Welcome to the first blog of 2020! I hope everyone has had an exciting new year thus far. If one of your goals for this year is to get outside, get moving, and enjoy this beautiful place we call home then I have just the spot for you: Cabrillo National Monument! I know what you’re thinking, “hasn’t this guy ranted on the greatness of this spot before?” The answer is “yes.” Last year I shared the wonders of the tide-pool side of the park, but now we’re on the city side, which is a whole new adventure.
As you walk out from the parking lot the first building in your path will be the visitor’s center which is packed with all kinds of books and historical aspects to learn about. There are even National Park Rangers there to act as guides for tours around the entire center. Right outside the center is what the people come for…amazing panoramic views of all of San Diego. Everything from Coronado Island, the military base, the San Diego airport, and even Mexico. It is truly just breathtaking!
Once you get your breath back you can walk on over to the statue right next to it of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. Climbing out of his boat and onto shore in 1542, he stepped into history as the first European to set foot on what is now the west coast of the United States. Pretty exciting stuff!
To get in those steps there are two hiking trails. The longer of the two is the Bayview hiking trail, but if you are looking for something a little shorter, you can head on the path up to the beautiful Old Point Loma Lighthouse. Fun fact: the Old Point Loma Lighthouse is now one of the main draws for visitors to CNM, but back in the day its very existence was once questioned and it was neglected and threatened with demolition! Strange to think of this beloved landmark not being there.
Next to the lighthouse is a whale watching center with incredible vistas of the ocean. In December through March you have great chances of viewing the whales in action down below. As you can see there are so many reasons to go back time and time again to the Cabrillo National Monument. It is endless fun for you and your family!