The honest take
At the very tip of Point Loma, inside Cabrillo National Monument, there are rocky tide pools full of sea anemones, crabs, sea stars and the occasional shy octopus. On a good low tide it’s like a free aquarium without the gift shop at the exit.
The secret is timing. Look up a tide chart before you go and aim for a low tide during opening hours (winter afternoons are often best). Arrive at high tide and you’ll see waves and disappointed families.
Wear shoes that can get wet and have grip, because the rocks are slippery. Touch nothing, take nothing, and watch where you step: those little green blobs are alive. While you’re there, the lighthouse and harbor views up top are worth the entry fee alone.
Worth it? Skip it?
Worth it if
You have kids, you like nature, or you want the best view of San Diego Bay in one trip.
Skip it if
The tide is high, or you only have an hour and don’t want to pay park entry.
Quick facts
| Area | Point Loma, inside Cabrillo National Monument |
| Cost | $20 per car, $10 per walk-in adult; free with an America the Beautiful pass |
| Parking | Included with entry; a small lot near the tide pools |
| Best time | Low tide during park hours; winter low tides are the best |
| Kids | Yes, they’ll love it |
Photo: Angspring, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
