High atop Point Loma is Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, with its commanding views of the Pacific Ocean, San Diego Harbor, and the city of San Diego. With over 101,000 individuals buried there, it certainly is humbling to stand among row after row of perfectly aligned, uniform grave markers, knowing that many of those laid to rest here died in the service of their country.

The first burial was in 1882 when the remains of nineteen soldiers killed in the 1846 Battle of San Pasqual were relocated to the cemetery. It wasn’t until 5 October 1934 that Fort Rosecrans earned its designation as a national cemetery.

This year’s Memorial Day ceremony will be held at Fort Rosecrans at 10:00 a.m., Monday, 28 May 2018.

Just beyond Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery is Cabrillo National Monument with its visitor center and historic lighthouse.

What You Need To Know

Location: Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego, CA 92106

Hours: Sunrise to Sunset, seven days a week

Cost: Free

Phone: (619) 553-2084

Website: https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/ftrosecrans.asp

Tips: Dress in layers. Winds off the ocean atop Point Loma can make the visit chilly. Bring binoculars for a great view of the city and Pacific Ocean. To respect the veterans in their final resting place, please respect the rules of behavior outlined on the website.

Gallery

Click to see full-sized photos.

Visited: 20 May 2018