The Coastal Trail or Tidepools Trail, runs along the seaside of Cabrillo National Monument. The trail is a 1.1-mile point-to-point meander along the sandstone bluffs above the Pacific Ocean. At the south parking lot, there are toilets, and at times park rangers or volunteers staffing an informational table. This is the only trail at the National Monument that allows dogs. Usually, we can find a parking spot in the south parking lot, which is closer to where you can access the tide pools during low tide, otherwise continue driving down the road to use one of the two other parking areas at the north end of the trail.
The trail works its way along the bluffs, so except for the one tidepool access area, getting to the ocean isn’t possible. You will have some small rises to climb up and over, but most should be able to manage them without issue. There is a nice tidepool to explore when the water is right. With the opening of the Oceanside Trail, you can now safely hike down from the Old Lighthouse to this trail, making for a more worthy adventure.
I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. In 2019, I became the third person to complete the San Diego 100 Peak Challenge. Not stopping with that accomplishment, I set my sights on the harder San Diego Sierra Club 100 Peak list, which I completed in 2021. In addition, I have conquered several Six-Pack of Peaks challenges (SoCal, San Diego, Central Coast, and Arizona-Winter). Beyond attempting the San Diego Sierra Club 100 Peak list a second time, I am looking forward to exploring new summits and new adventures across the southwest.