This was not one of the places we had originally planned on visiting, but it turned out to be a worthwhile visit, even though we did not see all, or even close to all, it had to offer. The Cabrillo national monument celebrates Juan Rodriguez Cabrio, the Portuguese explore, who was the first European to set foot on the western coast of North America. Obviously, he was not the first person to trod this land since indigenous people have been populating the Americas for several thousand years. However, his voyage of discovery is still notable because it must have been a tremendous challenge to sail from Europe all the way around South America and up the Pacific Coast to what would later become known as San Diego Bay.
It was once again a bright sunny morning with temperatures steadily rising to an eventual high in the 80. We decided to walk along the Bayside Trail.   This trail starts at the Original Point Loma Lighthouse and descends to an overlook 90 feet above sea level that provides views across the bay towards San Diego. It is an easy walk along a paced and dirt road: one way its just under 1 mile.
Along the way there are many signs documenting what you will see: flora, fauna, and the man-made buildings that you pass by. During World War II hidden search lights were placed along the road. These were manned by soldiers and were designed to illuminate approaching boats that could then be targeted by artillery.
The most prominent feature of this hike has to be the Original Point Loma Lighthouse. It sits on top of the 400 foot high cliff and was active for a little less than 36 years: starting operation in 1855. It was the first lighthouse, I believe, on the western coast of North America coming into operation after California was admitted as a state to the United States. The lighthouse was replaced by the New Point Loma Lighthouse in 1891. That lighthouse sits only 90 feet above sea level on the tip of the peninsula. It turns out that positioning the original lighthouse 400 feet above sea level was problematic because fog and low clouds would obscure the light from view. 
Photos snd Video
This was taken the day before from the sun deck of the Mighty Marietta as we motored out of San Diego Bay on our whale watching tour. The New Point Loma lighthouse sits at the tip of the land about 90 feet above the water. The original lighthouse is on top of the 400-foot high cliffs. We are about three wuarters of a mile from the lighthouses. We saw people on the dirt road that leads down to a lookout point. Sunday we would be on that road too. Sadly, while I believe you can get to the New Point Loma lighthouse this hike doesn’t take you there.
-- February 28 at 10:04 AM.
Maps are centered on the photo: Google map, Apple map, CalTopo map
This was, I believe, the first lighthouse built overlooking San Diego Bay. It started operating in 1855 and remained active until March 1891. The lighthouse sits atop a 400-foot cliff. This turned out to be a less than ideal spot because low fog and clouds often obscured the light from the view of ships. The New Point Loma Lighthouse was built at the tip of the peninsula at a much lower elevation to replace this lighthouse.
--March 1, 2026 at 9:05 AM.
Maps are centered on the photo: Google map, Apple map, CalTopo map
We heard many birds and saw marine mammals but this little lizard might well be the first four-legged animal we have seen.
--March 1, 2026 at 12:16 PM.
Maps are centered on the photo: Google map, Apple map, CalTopo map
We are still some 90 feet above San Diego Bay. You can see the city in the background.
--March 1, 2026 at 9:50 AM.
Maps are centered on the photo: Google map, Apple map, CalTopo map
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