that we visit the Point Loma tide pools, and I'm glad we did. The point is a great place for views of San Diego and of the ocean. The tide pools were pretty neat too even though we really didn't see anything interesting in them, but we had fun hiking down and around the park.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Thomas S. 1 month ago on Google • 264 reviews New
    Beautiful place with awesome views. Only had 3 hours here, but should have allowed more. Many trails to walk, nice overlooks, and you can check out the lightkeepers' home.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jodi W. 2 years ago on Google
    It's been nearly 40 years since I last visited the Cabrillo National Monument. We visited it today with relatives from out of town...gorgeous warm and sunny weather! The views were spectacular. Be sure to ask for any available discounts! The park ranger at the gate was awesome...for the price of a one-day vehicle pass ($20), as a Senior citizen, my husband received an Annual Senior Pass (card holder AND all occupants in a single vehicle or card holder and up to 3 persons where per person fees are charged) to any national/federal recreational park in the USA. We'll definitely be visiting here and other national parks more often!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alexandra 4 months ago on Google
    Cool visitor center for the monument, lighthouse, and tide pools. You can get clothes, stuffed animals, mugs, magnets, books, bookmarks, and more here. Friendly employees and a restroom nearby.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Asher G. 1 year ago on Google
    Located at the south tip of Point Loma, the Cabrillo monument area gives one amazing views of the ocean and the mouth of San Diego Bay, not to mention San Diego itself. We got lucky and saw an aircraft carrier coming back into port. If you are able to visit at low tide the tide pools are awesome. Be prepared for a modest amount of vertical change the lighthouse museum is worth a quick visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Perry H. 1 year ago on Google
    A "do not miss" when visiting San Diego! There is so much to see but you can do as much or as little as time allows. One thing not to miss is the Old Point Lomo Lighthouse. There are walking trails and you can drive down to the water (or hike down, just remember you have to hike back up!) The grounds are beautiful and the visitor center well maintained. You also can't beat the views from any direction from this national monument. Lastly, don't miss seeing the national cemetery on the drive in. Not a bad place for our heroes' final resting place!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Paul K. 1 year ago on Google
    I've been visiting Cabrillo National Monument since I moved to San Diego in 2000. It's a place I always take visitors. The views from the point out to the ocean and back across Coronado Island to downtown San Diego are spectacular. They have regular, very interesting films on the history of San Diego and California, as well as the local ecology. Add to that, a beautiful old lighthouse and some great hikes down the cliffs and this area never gets old. It's one of the best stops for visitors and locals alike in the area.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Bryan M. 2 years ago on Google
    The entrance was $20 dollars but for $35 you can buy the membership for the whole year. The park ranger explained that if you purchased the $80 dollar membership you could visit Joshua tree national park along with other national parks. I'd have to look at the complete list. As a San Diego resident the $35 seemed to be the best offer. I'm sure I'll be back to visit the tide pools again and spend time in the trails. The entrance to the oark was a bit confusing at first since you pass a military booth and for a moment I thought I had entered the wrong way but just keep going in the road till you see the visitor center booth.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 * D. 3 months ago on Google • 258 reviews New
    The history of San Diego Harbor is provided. There are trails to run, walk or bike on. The are excellent views of San Diego Bay. There is restored lighthouse that can be toured. Also available is Ft Rosecrantz National Cemetery.

  • 5/5 Glenn H. 2 months ago on Google • 242 reviews New
    Great historic site at the end of Point Loma. Youll drive past a military style gate to get there. The new visitor center is nearly done, but for now get your info from the volunteer out front. Lots to see besides the lighthouse and buildings. Plan for a couple of hours. $20 per car.

  • 5/5 Brett R. 2 months ago on Google • 202 reviews New
    ...If in San Diego you have to visit this place for the great views over San Diego & the harbor , walks & history. ( Visit the Sunset cliffs before & after to see the coast & Ocean Beach's nice shopping street & wharf

  • 5/5 Kimberly F. 3 months ago on Google • 121 reviews New
    Better than we expected. $20 per vehicle. Great, no amazing views. Lots of walking. We spent about 2 hours but ypu could spend shorter or longer depending on your goals. Visit the tide pools as well. There is hiking opportunities, a lighthouse, so many amazing things.

  • 5/5 Ksenia P. 2 months ago on Google • 104 reviews New
    This location offers a wonderful opportunity for a leisurely stroll, rich in historical significance. My main focus was the lighthouse, and as a photographer, it's a must-capture moment for your gallery. Despite its popularity, the place tends to get quite crowded, making it a bit challenging to find a secluded spot for photography. However, the sheer beauty of the surroundings compensates for the bustling atmosphere. Be prepared for a brisk breeze – it's quite windy! Keep in mind that the day pass is priced at $20. Overall, a visit is well worth it for the captivating history and picturesque views, though you might want to strategize to capture those perfect shots amid the lively crowds.

  • 5/5 Adam P. 1 month ago on Google • 41 reviews New
    Awesome view of the bay and San Diego. Informative exhibits and don't forget your stamp and parks book.

  • 5/5 Akosi N. 1 month ago on Google • 28 reviews New
    We love the scenery! Beautiful creation! God is amazing! Our children loved watching the crabs going in and out of that little hole.

  • 5/5 Heeryang P. 1 month ago on Google • 8 reviews New
    Great view!! Must to go place!!!

