Bayside Trail

The Bayside Trail is a moderate 1.5 mile round trip trail located in San Diego, California. The Trail starts at the old lighthouse, which is at the Cabrillo National Monument on Point Loma. The start of the trail also offers views of the city and the watery environs.

A parking fee is required upon entry at the monuments entrance; visitors are able to visit the museum and old lighthouse before they embark on the trail. Visitors will need to climb to the old lighthouse then start the decent down they trail which is signed. The first ¾ mile of the trail is pavement with the remaining ¾ mile being gravel and descending 300 feet.

There are interpretive plaques along the lower ¾ mile of the trail which provide information to visitors on the cultural and natural history of the area. There are many ruins from a World War II defense system of mortars, generators, searchlights and observation bunkers in the area and along the trail. The trail ends where is does as the property becomes Navy property. At the end of the trail, visitors will be able to view the boats coming in and out of the narrow bay entrance and the aircraft which take off and land at the North Island Naval Air Station.

There is only one way to return to the beginning of the trail to walk uphill. It may be tempting for visitors to take a shortcut, but off-trail exploration is forbidden due to the vulnerability of the vegetation and the soil erosion.

Hiking the Bayside Trail is an experience that visitors must participate in when they are in San Diego. They will experience native sage scrub and chaparral vegetation, the Silver Strand and remnants from World War II. The best time to hike this trail is on a crystal clear winter day this will provide the best views and weather for a memorable hike.