Old Point Loma Lighthouse at Cabrillo National Monument

Have you ever wondered what life looked like in California 175 years ago? Well, you get a wonderful opportunity to see what that looked like in person at the Point Loma lighthouse museum. Here, you can see how people lived back in 1850, as you walk through the Point Loma Lighthouse museum, which showcases the living quarters of those that ran the lighthouse while it was in operation.

The museum, and its surroundings offer a historical glimpse, like a time machine that takes you back to an era where people lived much simpler lives. Sure, I’m positive you have some idea, as we’ve probably all seen some historical movies, and shows, but there is something quite special about seeing it all in person.

The Point Loma Lighthouse museum, which is located within the Cabrillo National Monument park offers multiple things to do and see. From the lighthouse, to hikes, views and sunsets. Let’s review some of the fun things you can do while you’re up on the lighthouse.

Getting To the Point Loma Lighthouse

The Point Loma Lighthouse is only one small part of the Cabrillo National Monument park. To start, go directly to the Cabrillo visitor center. The visitor center has a lot of cool stuff available and is a must to enter before you wander the park. There you will find information about the park’s history, including the “Age of Exploration” exhibit.

You can also get your National Park Passport stamped, which makes your visit official! You can buy merchandise, books, hats, t-shirts, etc. Be sure to check out the auditorium where you can watch films such as In Search of Cabrillo, On the Edge of Land and Sea and First Breath: Gray Whales.

Park Entrance Fees to Cabrillo National Monument

There is a $20 fee per vehicle if you’re driving into the park. If you are walking into the park, you will pay $10 per person. A nice detail is Individuals 15 years old and younger are admitted free of charge. Motorcycles only pay $15 to enter the park. If you grab a daily permit, they are good for several days, so you’ll have the opportunity to go back more than once. The park also offers the Cabrillo National Monument pass for $35. The address is 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106.

History of the Point loma lighthouse

As mentioned before, the lighthouse, built in 1850 makes it a significant piece of California history. Although it served as a lighthouse for mariners into San Diego bay for a decent stretch of time until 1891, it was considered ineffective due to the constant fog and clouds. It was effectively retired and decommissioned, with a new one built to replace it, built further down, at a lower elevation by the waters edge.

A curious detail about the lighthouse, when the fog was intense and the conditions became even more dangerous, the lighthouse keeper would discharge a shotgun to warn ships to keep a safe distance from the shore.

Although the lighthouse had several keepers, none served more time than Robert Israel who lived in the lighthouse for 18 years with his wife and children. Because the Israels lived in the lighthouse for the longest period of time, they are often remembered more fondly than those that preceded them.Unfortunately, after the lighthouse closed, it fell into a dilapidated state for several decades and was left abandoned.

In 1935, the lighthouse underwent a major renovation and restoration process to help bring it back to life. A road and a statue of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo was added in 1949 as well. The statue, a donation from the government of Portugal. Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo is an important historical figure as he’s the first European to charter the California coast.

What To Do Inside the Point Loma Lighthouse

My recommendation for what should be done first would be to check out the light structure and its lenses work. In addition to the lighthouse itself, there are the keepers quarters, climbing the staircase and taking in that particular moment as you get to experience what it must have felt like to climb up and down the spiral staircase 175 years ago. Perhaps imaging you’re back in that time period, performing your duties as the keeper of the lighthouse.

It goes without saying that the first thing you want to do is check out the beautiful and intricate light structure. They visually present the type of lens sizes, showcasing the manner in which the lightsource works its way through the lens architecture, helping light get magnified to reach a distance of about 18-24 miles out into the ocean. For a day you can become a child again as you learn the science behind lighthouses, understand their importance and see how they functioned.

Explore the Lighthouse Keepers’ Quarters

My favorite part about exploring the lighthouse was observing the keepers quarters as you get a nice intimate snapshot into a past family’s period accurate living situation. It really is something special when you get to observe how people used to live their life back then. You see the style of decor, the style of dishes and decorations on the walls, the artwork designed on the blanket covering the bed, etc. Imagine living such a simple life without television, without wifi, a phone, or any kind of modern technology. Just the company of your loved ones and the outdoors. It really does blow my mind. I would imagine the human dynamic with each other must have been much more interactive than what we experience today.

More Things to See Inside the Cabrillo National Monument Park

Once you’ve explored the inside of the Point Loma lighthouse, there are other things to do and see. From the tide pools (only during low tide) to whale watching, seeing the statue of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo and hiking along the trail that surrounds the park. You can also pause and take it slow and observe the beautiful panoramic views of the San Diego skyline, Coronado and the Pacific Ocean. The amount of things to do can easily eat up several hours of your day, which is not a bad thing at all as I consider it time well spent.

Tide Pools at Cabrillo National Monument

Have a fun and interactive time at the tide pools. The area is rich in marine life. You can find sea stars, anemones, sea hares, tiny fish like sculpins hiding under rock crevices, crabs and even octopuses! These cool little nature friends of ours can only be seen during low tide in the winter. Please remember to be respectful of the sea life as you observe them. It is illegal to disturb them, or grab marine life in any way as they are protected.

There are layers of life as you observe the area. You’ll see that different creatures live at different depths in the pools. The upper level has periwinkle snails and barnacles, while the lower level has sponges and sea urchins. You can see the tide prediction chart to find out the best time to visit, which is in the fall and winter months. You can’t leave the park without visiting this marine ecosystem, but remember that the tide pool area closes at 4:30pm so plan accordingly.

