Cabrillo National Monument

For an unfurgettable outing in San Diego, plan a visit to Cabrillo National Monument! Named for the first European to set foot on what is now the West Coast, this 160-acre site draws visitors with its natural and historical wonders, including puptacular views of the city's skyline, the iconic Old Point Loma Lighthouse, and one of the best-preserved rocky intertidal areas in southern California. 

If your four-legged BFF is tagging along, head straight to the tidepool area at the southern end of the park. Except for service animals, furry companions are only permitted in this portion for their own safety and for the protection of native wildlife. To reach the tidepools, turn right on Cabrillo Road just past the entrance station. Note that you and Fido must drive down to the area, as canine visitors are not allowed to walk along the road. 

But not to worry as the tidepool area includes a pup-friendly trail where you and your pooch can stretch your legs. Spanning 1 mile on the west side of the peninsula, the Coastal Trail offers pawmazing ocean views and rare native plants. Enjoy the fresh coastal breezes as you and your intrepid hiking partner make your way along wide paths and steep stairs. From the trail, you and Fido can access the tidepools, which are home to a variety of plants, fish, and invertebrates. During low tide, you might spot periwinkle snails, acorn barnacles, California mussels, and limpets, just to name a few. Note that the best times to visit the tidepools are late fall and winter, when the good low tides occur during park hours. 

Be sure to keep your pupper on a 6-foot leash, and do not wander off the trail or away from the pet designated tidepool area. Cabrillo is a trash-free park, so bring your own waste bags, pick up whatever your pup leaves behind, and be ready to pack it out. Be sure to bring your own drinking water to share too. If you'd like to check out the rest of the site without Fido, come back within the next seven days; a non-commercial vehicle pass is valid for an entire week.

A woofderful experience awaits at Cabrillo National Monument!