Bus to cabrillo national monument

Question

Hi. We are staying in San Diego without a car and would like to get from our Mission Hills stay to the Cabrillo Monument. Is it feasible to do a return bus trip so we can go for a walk there, please? Many thanks

Answer

Visiting Cabrillo National Monument from Mission Hills without a car is possible, but it requires careful planning as public transportation options are limited and the walkways inside the park are best experienced with some time to explore.

By bus:

San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) buses serve the area, but there is no single direct route from Mission Hills to the monument. You will likely need to transfer in downtown San Diego near Santa Fe Depot or Old Town Transit Center.
Common routing involves taking a bus or trolley from Mission Hills to downtown, then transferring to Route 35 or 28 toward Cabrillo National Monument. Check current schedules, as frequencies can be limited.
The total one-way trip can take approximately 1–1.5 hours, so plan at least 3–4 hours for the round trip including walking around the park.

Other options:

Rideshare or taxi: Many visitors find using Uber or Lyft more convenient, especially if you want flexibility to explore the lighthouse, tide pools, and viewpoints without rushing.
Bike: For more adventurous visitors, biking along Harbor Drive from downtown is an option, but it’s about 7–8 miles each way and may not suit all travelers.
Guided tour shuttles: Some tour operators in San Diego offer trips to Cabrillo National Monument, which can combine transportation and commentary.

Tips:

Check the bus schedules ahead of time to confirm return service, as the last buses from the monument may be mid-afternoon.
Bring water, sun protection, and comfortable shoes if walking the tide pools and lighthouse area.
Plan for at least 1–2 hours inside the park to fully enjoy the views, lighthouse, and walking paths.

In summary, a bus trip is feasible but requires careful scheduling and may take a significant portion of the day. For flexibility and efficiency, rideshare is often the most practical option for visitors without a car.

Bus to cabrillo national monument

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