About Cabrillo National Monument
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.
Quick Facts
Entrance Fees
Admits one single, private, non-commercial vehicle and all its passengers.
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles with up to 4 total passengers.
Admits one individual when entering by foot or bicycle. Groups of up to 4 people walking in or on bicycles are capped at $20 total. Individuals 15 years old and younger are admitted free of charge.
1 to 6 / ($30)
7 to 25 / ($45)
7 to 25 / ($45)
26 or more / ($100)
Organized Non-Commercial Groups include church groups, college/school groups, scouts, service organizations, military, etc. Vehicles with a capacity of 16 or less are charged the $20.00 vehicle permit fee. Vehicles with 17 or more seats will instead be charged the $10 per person individual rate for any passengers that are not free. The total fee charged for an Organized Non-Commercial Group will not exceed $100 per vehicle.
Operating Hours
The park is open 365 days a year including holidays from 9 am until 5 pm. The Bayside Trail and the Oceanside Trail close at 4pm. The tidepools and the Coastal Trail close at 4:30pm.
Activities
Getting There
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
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Visit the Cabrillo Tidepools
Learn about visiting the tidepools at Cabrillo National Monument!
Explore the Tidepools at Cabrillo National Monument and observe all kinds of unique wildlife only found in Rocky Intertidal habitat!
Oceanside Trail
The Oceanside Trail significantly increases recreational opportunities by providing an entirely new trail that increases the park’s trail network by…
The trailhead starts at the top of the Whale Watch & Kelp Forest Overlook trail, south of the Old Point…
Earn Your Cabrillo Junior Ranger Badge
How to earn your Cabrillo National Monument Junior Ranger badge
Bayside Trail
Learn about what you can see and do while hiking the Bayside Trail at Cabrillo National Monument.
Coastal Trail
Learn about hiking the Coastal Trail at Cabrillo National Monument!
Whale Watching at Cabrillo
Learn about Whale Watching at Cabrillo National Monument!
Visitor Centers
Visitor Center and View Building
The Visitor Center at Cabrillo National Monument is the perfect place to get oriented to the park. Rangers and volunteers are always available to answer…
Hours: The Visitor Center at Cabrillo National Monument is the perfect place to get oriented to the park. Rangers and volunteers are always available to answer questions and provide suggestions on what to do.
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