El Cabrillo National Monument

One of my favorite places in San Diego is Cabrillo National Monument, located on the Point Loma Peninsula. The monument was created to honor the landing of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo at San Diego Bay in 1542, the first time that a European expedition touched shore upon the future West Coast of the United States. 

We went last April and I can't wait to go back! From hiking, to tide-pooling, touring the lighthouse (it was closed when we went so we will have to do that next time), whale watching, and looking at amazing views of San Diego, there is plenty to keep us busy on subsequent trips. 

Here are a few tips for visiting  Cabrillo National Monument:

1. Check out the Cabrillo National Monument  page on the National Parks Service website before you visit. They will have information about the different activities available, closure dates etc. It is also a good idea to visit the Cabrillo National Monument webpage to find out when the tides will be low--which is the best time to visit the Tidal Pools. 
2. Bring a jacket, the top of the peninsula around the light house can be really windy and we got pretty cold. Wear the proper footwear. The area near the tidal pools is slippery so shoes with good traction are a must. 

P.S. Here's a little pop culture tidbit if you are familiar with the tv show Veronica Mars, the scene with the bush crash was filmed at Cabrillo National Monument, near the "coast view parking area." Yes I am a bit of a nerd when I travel and like knowing things like that.