SAN DIEGO -- Breathtaking ocean views and tidal pools are only part of the appeal that brings visitors to the Cabrillo National Monument here. Active-duty service members and families can enjoy a day of hiking through nature, seeing the sights and exploring history for free.
The monument, located at the tip of the Point Loma Peninsula, encompasses more than 100 acres and includes historical attractions such as the Point Loma Lighthouse, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo statue, World War II coastal artillery batteries and a variety of rare coastal plant species.
Visitors begin their journey on a long stretch of road that leads past the Fort Rosecrans cemetery. Thousands of tombstones line the road for several miles to the entrance to the monument’s protected acres.
Once there, visitors can breathe fresh air and gaze at the vast, blue Pacific Ocean from the hills of the Point Loma Peninsula.
“[Cabrillo National Monument] is one of the best harbor views in the world,” said Bobbi Hill, the Cabrillo monument store manager. “I enjoy it for the historical experience – the military, natural and European history. Above all, the thing I enjoy the most is the naturalness about it, the ocean life and tide pools, just everything.”
The Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo statue, a 14-foot sandstone statue, is one of the main attractions at the monument. The white figure gleams in daylight as it faces the San Diego Bay with a sword and navigation tools in hand. The statue is a replica of the 1930s statue made by artist Alvaro de Bree, which was a gift to California from Portugal.
While Cabrillo’s statue stands on a small, over-looking hill, the Point Loma Lighthouse stands at the tallest point of the area. Historic artifacts, such as flowered furniture and wooden tables from when the lighthouse was in use during the late 1800s, fill the white building. A blue winding staircase leads visitors to the top of the building, where caretakers once kept the actual light of the lighthouse. Now the glass light sits on display in an adjacent building.
Those more interested in visiting natural attractions can look at the monument’s protected tidal pools, or hike around the area on one of the monument’s trails. Local San Diego sage brush, which sways in the wind and gives off a fresh, earthy smell, surround both attractions.
“There haven’t been many times in San Diego when I’ve been able to enjoy beautiful sights in complete silence,” said James Darren, a San Diego native. “It was simply breathtaking.”
The monument has something to offer to everyone, explained Hill. Cabrillo is the third most visited national monument in the U.S. with good reason. It is an important part of California’s history. Everything here is beautiful and has much knowledge to offer.
From brilliant white statues and buildings, to ocean wildlife and green plants, the Cabrillo National Monument has an impressive adventure for everyone to enjoy.
-30-