Stand atop the cliffsof Point Loma and you are standing on the first land that the Spanish sailorJuan Cabrillo would have seen before he landed in San Diego Bay on Sept. 28,1542. The impressive, 14-foot (four-meter) high limestone sculpture here commemoratesCabrillo’s significance as the first European to set foot on the West Coast ofAmerica.
Cabrillo'sstory is told in the Visitor Center, where exhibitions such as The Age ofExploration take you through the trials and tribulations of life at sea in the16th century. A festival is held each year around the date Cabrillo arrived.See a reenactment of his landing during the weekend-long event.
The historicalimportance of the location is easily matched by the area’s beauty. There aremajestic views of San Diego, and on a clear winter’s day, you will see all theway into Mexico. Winter is the best time to catch a glimpse of the migratingwhales that pass by each year. Fix your eyes on the horizon and you may wellsee a breaching tail or a flume of spray.
Themonument is surrounded by a larger national park, and the short walks here areworth the effort. Take a stroll to the Point Loma lighthouse – one of theoldest on the West Coast – and you’ll find a lovingly-restored replica of the1880s structure, complete with information on how the keeper and his familylived. Other walking options include a self-guided two-hour stroll around thecliff tops.
Ona hot day, be sure to visit the tidal pools on the western side of the park.These can make an excellent place to cool off. The beach here is a pleasantplace to enjoy a spot of isolation. This area is only accessible by car.
CabrilloNational Monument is open every day of the year, except Christmas Day.
