A high ridge called Point Loma creates a peninsula that guards the entrance to the San Diego Bay. Point Loma is the location of Cabrillo National Monument, a United States park that protects the amazing wildlife habitats found on this peninsula. The cold waters of the Pacific Ocean pound the rocky shores with waves, but the ocean's tides leave beautiful tide pools that are homes for some spectacular creatures. Cabrillo (say quickly, "cuh-BREE-yo") National Monument has been a U.S. park since 1913.

Point Loma towers 400 feet above the San Diego Bay. The ridge is crowned by the historic Old Point Loma Lighthouse.

Use these links to learn more about Cabrillo National Monument:

• Explore the Point Loma Tide Pools to find extraordinary sea creatures
• Discover the Point Loma Coastal Sage Habitat
• See amazing Rock Formations along the coast
• Waves and Tides define the Point Loma coast
• Enjoy the View of San Diego Bay
• Visit the Old Point Loma Lighthouse

Cabrillo National Monument is named for Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first Spanish explorer ever to set foot in what would later be called California. Cabrillo reached San Diego Bay on September 28, 1542.

Join the ReefNews photographers as they explore San Diego and Cabrillo National Monument

• Tessa Dowell at San Diego's Sunset Cliffs
• Wading in Tide Pools can be Tricky