Cabrillo National Monument - General Park Information

Climbing out of his boat and onto shore in 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo stepped into history as the first European to set foot on what is now the West Coast of the United States. In addition to telling the story of 16th century exploration, the park is home to a wealth of cultural and natural resources. Join us and embark on your own Voyage of Discovery.

At the time Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo sailed into San Diego Bay in 1542, a rich diversity of life was present, ranging from desert cactus to moisture-loving algae, tarantulas to sea slugs, and gray foxes to sea lions.  Approximately 3,000 Native Americans lived in the San Diego area at that time.  The Kumeyaay, or Diegueños according to the Spanish accounts, lived simply in the environment but likely impacted the landscape through the use of fire.  Today, largely due to the impacts of European colonization and centuries of growth and development, the habitat Cabrillo saw is now among the rarest in the world.  Although only a remnant of that biologically diverse ecosystem remains, it is well worth visiting and protecting.  This unique diversity of plants and animals occurs here because CabrilloNational Monument lies at the southern-most extent of some plant and animal ranges, and the northern-most extent of others.

Located in a large metropolitan area just west of the city of San Diego, Point Loma encompasses more than 660 acres of native habitat.  Cabrillo National Monument rests protected on 160 acres at the southern-most tip of the peninsula, which is bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the west, San Diego Bay on the east, and urban development on the north.

WE'RE OPEN EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR
Cabrillo National Monument is open 365 days a year, including all weekends and holidays, from 9:00 AM to 5:15 PM.