Best trails in Cabrillo National Monument, California

Seasonally, sections of this trail may close due to bees. Please check with the park staff for up to date information before visiting. This monument commemorates the landing of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo at San Diego Bay on September 28, 1542, which was the first European expedition on what later became the west coast of the U.S. The monument includes a statue of Cabrillo and 20th-century coastal artillery batteries built to protect the harbor of San Diego from enemy warships. Accessibility: There are designated, handicapped-accessible car and van parking spots at the Lighthouse and tidepool area. You can ask a ranger for a parking pass to park closer, behind the Lighthouse, to avoid having to walk uphill on a concrete path. There are stairs going in to the Lighthouse. The Bayside Trail begins as asphalt (shared with cars) and then turns into a sloping packed dirt trail that is moderately steep. The steepest sections are between 0.2 and 0.3 miles, and 0.6 and 0.7 miles when going east and assistance may be needed there. The width is typically at least four feet wide. The first 100 yards to a bench by the tidepools is paved but past that the trail is dirt and has some stairs. Restrooms in the Visitor Center are wheelchair accessible and they have wheelchairs for loan there. Drinking fountains and binoculars are wheelchair accessible.Show more

This monument commemorates the landing of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo at San Diego Bay on September 28, 1542, which was the first European expedition on what later became the west coast of the U.S. The monument includes a statue of Cabrillo and 20th-century coastal artillery batteries built to protect the harbor of San Diego from enemy warships. The monument opens at 9am. Show more