Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Cabrillo National Monument adventure.
View the vast Pacific Ocean just as explorer Juan Cabrillo saw it. This monument commemorates his arrival to the west coast in 1542. Expansive views of all of San Diego make this spot a worthy photo op. On a clear, sunny day, you can see all the way to Mexico. Watch for Navy vessels and cruise ships coming and going.
Costumed tour guides will help explain the significance of this spot and the history of west coast exploration by Europeans. You can also climb the Point Loma Lighthouse and learn about its importance in protecting the area. The monument boasts some excellent tidepools if you visit at low tide, so bring footwear that you can get wet. The hike alongside San Diego Bay is gorgeous and not difficult. On the ocean side, if you're visiting between December and April, keep your eyes open for whales heading south.
You pay per car when you enter (and you can come back for a week on that one entry fee). You have to go a bit inland to find any camping ops in San Diego. Get on Hipcamp to get settled in a glamped-out yurt or a cozy trailer, or pitch your tent at a farm or winery.
Escape to Guajome Regional Park for a delightful camping adventure. Set up camp amidst picturesque landscapes, hike scenic trails, and enjoy peaceful moments by the lake. Engage in birdwatching, explore historic sites, and create lasting memories in this serene park.