Cabrillo National Monument Tickets

The entrance fee for Cabrillo National Monument is typically charged per vehicle, not per person. As of our latest information, the fee is $20 per private vehicle. Pedestrians and cyclists usually pay a lower individual fee. Always check the official National Park Service (NPS) website for the most current pricing before your visit.

For the best experience at the tide pools, you must visit during low tide. The tide pools are inaccessible and underwater during high tide. Check a reliable online tide chart for Point Loma or San Diego for the day of your visit. The best viewing is typically within the two hours before and after the lowest tide point.

Absolutely! The Whale Overlook is one of the premier land-based whale watching spots in California. The peak season for observing the migrating Pacific Gray Whales is from December through March. Bring binoculars for the best chance to spot them.

Yes, the monument is a fantastic destination for families. Kids love exploring the tide pools, climbing the spiral staircase of the lighthouse, and learning about history. The Bayside Trail is a relatively easy hike for most ages. However, the cliffs are steep, so close supervision of children is required at all times.

While you can purchase tickets at the entrance gate, buying them in advance through our platform can save you time, especially on busy weekends or holidays. It allows you to proceed directly to the entrance without waiting in the purchase line. Additionally, our platform offers curated tour packages that may not be available at the gate.

Plan to spend at least 3 to 4 hours to fully experience the monument. This allows enough time to visit the Visitor Center, explore the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, walk a trail, take in the views from the overlooks, and, if the tides are right, explore the tide pools.

Yes, there is a small gift shop and bookstore located in the Visitor Center. However, there are no restaurants or significant food services within the monument. It's highly recommended to bring your own water and snacks.

Leashed pets are allowed on the Coastal Trail area of the tide pools. However, they are not permitted in the upper part of the park (where the Lighthouse and Visitor Center are), on the Bayside Trail, or inside any buildings. Service animals are an exception.

While some areas like the Visitor Center and the ground floor of the lighthouse are accessible, other parts can be challenging. The Bayside Trail has steep sections, and accessing the tide pools requires navigating uneven, rocky, and potentially slippery terrain. The upper level of the lighthouse is only accessible via a narrow spiral staircase.

The monument is located at the very end of the Point Loma peninsula. There is no direct public transportation to the park entrance. The best way to get there is by car, taxi, or a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. The drive itself offers beautiful coastal views.

The weather can change quickly on Point Loma. It is often windy and cooler than other parts of San Diego. A marine layer (fog) is common in the mornings, especially in late spring and early summer ('May Gray' and 'June Gloom'), which usually clears by the afternoon. Dressing in layers is the best strategy.

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