Bayside Trail

This trail is fairly tame with a well maintained tread that offers wonderful views of San Diego Bay, local boating traffic, as well as lots of naval traffic (including submarines, destroyers, fighter jets and attack helicopters--all of which were viewed on this hike). You begin your hike from the main parking area just outside of the visitor center. You'll then travel up the trail towards the lighthouse. Just before you get to the lighthouse you'll veer left and stay on the shoulder of the road. You then travel on the paved road for about a 1/2 mile where you'll see a sign next to a bench. From there you'll depart the road and connect with a gravel/dirt path on your left. The path then follows the contour of the landscape and gradually descends until you are about 350 feet directly below the visitor center. The trail ends at a government property fence where you'll turn around and retrace your steps back to the parking area. This trail is very dry, with no trees for shade, so bring plenty of water and sunscreen. I would also recommend a pair of binoculars for viewing the traffic in the bay. This is a desert environment with rattlesnakes and other biting insects, so tread carefully and stick to the path. This trail does have several old military relics with corresponding signage along the way, as well as some nice benches overlooking the bay that make for great spots to stop, rest, and enjoy your surroundings. Overall this trail is time well spent as you enjoy the entirety of the Cabrillo National Monument.