  • 5/5 Swapna M. 1 year ago on Google
    We visited from LA as a day trip and this place did not disappoint us. First the visitor center ,with amazing views of ocean, navy base, harbor, Coronado island. There is a exhibit room with some history of Cabrillo, explorer. There are few hiking trails too. If you are planning for picnic, carry food and water. There is a small drink and snack vending machine near the visitor center. Do stop by at the store for the souvenir.

  • 5/5 pitboyd 1 month ago on Google • 7 reviews New
    Simply beautiful sight seeing!

  • 4/5 Brian E. 1 year ago on Google
    As National Parks go, this one is not in the same class as many others, and at $20, it is probably a bit overpriced for what you get (Yosemite used to cost $20). But I grew up in San Diego, and used to ride my bike there as a teenager before I could drive. It has a special place in my heart and I continue to go often. It has one of the best views of the city you can get. Tip: Get there early, and try it right after a storm. The views can be spectacular as the weather transitions.

  • 5/5 Graham B. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful hikes, shoreline, tide pools, two lighthouses, a visitor centre, World War Two bunker and at least 3 miles of paved roads in a National Park that has free entry fro national park annual pass holders. You can spend an hour or half a day here and the views are stunning right down to downtown and the del Coronado, bring binoculars

  • 4/5 Bekah W. 2 years ago on Google
    The view was amazing. You basically get a 360 view of San Diego. VERY easy to get around and great if you are more of a drive to a view vs. hike kind of person. The hike down to the bay was nice but honestly the part you drive to was cooler if you’re tight on time at all. The Lighthouse is beautiful view and again very easy to get to if you have any non-athletic people in your group. The shop at the visitor center is cute and has public bathrooms. There is also plenty of parking (at least for when we went!).

  • 5/5 Barbara V. 6 months ago on Google
    Breathtaking view of San Diego! Must see to appreciate the serenity and nature's beauty! Don't miss this place when uou visit this area! Highly recommend!

  • 4/5 Jennifer N. 6 months ago on Google
    Really beautiful. Skip the history of Spanish conquistadors and take in the beauty of San Diego. Panoramic views, 270 degrees of Pacific ocean and the rest views of the Naval Base, Point Loma, and Vistas. Mesmerized by the technicolor that is reminiscent of Big Sure. We went without car which limited our ability to get down to the new lighthouse in the time we had. Plan for at least 3 hours.

  • 5/5 Linda S. 4 months ago on Google
    Views are spectacular! Well worth the cost of a pass if you visit very many National parks each year. Cabrillo is a great value, especially if you time your visit well to be able to visit the tidepools at low tide, check out the lighthouse, whale watch so.e hiking around the area and finish up with enjoying the view of the channel and harbor. You can see a good portion of the ciy all the way into Mexico. Then check out gift shop. Lots of interesting books and souvenirs, especially stuff for kids.

  • 5/5 Vic M. 3 months ago on Google New
    Excellent place to visit. Great views of the Pacific, Coronado, and San Diego. Fun walking paths at the edge of the ocean.

  • 4/5 Φίλιππος �. 4 months ago on Google
    You will be awarded with a spectacular view once you decide to visit this monument. San Diego, Pacific Ocean and even Mexico, if the weather is clear, can be seen from over there. Moreover, you will have the chance to learn a few things about the first conquistadores and more specifically J. R. Cabrillo, the first European that explored the area today is called California...

  • 5/5 Gil C. 8 months ago on Google
    Came here on a Thursday around lunch. Amazing view of the entrance to San Diego Bay. There are multiple lookout points with information signage. The rangers in the area are knowledgeable. When they're out in the park, they'll happily engage with visitors. My nephews listened and followed one of the rangers down at the tide pools. The visitor center has souvenirs for purchase, to include National Park Passports, which my nephews got and started the fun adventure of collecting national park stamps. There are bathrooms, vending machines, and places to sit and rest. There is an entrance fee for vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians. There is a large parking lot for the visitor center, and a smaller one at the bottom for the tide pools. You can choose to drive or hike down to the tide pools, but be prepared to come back up if you decide to hike. There's no shaded areas away from the visitor center that I saw. Definitely recommend going to the tide pools just before low tide to get the best exploring. Additionally, best time to come for the tide pools are in the Fall season / October-November when low tides are at its best. I would definitely come back multiple times through the year to see the different seasonal views and exploring.

  • 5/5 Jennifer K. 2 years ago on Google
    Loved the scenic paths and history. Great place to go with family and enjoy the fresh air. Take good walking 👞

  • 5/5 Juliet J. 1 year ago on Google
    Must see place in San Diego. Easy to find using a map. Scenic drive. Quiet place. It's away from the city but you can see the city from the top of the mountain. You have to pay the state park fees. Good place to spend one whole day. The pass is valid for seven days. Kids can do a junior ranger program. The visitor center has friendly staff. Please check with the staff for the short movie about how Cabrillo found San Diego, it's a must see movie before you visit this monument. Good to know the history of a place before you visit our ancestors. You can clearly see the San Diego beach, harbor and if you're lucky then see whales too. Restrooms are well maintained (clean). If you take the right side road then tide pools are there ...... .

  • 5/5 A V (. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent national park that has relevance to our past and present defense. Take time to visit the military exhibits. The grounds are well kept. The lighthouse is an obvious landmark. With the ocean views, and SD in the distance, the paved walkways and the road from lighthouse to the tide pools, they’re a great walking paths.


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