Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any days that the park is closed? No, Cabrillo National Monument is open seven days a week, 365 days a year, from 9:00 AM to 5:15 PM.

What can we do there? Lots! You can take a self-guided tour of the Old Point Loma Lighthouse; visit three different exhibit rooms; see the wonders of the tidepools during the winter months; hike the Bayside Trail; see a film or slideshow in the auditorium; or enjoy spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the city of San Diego.

Are pets allowed? Dogs are allowed at the tidepool area, as long as they remain on a leash. Only service animals are permitted in all other areas of the park.

When can we go into the tower of the lighthouse? To preserve the structural integrity of the lighthouse tower, it is normally closed to the public. However, it it open for visitors two days a year: August 25 (the National Park Service birthday), and November 15 (the lighthouse anniversary).

Are there activities for kids? Yes! Be sure to stop first at the Visitor Center to pick up a Junior Ranger activity. Then, have your child take it with them on their visit around the park to find the answers to the questions. Once completed, bring it back to the Visitor Center, where a Park Ranger will check the answers and award a Junior Ranger badge!

When is the best time to view the tidepools? During the winter. That's when the good low tides occur during daylight hours, and when we have Park Rangers and Volunteers stationed in the tidepools to answer questions.

Does the park take volunteers? Yes! The park has an active volunteer program. Folks help in many areas: tidepool monitoring and visitor education, natural resources, Visitor Center - you name it, they've probably got a need for a volunteer!