Before the road trip, I obviously did some reading. I love marine life, but thought that SeaWorld was a waste of money (poor souls like us are on a tight budget being recent grads without any wages). And since we had planned for a theme park in Los Angeles, we decided to forgo any other theme parks.
I read that we could do some whale watching. My 2nd favourite animal, after the dolphins.. And that's when I found out about Cabrillo National Monument Park.
What does Cabrillo National Monument Park have to offer?
1. The Visitor Center
As with ANY National Park, the first stop would be the Visitor Center! That's where you can get the maps, talk to the rangers on what there is to do or what they might recommend depending on the season and weather. We managed to watch some educational videos.
And what I love best is that you can get souveniers!! I bought $1 coins (that's quite rare in the US) with Cabrillo stamped on in too..
2. Statue of Cabrillo
I'm no US history buff.. Hence I couldn't appreciate the statue at all. I think Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo led the first European expedition to explore what is now the west coast of the United States. So here I'll just show you a picture of me monkeying around near the statue. But the view was awesome!! At that time I did not own a wide-angle camera.. But on a clear day, you can view San Diego and Mexico.. And of course the Pacific Ocean.
View of San Diego
3. Whale Watching at Cabrillo Lookout Point
From December to March, visitors have a great view of the Pacific Gray Whale as it travels along its yearly migration route from Alaska to Baja California. The lookout point, just south of the old lighthouse is ideal for whale watching.
Yes, I was there in December (late Dec, to be exact) but I did not manage to catch any whales. The only one I saw was the statue at the lookout point. But be sure to enjoy the panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean.
Finally I spy a WHALE!4. Old Point Loma Lighthouse
This treasure is a short walk from the Cabrillo Visitor Center and parking lot. Old Pont Loma Lighthouse stands majestically above the San Diego Bay and Pacific Ocean. In the main building, you can ascend to the second floor and see the refurbished living quarters of the keeper of the lighthouse and his family, much as it looked in the 1880s. It's amazing how tiny and cramped it is. And of course the famous spiral staircase!
The adjacent building has visual displays and large lighthouse lenses. It is really interesting to see the exhibits and all the stuff of that time.
Outside the lighthouse, a foot path leads to a scenic view point overlooking the ocean. And as you walk, you will see the toilet. A toilet with the BEST view EVER!!
5. Point Loma Tide Pooling
Point Loma Tide Pools is the largest and most prolific tide pools in San Diego County. You can catch it at low tide to see all that it has to offer. This is something I did not manage to catch. I did not plan ahead of time to catch the low tides.
For more info of the place, check out their official website HERE!
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