Cabrillo National Monument: Most Popular

Did you know that the Cabrillo National Monument, located at the tip of the Point Loma peninsula, receives the most visitors of any national monument, including the Statue of Liberty? The monument honors explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, who discovered what is now San Diego Bay in 1542. The national monument was established in 1913 to commemorate Cabrillo's discovery.

The central feature of the national monument is the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, which was erected by the U.S. Government in 1855. According to the San Diego Historical Society, the old lighthouse is 510 feet above the sea, the highest lighthouse in the world, and remained the loftiest in the United States until 1891, when it was discontinued in favor of a new, lower light. This was necessary because it had been so high it could not be seen by incoming vessels in foggy weather or when low clouds obscured it.

Today, the Cabrillo National Monument, including the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, is a popular destination for visitors and residents alike. So why is it so popular, even more so than the Statue of Liberty? Well, for one, it doesn't cost anything to visit. A more definite reason, though, is that its location offers one of the most breathtaking views in all of San Diego County. The panoramic view lets you take in the scenic San Diego Bay just below, with Navy ships and sailboats sharing the water. Across the bay you can watch the Navy jets at North Island Naval Air Station, or the commercial jets taking off from Lindbergh Field. Beyond, is the downtown skyline and the majestic Hotel Del Coronado in Coronado. And on a clear day you can see the hills of Mexico to the south and the Laguna Mountains to the east. To the west, is the vast Pacific Ocean, where you might catch the mighty California gray whales migrating. Not to mention hiking trails and tide pools nearby.

So maybe it isn't such a surprise that Cabrillo National Monument receives more visitors than Lady Liberty.

Learn more about Cabrillo National Monument

~ Inigo Figuracion