The Point Loma Bayside Trail is a breathtaking coastal trail in San Diego.
It’s located on San Diego's spectacular southwest peninsula at the Cabrillo National Monument.
The trail is a 3-mile roundtrip, starting near the Old Point Loma Lighthouse at the Cabrillo National Monument.
Check fees & hours to visit the Cabrillo National Monument, located at 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive.
5 things to know about hiking the Bayside Trail.
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The trailhead starts near the Old Point Loma Lighthouse.
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Park at the Cabrillo National Monument Visitor Center. Walk a short distance up the hill to the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, then continue 0.3 miles past the lighthouse down Humphrey’s Road to a sign that says “Bayside Trail".
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The Bayside Trail travels 1.2 miles along a bluff’s edge through coastal sage scrub, until it reaches a dead-end. There are interpretive signs on the area’s natural history, and plenty of benches to enjoy the soaring views of the peninsula.
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The Bayside Trail was originally used as a military access road, providing the perfect vantage point across the bay for defense.
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Halfway along the Bayside Trail you’ll see two concrete military structures, utilized during WWII. The first is a Searchlight Shelter, where a massive searchlight was once rolled out on narrow gauge tracks to illuminate ships entering the harbor. The second is a Searchlight Power Plant that held the gas generators required for the searchlight.
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Other things to do at the Cabrillo National Monument
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Visit the Cabrillo National Monument Overlook, just near the Visitor Center. It commemorates Spanish Explore Juan Rodrigues Cabrillo and his exploration of the Western Coastline from 1542 to 1543.
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The Visitor Center has some excellent exhibits on Juan Rodrigues Cabrillo's travels and navigation equipment. There's also a cinema with films providing a fascinating insight into the rich history of this area.
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The Old Point Loma Lighthouse is a short distance up the hill from the Visitor Center. It's open for self guided tours.
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The Assistant Keeper's Quarters displays the original Fresnel lens.
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This is the panoramic view outside the Old Point Loma Lighthouse.
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Continue past the Old Point Loma Lighthouse to the Whale Overlook. From December to April each year, observe the annual migration of gray whales from the Arctic to Baja California.
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The New Point Loma Lighthouse is clearly visible from the Whale Overlook. What a spectacular setting! Unfortunately you can't tour it.
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