Cabrillo National Monument Tours
On the southern tip of Point Loma, at the top of hill, you'll find Cabrillo National Monument. The spot is San Diego’s finest locale for history and fine views across the bay to San Diego's downtown. It's also the best place in San Diego to see the gray whale migration (January to March) from land. After a few minutes here, you may forget you’re in a major metropolitan area.
The visitors center at Cabrillo National Monument has an excellent presentation on Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s 1542 voyage up the California coast, plus good exhibits on the native inhabitants and the area’s natural history. Also here is the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, which is appointed with late-19th century pieces, including lamps and picture frames hand-covered with hundreds of shells. On the ocean side, you can drive or walk down to the tide pools (at low tide) to look for anemones, starfish, crabs, and limpets.
Practical Info
Cabrillo National Monument is located southwest of downtown, on Point Loma, which juts out into the Pacific Ocean directly west of San Diego Bay. You can get here by car or take a bus from Old Town Transit Station. Plan to spend about 90 minutes here. Keep in mind that even on sunny days temperatures can be cool, so bring a jacket. The site has some great spots to have a picnic, so pack a basket, as there are no food options here.
Private Full-Day Tour of the San Diego Coast
- Explore the north county coastline of San Diego on a private full-day tour that highlights California's beach culture. Take in scenic beaches and attractions such as Fort Rosecrans National Cemetary, Point Loma, Cabrillo National Monument, Newport Ave in Ocean Beach, Mission Beach Boardwalk, and more. You'll also visit the meditation gardens at Encinitas Temple, a surfing spot nearby, and have time to check out the sea caves and shops of La Jolla. Your tour includes a private driver-guide, activities, and hotel pickup and drop-off.
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San Diego Seal Tour
- Take in the highlights of San Diego Bay during a 90-minute sightseeing tour by amphibious vehicle. Travel on both land and water like a ‘duck tour,’ starting on the streets of Seaport Village and rolling down Harbor Drive alongside San Diego Bay. Transition into the water in Mission Bay to cruise past the SeaWorld, Vacation Isle, and Hospitality Point, experiencing the best of maritime San Diego on this fun and informative tour.
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Full Day Tour of San Diego Coast
- Explore the coast of San Diego and its surrounding area on a private tour that takes you from Point Loma to Encinitas. Traveling by 7-passenger van, you'll drive along the Pacific with a guide who can customize the itinerary to suit your interests. Get a look at San Diego's beach culture; visit places frequented by locals; sit back and enjoy the scenery without worrying about driving or parking; stop for drinks, lunch, or shopping; or take a dip in the sea.
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San Diego Two Hour Harbor Cruise and Sea Lion Adventure
- See San Diego from a marine vantage point on this 2-hour harbor cruise, including some potential sea lion sightings. Listen to live narration from your captain and enjoy for-purchase snacks from the onboard snack bar. Multiple departure times to fit your schedule.
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San Diego GoCar Tour
- See the San Diego sights at your own pace in this easy-to-navigate 2-passenger GoCar. Choose from a selection of itineraries and tour lengths, including a 1-, 2-, 3-hour or full-day rental. Then maneuver your three-wheeled GoCar through downtown, the historic Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo and more. Don't worry about navigation: The vehicle’s talking GPS always knows where you are, even if you don’t.
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Private San Diego Sightseeing Tour
- Experience San Diego’s scenic highlights and hidden gems on a private, 3-hour sightseeing tour with an experienced guide. Customize the itinerary to your interests, then explore the city in the comfort of a luxurious, VW Eurovan that seats up to six people. Visit Balboa Park’s botanical garden and the historic lighthouse at Cabrillo National Monument, and enjoy a beachside stroll at Ocean Beach. Take in the bustling downtown and the Gaslamp Quarter, stop by the glamorous Del Coronado Hotel then see the birthplace of California in Old Town San Diego.
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