Cabrillo National Monument is located at the southern tip of the Point Loma Peninsula in San Diego, California, commemorating the 1542 landing of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo. This 2026 visitor guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport or parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips.
This guide was last updated in April 2026, noting that the Visitor Center auditorium is currently closed due to storm damage.
Quick facts
| Opening hours | Open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas) |
| Ticket prices | $20 per private vehicle; $10 per pedestrian or cyclist |
| Address | 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego, CA 92106 |
| Nearest public transport or parking | Free on-site parking (included in entry); MTS Bus Route 84 stops at the Visitor Center |
| Typical time needed to visit | 2 to 3 hours |
Cabrillo National Monument opening hours
Cabrillo National Monument is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm year-round. The park is closed entirely on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, and operates on reduced hours from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Memorial Day.
To ensure all visitors leave by 5:00 pm, internal areas close earlier. The Bayside and Oceanside trails close at 4:00 pm, while the tidepools and Coastal Trail close at 4:30 pm.
Cabrillo National Monument ticket prices
The standard entrance fee for Cabrillo National Monument is $20 per private vehicle, which covers all passengers and is valid for seven days. Visitors arriving on foot or by bicycle pay $10 each, while motorcyclists pay a flat fee of $15.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in April 2026. The site is included in the federal America the Beautiful Pass scheme, which also covers entry to Joshua Tree National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Death Valley National Park.
How to get to Cabrillo National Monument
To get to Cabrillo National Monument, visitors drive via Cabrillo Memorial Drive through the Point Loma neighbourhood. This is the sole access road leading onto the military reserve and into the park.
For public transport, the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) Bus Route 84 drops passengers directly at the main parking lot. Rideshares can access the main entrance, but mobile phone reception drops out completely in the lower tidepool areas.
Parking at Cabrillo National Monument
There is extensive parking at Cabrillo National Monument at the Visitor Center complex, accommodating cars, motorcycles, and recreational vehicles.
Additional parking is available at the tidepools along the lower coastal road. These small lots frequently fill up during weekends and low tide, and parking on the road shoulders is prohibited.
How long to spend at Cabrillo National Monument
A typical visit to Cabrillo National Monument takes two to three hours. This allows time to view the Cabrillo statue, explore the lighthouse, and walk a short coastal trail.
If you are driving down to the tidepools or hiking the longer Bayside Trail, allow up to four hours for your visit.
Accessibility at Cabrillo National Monument
Accessibility at Cabrillo National Monument is well-supported in the upper park. The Visitor Center, main viewpoints, and statue feature flat, paved walkways. Wheelchairs are available to loan from the visitor desk.
The Old Point Loma Lighthouse first floor is accessible, but the upper tower is accessed via steep stairs. The lower tidepool area is not accessible to wheelchairs due to uneven dirt paths, rocks, and occasional steps.
Inside / what to see at Cabrillo National Monument
Inside Cabrillo National Monument, visitors explore the historic and natural features of the Point Loma Peninsula. The main focal point is the Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo statue, situated at an elevated viewpoint offering clear sightlines across San Diego Bay and the city skyline.
Nearby sits the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, a restored 19th-century structure displaying the keeper’s quarters. The adjacent Military History Exhibit details the coastal defence systems used during World War II.
At the base of the western cliffs are the rocky intertidal zones. During low tide, visitors can walk among exposed rock depressions to observe marine life such as sea anemones, crabs, and starfish.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip Category | Visitor Advice |
| Timing | Check local tide charts and arrive at least an hour before low tide to safely view the coastal tidepools. |
| Crowds | Expect peak crowds on weekend afternoons and during school holidays, particularly in the lower parking areas. |
| Layout | Treat the upper monument and lower tidepools as two distinct areas requiring a short drive between them. |
| Entry process | Pay entrance fees at the vehicle toll booth using a credit or debit card, as cash is rarely accepted. |
| On-site logistics | Pre-arrange pick-up times with your driver if visiting the tidepools, as there is zero mobile reception in that area. |
Frequently asked questions about Cabrillo National Monument
| Question | Answer |
| Is Cabrillo National Monument suitable for children? | Yes, the monument is suitable for children, offering junior ranger programmes, historical exhibits, and coastal tidepools. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Cabrillo National Monument? | No, advance booking is not required; entrance passes are purchased upon arrival at the gate. |
| Is Cabrillo National Monument open on Sundays? | Yes, the park and its visitor facilities are open on Sundays. |
| Are bags allowed at Cabrillo National Monument? | Yes, bags and backpacks are permitted throughout the park and on the trails. |
Things to do near Cabrillo National Monument
- Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery: A military cemetery with thousands of uniform white headstones overlooking San Diego Bay, located just outside the monument gates.
- Sunset Cliffs Natural Park: A coastal park known for its dramatic rock formations, sea caves, and ocean views, situated a short drive north.
- Ocean Beach: A relaxed beachfront neighbourhood featuring a historic wooden pier, surf shops, and cafes.
- Liberty Station: A former naval training centre converted into a district with restaurants, a public market, and art galleries.
- Maritime Museum of San Diego: A museum located in the harbour featuring a large collection of historic sea vessels.
More California travel
Other California travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Guide to boarding a giant aircraft carrier at the USS Midway Museum in San Diego.
- How to save money on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
- Visiting the Museum of Western Film History in Lone Pine.
- Why you should take the drive up through the Eastern Sierra to Whitney Portal.
- Guides to the top spots in Yosemite National Park: Tunnel View, Tuolumne Grove, Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, Mariposa Grove, Sentinel Beach and El Capitan Meadow.
