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Cabrillo National Monument
Cabrillo National Monument
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1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive
San Diego, CA 92106
619-557-5450
Good-for-Kids Rating
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-KSchool-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
Cabrillo National Monument Description
Worth visiting for the drive alone, the Cabrillo National Monument has such sweeping views of San Diego that on a clear day you can see all the way from Mexico to Los Angeles. It's so quiet and undisturbed here that you can hear a pin drop. Your kids will love exploring the lighthouse and the hiking trails, and seeing a calmer, more primal part of San Diego. Start at the Visitor Center and check out the informational video, then visit the Old Point Loma Lighthouse.
Historical Landmark
Hiking
Kid Tips
Babies: Leave the stroller in the car and put the baby in a frontpack or backpack carrier. Then you can enjoy the two-mile hike that starts near the lighthouse and takes you past wildflower blooms and incredible views of San Diego.
Toddlers & Pre-K: Allow time for young kids to climb the spiral staircase up to the top of the lighthouse.
Planning Notes
- Bring a light jacket, a sunhat, and your hiking shoes. It gets windy near the water and is cooler than inland.
- Bring some snacks. No food service is available and all that beauty will make your kids hungry.
- Bring binoculars. You may be able to spot whales and you will definitely see all kinds of birds.
- Whales anyone? To the south of the lighthouse is a whale overlook where you can sometimes spot these enormous marine animals (especially in January and February).
- Call ahead. You can check the visibility and the tide by calling ahead: (619) 557-5450, ext. 0.
Just the Facts
Hours: Open 365 days a year, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Fees: Under $10
Recommended Time: 1 to 2 hours
Reviews of Cabrillo National Monument
Cabrillo National Monument Visit AUG 16, 2009
By rosablanca August 16, 2009
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-K
School-Age Kids
Pre-Teens & Teens
What we loved:
Got there early before the crowd, fresh air, clean and scenic.
What we didn't love:
KIDS crying & cell phones during film presentation.
Aug. 16. 2009
This is NOT the place to bring small kids. The tide pools are far from the parking area. They are unsafe as there are no provisions for personal safety. If your child can walk on slippery rocks ready to be hauled out to the ocean then go for it. There are NO sign of staff employees even remotely nearby to rescue you or your kid. There is quite a bit a walking to do to see everything, some on dirt roads and others on very sloped paved paths leading downhill. Being a mountain goat might help.
During the 22 minute film presentation there were several kids crying out Mom Mom Mom during the whole film as well as the same cellphone ringing over and over.
Too bad there aren't courteous parents to remove the kids when they can't be quiet as well as those who can't find the "off" button on their cellphone. They would rather ruin it for everyone else trying to learn more about this national monument.
At the lighthouse area there are many stairs and uneven paved walkways sloping downhill with no screened in fencing (I would hate to lose a loved one under the railing).
I suggest you try Disneyland, Sea World, SD Zoo, or even Legoland instead.
This is more for the older children (under control) that could perhaps benefit from what is there but by no means not as fun as Disney!
It's an excellent place for a romantic scenic day trip. Read More
What's Nearby?
- Coronado Playhouse 1835 Strand Way
Coronado, CA 92118
619-435-4856 32.67523277777778 -117.16954194444445 - Lamb's Players Theatre 1142 Orange Ave
Coronado, CA 92118
619-437-0600 32.68416583333333 -117.17915277777777
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