Mount Soledad rises to 822 feet (251 meters) above the eastern edge of San Diego’s La Jolla seaside neighbourhood. This scenic hilltop is a popular landmark for hikes and bike rides from San Diego’s coastal villages. Make your way up to Mount Soledad for panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean shoreline, cityscape and sprawling countryside. Observe a curious memorial and delight in spectacular sunsets.
At the summit is the Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial, a 29-foot (8.8-meter) tall white cross perched on a circular stepped platform. It’s unusual because it honors both living and deceased soldiers that have served the United States Armed Forces since the Revolutionary War. Browse some of over 3,500 granite plaques that adorn the walls of the steps. They include a photo of the soldier and a description of their military service.
Uninterrupted views from the memorial and its surrounding park make this one of the city’s most-loved lookouts. Gaze west across the deep-blue waters of the Pacific and east toward the peaks of the Peninsula Ranges. On exceptionally clear days it’s possible to see major landmarks, such as Coronado Bridge, and the mountains of northern Mexico. Come early to catch the first light of day, linger in the late afternoon for romantic sunsets and stay for excellent stargazing.
The hilltop is a popular finishing point for hikers and bikers. Follow the streets of downtown La Jolla to the tranquil La Jolla Natural Park and continue uphill on foot. After exiting the park you’ll pass Encelia Drive, where the eccentric children’s author and cartoonist Dr. Seuss once lived. From the studio of his home here he wrote lines from his book Yertle the Turtle.
Mount Soledad is a 10-minute drive and about an hour’s walk from downtown La Jolla. Downtown San Diego is 12 miles (19 kilometers) to the south. This is a free attraction and there’s parking at the memorial.
