San Diego National Parks

San Diego National Parks Overview

On March 1 1872, President Ulysses Grant signed into existence the world's first national park. Since then, hundreds more have been established. These parks are awe inspiring natural wonders and offer glipses into our history. California has several of these National Parks and Monuments. Cabrillo is the only National Monument found in the San Diego region.

TIP:The National Park Service offers FEE FREE DAYS to some National Parks on select weekends through the Summer. Use this link to view available dates.

San Diego National Parks
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Cabrillo National Monument is located on the southwestern point of the San Diego Harbor entrance and is accessed by Highway 209. On September 28, 1542, Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo landed at San Diego Bay and this was the first European expedition to land on the west coast of the United States. The Point Loma Lighthouse, Cabrillo Monument, Bayside trail and Cabrillo Tidepools can all be explored here. Bayside trail is a short two mile hike offering breathtaking views of Coronado Island, Silver Strand Beach and the San Diego skyline. The Cabrillo Tidepools are a one mile stretch of sea anemone, starfish, crab and octopus filled tidal pools that are definitely worth checking out. During migration seasons, whales can be easily spotted from the Visitor Center.

Cabrillo National Monument
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive
San Diego, CA 92106
(619) 557-5450
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