Cabrillo Landing Site

August 15, 1992
With all the war, inquisition, famine, and disease going on back in the home turf, 1542 was a good time to be cruising the coast of California. After claiming California for Spain in June, Cabrillo floated into San Diego in September, and Catalina in October.
From the landmark’s number of 56, it’s pretty easy to figure out this site was obviously important to the state’s history. Because Cabrillo’s landing site is on the submarine base on Point Loma, it’s hard to get to and public access is allowed only during the annual Cabrillo Festival. So generally the answer is “no” when trying to get on the base to check the actual landmark and plaque but depending on what they’re up to, arrangements can be made.

1960 OAC photo from Cabrillo Monument looking to Ballast Point

Here’s a shot off the internet showing Cabrillo’s landing, and it appears from the background that he got to Ballast Point on the USS Midway.  

The date this landmark was visited by this contributor could more aptly be put as 1993 or 2004 but really, who cares? Though photos were taken of the landmark on the last visit they seem to have drifted away, besides, the primary reason for the journey was to hang out with the Navy’s dolphins. This shot is yours truly explaining to one of them that she’s had enough fish for the morning.


One option to avoid rejection at the sub base guard gate is to ignore the site and instead pay the fee and go the the Cabrillo National Monument where a Charlton Heston look alike statue sits atop the tip of Point Loma. Besides, this trip has to be done anyway in order to see the next landmark, the Old Point Loma Lighthouse.    

Plaque inscription: NO. 56 CABRILLO LANDING SITE - Seeking the mythical Strait of Anián (the Northwest Passage) for Spain, on September 28, 1542, Iberian navigator Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo brought his three ships to Ballast Point, the first European landing on the coast of Alta California.
Location: Base of Ballast Point, S end of

Rosecrans St

, where historic markers are on a half circle, U.S. Naval Submarine Base, San Diego, San Diego County
Google maps: 32.683633,-117.236738