The Local Scene: A look around Cabrillo National Monument
Cabrillo National Monument, at the southern tip of the Point Loma Peninsula, is one of San Diego’s most popular attractions. It commemorates Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, an explorer who led the first European expedition, on behalf of Spain, to set foot on the west coast of what would become the United States. Cabrillo landed at San Diego Bay in September 1542.
The Cabrillo National Monument volunteer also is a writer and former educator.
Along with a statue of Cabrillo, the park includes the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, which began service in 1855 and closed in 1891 when a new lighthouse opened at a lower elevation. Fog and low clouds often obscured the old lighthouse at its location 422 feet above sea level.
The park provides expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, San Diego’s harbor and downtown, Coronado and Naval Air Station North Island.
— Point Loma-OB Monthly staff