See Panoramic Views at Cabrillo National Monument

As mentioned before, the views from the park are stunning as you see downtown San Diego, Coronado and the Pacific Ocean. From there you can imagine what it must have looked like to see Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo’s expedition arriving on the shore. They do a cool reenactment in September during the Cabrillo festival! As Cabrillo departed from Mexico on behalf of the Spanish crown, he landed in San Diego bay and named it San Miguel on September 28th 1542, which is why the festival is in September. You can also see the statue that was given to the park by the Portuguese government as you take in the views as well.

Enjoy Scenic Hikes at Cabrillo National Monument

If you enjoy hiking then this park is for you. Cabrillo offers a 2.5 mile round trip hike with everything you could want. We’re talking views of the Pacific Ocean, views of the bay, of downtown San Diego. On a clear day you can also see Mexico! All this while enjoying what is mostly perfect weather year round. No extreme heat or cold to hamper your hike, the hike itself being manageable.

The park also offers a bird watching opportunity as well with the park offering feed for many shorebirds in the area. Shore Birds like egrets and herons love to feed in the tide pools as they hunt for small fish and invertebrates.

Whale Watching at Cabrillo National Monument

If you’re visiting between the months of December through March you might get lucky and catch a glimpse of migrating gray whales. Cabrillo is one of the best spots in San Diego to whale watch. Gray whales are the most common whales you’ll see, especially during their migration season. December through April is when they migrate from Alaska to Baja California. Humpback whales and blue whales (Dolphins as well) are less common, but make up the other types of whales that get spotted from the Cabrillo viewpoint. Bring some binoculars to vastly improve your whale and bird watching experience.

Tips for First-Time Visitors at Cabrillo National Monument

Although visiting the Point Loma lighthouse and surrounding area might seem closer to a museum experience, you definitely need shoes that are more appropriate for lots of walking and a potential hike, so bring comfortable walking shoes. The lighthouse and park are rather large and you’ll need to have the capacity to walk throughout the area to get the best experience out of it.

From the lighthouse, to the tide pools, to the hike (with lots of uneven terrain), all spread out and you’ll see how that might be a lot for those that aren’t used to walking that much. You want it to be a comfortable visit, not one that will leave you with aches and pain days after, so bring the right shoes. As mentioned before, bring some sweet binoculars for the improved panoramic views of the bay, whales and birds.

Pack lots of water for your walk around the park and bring snacks as food options are limited inside the park. You don’t want to leave the park early because you got hungry halfway through experiencing Cabrillo. You’ll also want to dress in layers. Sometimes it’s just not warm enough up in Cabrillo and the wind, especially near the cliffs can have you feeling cold as the wind increases in the higher terrain. At the very least, a sweater packed in the car could be helpful just in case. Finally, check the tide schedules before visiting the tide pools.

Things to do near Point Loma

Nestled along the rugged coastline, the area around Point Loma Lighthouse brims with diverse activities perfect for every visitor. Whether you’re drawn to exploring scenic trails with breathtaking ocean views, delving into the rich maritime history at nearby landmarks, or trying out local foodie favorites, there’s something here for everyone. This vibrant locale invites you to experience a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, ensuring your visit is as enriching as it is unforgettable.

Liberty Public Market

Liberty Public Market is a must visit if you’re passing by the area. It’s an indoor food hall and marketplace. The market has a lively feel to it with a fun vibe that can help brighten your day. There is just too much good energy here to not feel uplifted by the smiling faces you’ll see all around you. What you’ll find besides good vibes are local eateries, craft breweries, plenty of artisan shops and gourmet food vendors. All inside a historic naval training center building, which adds a nice touch of uniqueness to the entire experience. Address is 2820 Historic Decatur Rd, San Diego, CA 92106

Pop Pie Co. in Point Loma

If you’re passing through the Point Loma area and the perfect combo of pie, ice cream and coffee sound amazing to you, then stop by Pop Pie Co. for some yummy food options. They have taken pie making to the next level and offer an array of pie options with a modern touch. They have both sweet and savory pies, so you can eat a solid meal or satisfy a sweet tooth craving.

They also offer coffee if you’re in need of a boost or just want your first cup of joe for the day. A unique feature about this location is that it offers Stella Jean ice cream, an ice cream shop within Pop Pie Co. The Ice cream shop offers unique flavors such as; mango sticky rice, mango enchilado and brown butter pecan among others. Address is 4195 Voltaire St Suite A, San Diego, CA 92107

Visit the Sunset Cliffs Beach

Sunset Cliffs is a beach with a nice side of beautiful cliff topography clashing together. It’s unique in layout, with cliffs right at the beach shores offering stunning views as you walk along the sand and gaze at the layered cliffs, offering the perfect way to kiss the day goodbye. It’s a great location if you’re looking for a nice beach to walk that doesn’t get too crowded. It offers its own excellent viewpoint to observe the beautiful sunsets that my husband and I love to see before heading home. Located at 1024 Cordova St, San Diego, CA 92107.

In Conclusion

The Old Point Loma Lighthouse offers more than just a glimpse into the past—it provides an immersive experience where history, nature, and breathtaking views come together. As you conclude your visit, take a moment to reflect on the stories etched in its walls and the enduring legacy of maritime exploration that has shaped this remarkable landmark. Whether you’re captivated by the intricate details of its construction or the panoramic vistas that stretch across the Pacific, your journey here is a reminder of the rich heritage waiting to be discovered at every turn. Embrace the memories made today as a stepping stone to further adventures at Cabrillo National Monument, where every visit promises new insights and inspiration.