Walking down to Cabrillo National Monument’s tidepools!
In April, 2024, a new trail opened at Cabrillo National Monument. The Oceanside Trail starts at the Kelp Forest and Whale Overlook south of the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, and descends via several switchbacks to the Coast Trail, intersecting it a few steps from the main tidepool parking lot.
The Oceanside Trail is fairly steep and rugged, but if you’re in good physical shape, wearing good shoes and carrying plenty of water, the hike is really great!
I enjoyed the hike recently and took photographs as I walked down to the tidepools through incoming wisps of ocean fog!
I’ll provide some description in photo captions…
Here’s where you start, from the looping path south of the lighthouse, just beyond the whale overlook.Map shows the Oceanside Trail. It’s about a 2.5 miles round-trip and can be strenuous.Approaching a World War II observation bunker, which guarded the coast from a potential Japanese invasion.The trail leads around the old military bunker.You can see the New Point Loma Lighthouse in the distance by the water. It’s a residential area for Coast Guard officers.Watch your step!There are several switchbacks. Most feature steps.A walker heading up. You can see how wisps of fog were drifting inland from the Pacific Ocean.There are a couple of benches for resting and viewing the scenery, too.Native coastal plants along the Oceanside Trail provide additional beauty and interest.We’re approaching Cabrillo Road, which descends to the tidepool area from the Cabrillo National Monument entrance gate. Before the Oceanside Trail opened, it was the only way down.The Oceanside Trail crosses Cabrillo Road twice.A park ranger told me the circular platform with a track was used to rotate a gun during World War II.Those people ahead are on the Coast Trail, heading between the nearby parking lot and tidepools.The end of the Oceanside Trail. To reach the tidepools, turn right! You can’t miss them.
I’ll be blogging about the Coast Trail shortly. It extends north from here along the rugged, sandstone bluffs, providing amazing views.
Years ago, I walked down to the water and experienced the Cabrillo National Monument tidepools. I posted photographs here!
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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or X.
Downtown San Diego has been my home for many years. My online activities reflect my love for writing, blogging, walking and photography.
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