Cabrillo National Monument
Cabrillo National Monument, overlooking the entrance to San Diego Bay, commemorates a defining moment that changed the course of history.
Cabrillo National Monument was established on October 14, 1913, making it one of the earliest units of the National Park System. It honors the landing of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, who, on September 28, 1542, became the first European known to set foot on what is now the West Coast of the United States.
Sailing under the Spanish flag, Cabrillo was leading an expedition north from Mexico in search of new trade routes, safe harbors, and opportunities to expand Spain’s influence along the Pacific coast. When his ships entered the natural harbor of present-day San Diego, they found one of the finest anchorages on the western coast of North America. Although Cabrillo remained only a short time before continuing his voyage, his landing marked the beginning of European exploration along the Pacific Coast.
The monument stands atop Point Loma, where sweeping views stretch across San Diego Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the city skyline. It is easy to understand why this location was chosen to commemorate Cabrillo’s arrival. Standing here, visitors can imagine the sight that greeted his expedition nearly five centuries ago as they sailed into an unfamiliar harbor at the edge of a vast continent.
Cabrillo National Monument preserves far more than a single historical event. Visitors can explore the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, walk coastal trails overlooking dramatic cliffs, discover one of Southern California’s richest intertidal ecosystems at the tide pools, and enjoy some of the finest panoramic views in the National Park System.
Read More From Nancy
Redwood National Park
Redwood National Park in northern California preserves one of the world’s most extraordinary forests. Established as a National Park in 1968 and expanded in 1978, the park protects the tallest trees on Earth, along with ancient prairies, oak woodlands, wild rivers, and nearly forty miles of rugged Pacific coastline. As remarkable as the coastline and rivers […]
Tonto National Monument
Tonto National Monument preserves dramatic cliff dwelling built by the Salado people in the late 1200s and early 1300s. The site is located in central Arizona, in the Sonoran Desert. The monument protects two primary cliff dwellings constructed within natural limestone alcoves high above the valley floor. The multi-room masonry homes were built on local stone and […]
Kalaupapa National Historical Park
Visiting Kalaupapa National Historical Park was one of the more difficult and emotional National Park sites I have experienced. This was another journey that I made alone, and perhaps that solitude added to the feeling of reflection that stayed with me throughout the visit. Reaching Kalaupapa is part of the experience itself. I flew in on a small plane, […]
