Cabrillo National Monument
Designation: National Monument
Location: California
📘 Park Overview
In 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo climbed out of his boat and onto shore, becoming the first European to set foot on what is now the West Coast of the United States. Cabrillo National Monument not only tells the story of this 16th-century exploration but also houses a wealth of cultural and natural resources. Join us and embark on your own Voyage of Exploration.
🌤 Weather Information
Check the current weather from the National Weather Service at https://www.weather.gov/. San Diego's climate is characterized by warm, dry summers and mild winters, with most of the annual precipitation falling between December and March. The city has a mild climate year-round, with an average of 201 days above 70 °F (21 °C) and low rainfall (9–13 inches [230–330 mm] annually).
🚗 Directions
FROM DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO Take Harbor Drive past the airport Turn left onto Rosecrans Street Turn right onto Canon Street Turn left onto Catalina Blvd. (also known as Cabrillo Memorial Drive) Follow Catalina Blvd. all the way to the end
Images
Low Tide at the Tidepools
Credit: NPS Photo / Dan Zeller
Sunset at Cabrillo
Credit: NPS Photo / Mike Nelson
Dusk over the Old Point Loma Lighthouse
Credit: NPS Photo / Mike Nelson
Spring flowers in front of Old Point Loma Lighthouse
Credit: NPS Photo / Mike Nelson
View looking over to Coronado from Cabrillo
Credit: NPS Photo / Mike Nelson
Pelican Point at Cabrillo National Monument
Credit: NPS Photo / Bill Griswold
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Thursday, Aug 27
Overcast
High: 93.2°F | Low: 70.9°F
Humidity: 85%
Wind: 7.4 mph
Rain Chance: 24%
UV Index: 7.6
Sunrise: 06:20 AM
Sunset: 07:20 PM
Moon: Full Moon (100%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 74.1°F
Cloud Cover: 24%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Friday, Aug 28
Smoky haze
High: 79.2°F | Low: 69.1°F
Humidity: 76%
Wind: 9.4 mph
Rain Chance: 9%
UV Index: 7
Sunrise: 06:21 AM
Sunset: 07:19 PM
Moon: Full Moon (98%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 71.3°F
Cloud Cover: 9%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Saturday, Aug 29
Sunny
High: 80.3°F | Low: 74.5°F
Humidity: 73%
Wind: 12.8 mph
Rain Chance: 6%
UV Index: 7
Sunrise: 06:21 AM
Sunset: 07:17 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (94%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 71.3°F
Cloud Cover: 6%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Weather Alerts (5)
Heat Advisory issued August 27 at 12:50AM PDT until August 28 at 8:00PM PDT by NWS San Diego CA
Effective: Aug 27, 2026 3:50am
Expires: Aug 27, 2026 6:30pm
* WHAT...High temperatures in the mid 80s near the beaches to the mid
to upper 90s for the mesas and other higher coastal terrain
expected. Low temperatures will be mostly in the 70s.
* WHERE...San Diego County Coastal Areas.
* WHEN...Until 8 PM PDT Friday.
* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses.
Extreme Heat Warning issued August 27 at 12:50AM PDT until August 28 at 8:00PM PDT by NWS San Diego CA
Effective: Aug 27, 2026 3:50am
Expires: Aug 27, 2026 6:30pm
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with high temperatures in the
upper 90s in the western valleys to around 106 in the inland
valleys expected. Low temperatures will be mostly in the 70s.
* WHERE...San Diego County Valleys.
* WHEN...Until 8 PM PDT Friday.
* IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during
extreme heat events.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Low temperatures 5 to 10 degrees above normal
will limit relief from the heat and will increase the threat of
heat-related illness.
Extreme Heat Warning issued August 27 at 12:50AM PDT until August 28 at 8:00PM PDT by NWS San Diego CA
Effective: Aug 27, 2026 3:50am
Expires: Aug 27, 2026 6:30pm
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with high temperatures in the mid
90s to 105 expected.
* WHERE...San Diego County Mountains.
* WHEN...Until 8 PM PDT Friday.
* IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during
extreme heat events.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Low temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above normal
will limit relief from the heat and will increase the threat of
heat-related illness.
Heat Advisory issued August 27 at 9:05PM PDT until August 28 at 8:00PM PDT by NWS San Diego CA
Effective: Aug 28, 2026 12:05am
Expires: Aug 28, 2026 9:15am
* WHAT...High temperatures in the mid 80s near the beaches to the mid
to upper 90s for the mesas and other higher coastal terrain
expected. Low temperatures will be mostly in the 70s.
* WHERE...San Diego County Coastal Areas.
* WHEN...Until 8 PM PDT Friday.
* IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during
extreme heat events.
Extreme Heat Warning issued August 27 at 9:05PM PDT until August 28 at 8:00PM PDT by NWS San Diego CA
Effective: Aug 28, 2026 12:05am
Expires: Aug 28, 2026 9:15am
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with high temperatures in the mid
90s to 102 expected.
