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| Old Point Loma Lighthouse at Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego |
Only minutes from downtown San Diego is the Cabrillo National Monument at Point Loma. Incredible views of the San Diego Bay and Pacific ocean, hiking trails, and a historic lighthouse make for a great visit. Read my full review with pictures after the break.
There are several walking trails, although the one that takes you around Point Loma was closed while we were there due to mud slides. Call ahead if you want to hike the long trail.
The
Old Point Loma lighthouse was built in 1855, and operated until 1891 when it was replaced by the New Point Loma lighthouse (at a lower elevation). You can walk inside, and up the spiral stairs. The lighthouse is maintained as an exhibit so you can see what it was like to live there during its operation.
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| Lighthouse garden at Point Loma |
More pictures of the lighthouse at
California Through My Lens
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| Pacific Ocean from the bathroom |
Behind the lighthouse are bathrooms with the most incredible view of the Pacific Ocean. You don't need to go into the bathrooms for the view, but you have to admire the planning that went into these facilities :)
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| Pacific Ocean as seen from Point Loma |
The statue of Juan Cabrillo commemorates the first visit by a European to the west coast of America (in 1542).
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| San Diego Bay as seen from Point Loma |
The visitor center has displays and is staffed by rangers to answer your questions.
There's a small entrance fee of $5 for cars and $3 for bikes and walkers. There are several parking lots and seems like ample parking, although on a summer weekend I suppose it gets very crowded.
TIP: Don't miss the tide pools! Take the first road after the entrance down to the beach. There's parking and a ranger is there to explain what you can see at the time you are there. Great for the kids, too!
More details and information about Point Loma and Cabrillo National Monument:
