Tidepool Time with NMFA

On Sunday afternoon, December 6th, 2025, National Park Trust hosted a special outing in partnership with the National Military Family Association at the breathtaking Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego, California. The day was designed to give local military families a chance to learn, explore, and connect with the many natural and historic wonders Cabrillo has to offer.

Families gathered at Ballast View to kick off the day, where they were greeted and presented with an America the Beautiful Military Pass, a free annual pass granting access to more than 420 National Park Service sites across the country. With passes in hand, families continued the morning with tours of the historic WWII bunker and the iconic lighthouse, taking in sweeping views of the coastline along the way.

After lunch, families boarded the shuttle down to the tide pools, where the real adventure began. Children and adults alike searched the rocky shorelines for fascinating marine life living along the Pacific coast. Sea urchins, crabs, octopuses, and colorful fish were spotted throughout the afternoon, making for an unforgettable hands-on experience.

It was a day filled with discovery, connection, and appreciation for the incredible resources protected within Cabrillo National Monument and a memorable outing for every family who joined us.