* WHERE...San Diego County Mountains.
* WHEN...Until 8 PM PDT Friday.
* IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during
extreme heat events.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Low temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above normal
will limit overnight relief from the heat and will increase the
threat of heat-related illness.
Park Alerts
Park Events
Park Open - New Year's Day
Location: Cabrillo
Date: Jan 1, 2018 12:00am to Jan 1, 2018 12:00am
Paid Event
Open Military Bunker
If conditions permit, volunteers will bring the coastal defenses of Point Loma to life. These are your only chances to tour the bunkers on Point Loma. Don't miss this amazing opportunity to learn more about the soldiers stationed at Fort Rosecrans during WWII and see the weapons and instruments that protected our coast during the tumultuous war years.
The bunker can't be opened if there is inclement weather. Check with the Visitor Center for the latest schedule.
Date: Aug 21, 2021 12:00am to Aug 21, 2021 12:00am
Paid Event
Guided Walking Tour of Cabrillo
Join a park volunteer for a one-hour walking tour of Cabrillo National Monument including the Cabrillo Statue and the Old Point Loma Lighthouse at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. This program is suitable for all ages. No reservations required. Meet in front of the Visitor Center and keep in mind that the walk includes a hill up to the lighthouse.
Date: Feb 3, 2024 12:00am to Dec 19, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Open Tower Day
Climb the tower to celebrate the anniversary of the Old Point Loma light being extinguished for the last time.
On Open Tower Days, you can experience the lighthouse with a half-hour guided tour between 10:00am - 3:30pm. The guided tours are the only way to access the top tower of the lighthouse and will give participants a glimpse into life at this lighthouse station between 1855 - 1891. Tickets will be available on the day of the event, first come first serve. Please stop by the ticketing table near the lighthouse earlier in the day to ensure a ticket time. All participants must stop by the ticketing table to obtain ticket.
For those who do not wish to climb to the top tower, you will still be able to experience the kitchen of the lighthouse with historic interpreters. All activities are available at no additional cost to the entrance fee.
Date: Mar 22, 2024 12:00am to Mar 23, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Open Tower Day
Enjoy the sweeping views from atop the tower in celebration of the establishment of the National Park Service.
On Open Tower Days, you can experience the lighthouse with a half-hour guided tour between 10:00am - 3:30pm. The guided tours are the only way to access the top tower of the lighthouse and will give participants a glimpse into life at this lighthouse station between 1855 - 1891. Tickets will be available on the day of the event, first come first serve. Please stop by the ticketing table near the lighthouse earlier in the day to ensure a ticket time. All participants must stop by the ticketing table to obtain ticket.
For those who do not wish to climb to the top tower, you will still be able to experience the kitchen of the lighthouse with historic interpreters. All activities are available at no additional cost to the entrance fee.
Date: Aug 25, 2024 12:00am to Aug 25, 2024 12:00am
Paid Event
Open Tower Day
Imagine yourself as the first keeper when you make your way to the top of the lighthouse in celebration of the anniversary of the first time the light was lit!
On Open Tower Days, you can experience the lighthouse with a half-hour guided tour between 10:00am - 3:30pm. The guided tours are the only way to access the top tower of the lighthouse and will give participants a glimpse into life at this lighthouse station between 1855 - 1891. Tickets will be available on the day of the event, first come first serve. Please stop by the ticketing table near the lighthouse earlier in the day to ensure a ticket time. All participants must stop by the ticketing table to obtain ticket.
For those who do not wish to climb to the top tower, you will still be able to experience the kitchen of the lighthouse with historic interpreters. All activities are available at no additional cost to the entrance fee.
Date: Nov 15, 2024 12:00am to Nov 15, 2024 12:00am
Paid Event
Whale Watch Sessions
"Join park staff for guided, land-based whale-watching sessions and science activities. Now is the season where Pacific gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) pass by Point Loma, during their annual round-trip migration of over 10,000 miles from Alaska to Baja California. This program is suitable for all ages. No registration is required. Binoculars may be available to borrow, but bringing your own pair is recommended. Ayuda en español estará disponible. Meet at Whale Watch and Kelp Forest Overlook."
Location: Whale Watch Overlook
Date: Jan 24, 2026 12:00am to Feb 16, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
City Nature Challenge BioBlitz
When is the BioBlitz?
Cabrillo National Monument’s BioBlitz will be hosted on Saturday, April 25, 2026, with expert-led guided walks from 8:30 am – 3:30 pm.
You can join all walks across the day, or just one then explore freely!
For fee-free entry to the park, you must RSVP at cabr_education@nps.gov
What is a BioBlitz?
A BioBlitz is a concentrated effort to discover and document as many species of plants, animals, and other organisms as possible within a certain time using the iNaturalist app.
Date: Apr 25, 2026 12:00am to Apr 25, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive
San Diego, CA 92106
🏤 Mailing Address:
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive
San Diego, CA 92106
📞 Voice Phone: 6195234285
✉️ Email: cabr_info@nps.gov