Home ⎜ Hikes &  Wanderings ⎜ California  ⎜ Cabrillo Monument Sea Cave & Tidepools

Distance: 1 mile

Time: 45 minutes

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 50 feet

Dog Friendly: The tide pools are one of the few places at the Cabrillo National Monument that allow dogs, but getting to the sea cave requires walking across a few steeply inclined cliffs over the ocean, which I’m sure could be troublesome for some dogs.

Trail Notes: Please be sure to check the tide charts, as this hike is only accessible during low tide. Attempting this hike during high tide could be near impossible and quite dangerous, and getting caught in the cave could be fatal during high tide. Proceed with caution.

Trailhead Directions: Once you pass the entrance gate to the Cabrillo National Monument, take your first right onto Cabrillo Road (there is also signage here for the tide pools).

Hike Directions: Walk to the southern end of the second parking area and look for the open, sandstone switchback trail that leads to the ocean.

Scenery: 10/10 (with sea cave explore)