Public Program Descriptions*
These programs are free and open to the public (park entrance fees apply)
For the most current information about a program or accessibility information, please call the Visitor Center at (619) 557-5450
Films Shown Daily
In Search of Cabrillo: 10 am, 2 pm, 4 pm
On the Edge of Land and Sea: 11 am, 1 pm
First Breath: Gray Whales 12 pm, 3 pm
NPS Ranger Program: Saturday at 2:30pm: Please join us for a Ranger led program hosted at Cabrillo at 2:30pm. These programs vary from short talks, living history demonstrations and guided walks. Upon your visit, check in at the Visitor Center for locations and themes of programs.
16th Century Navigation: Learn about Navigation in the age of sail. How centuries old techniques used provided rather accurate results. This 1-hour program takes place in our Auditorium and is appropriate for all age levels.
Guided Walk: Join Cabrillo National Monument park staff for a stimulating 1-hour guided walk around the Upper Monument. This program is suitable for all ages. Plan to meet at the Flagpole near the traffic circle and keep in mind that the walk includes hills (up to the lighthouse and back again). You can expect to learn about Cabrillo National Monuments Kumeyaay, 16th, 19th, and 20th century histories as well as our native flora and fauna.
Life on a Boat: Have you ever wondered what life was like for Cabrillo and his crew in 1542? Join our Living History Ranger and learn about life at sea in the 16th century. This program is appropriate for all ages and is about 45 minutes long.
Lighthouse Talk: Join Cabrillo National Monument staff at the traffic circle flagpole for this 1-hour, all age’s program as we discover what life was like for the Keepers of the Light and our restored 19th century Lighthouse.
Nature Walk: Join one of our expert volunteers to explore the flora and fauna of the park. The gentle 45 minute to 1-hour walk will give you insights as to why San Diego County is the most bio-diverse in the continental US. Meet animals and plants and find out how the natives of San Diego, the Kumeyaay, used the landscape resources. The walk includes a stop at the Cabrillo Monument for a spectacular view of the Bay and ends at the whale lookout, where an equally stunning ocean panorama can be enjoyed. From there guests can choose different activities, including a visit of the light house, a hike down the Bayside trail or a tour of the Military History Museum. Don't miss this opportunity to discover San Diego's "true nature!"
Open Bunker: From 9 am – 2:30 pm volunteers will bring the coastal defenses of Point Loma to life. These are your only chances to tour the bunkers on Point Loma. Don't miss this amazing opportunity to learn more about the soldiers stationed at Fort Rosecrans during WWII and see the weapons and instruments that protected our coast during the tumultuous war years.
Ranger on Duty: The Ranger will be roving in certain areas of the park as well as conducting programs and assisting visitors with questions.
Reading Ranger: Join a National Park Service Ranger in the Cabrillo National Monument Visitors Center for a fun and educational story reading. Reading Ranger programs are geared toward children 8 and under. All children must be accompanied by an adult for the entirety of the program.
Tidepool Walk: Join Cabrillo National Monument staff for a 1-hour guided walk through our Rocky Intertidal Coastline and Tidepools. Suitable for all ages, the walk will start at the Tidepool Trailer near Parking Lot #1. Participants should be sure to check the weather beforehand and wear appropriate shoes for tidepool exploration. Please keep in mind that the tidepool parking lots can fill quickly, and that all visitors are required to park in marked stalls.
Weed Warriors: Weed Warriors is for everyone. It is a great way to learn some the plants of CABR and see first hand how the noxious invasive plants really impact the rare ecosystems found here. You can come every week or just once. This is a rare opportunity to get in the park before the crowd and to see the park as you have never seen it before. Please contact Lonie Brown if you are interested. lonie_brown@nps.gov
Wildlife Ranger: Join Park Staff for a fun and educational program focusing on Cabrillo National Monuments flora and fauna. This program is perfect for children ages 12 and under accompanied by an adult.
*Although we do our best, programs are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
