Cabrillo National Monument

Activity Overview

The Cabrillo National Monument marks the spot where on September 28, 1542 the conquistador explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo became the first European to set foot onto the West Coast of the U.S.A. Today the place where he landed is known as San Diego and this monument commemorates an historic moment in the nation's history.

Things to Do

• There are lots of fun activities which children can take part in here. They can start by printing off the Just For Kids Journal which is filled with activities, questions and games for them to complete at various places around the Monument.
• Once they have completed all of these tasks correctly they can show their work to one of the park rangers and become a Junior Ranger! They also have a Climate Change Junior Ranger guide for kids to complete.

Cabrillo National Monument Insider Tips

• Hardtrack was a kind of very hard biscuit which would have been eaten by Cabrillo and his crew members during their voyage. Although it doesn't necessarily sound like the most interesting snack the website for the Cabrillo monument make the recipe for it available here. You can bring history to life in your own kitchen!
• If you would like to get more involved with the work of the Monument then you can volunteer. The Monument, like many of the Naitonal Parks, is always looking for those who will give up their time to help keep it going. You can sign up for a long term, full time position or simply lend a hand at a particular event. Check out the Monument's support tab on their website.