Drive to the top of La Jolla, park, walk up a few steps, and San Diego opens up in every direction. The Pacific to the west, downtown and the bay to the south, the mountains to the east. That view alone makes Mt. Soledad worth the trip. The memorial walls are why so many people come back.
The Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial sits at the summit of Soledad Natural Park, with a white cross at the center and curved granite walls lined with thousands of plaques honoring U.S. service members. Each plaque tells a short story: a name, a photo, a branch, sometimes a ship or a unit. Admission is always free.
- The memorial is free to visit and open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- You get a 360-degree view of the Pacific, the coastal cities, the mountains and downtown San Diego.
- This year’s Veterans Day ceremony is Saturday, Nov. 7, at 11 a.m. It’s free, with free parking and shuttles.
- Where
- 6905 La Jolla Scenic Drive South at Via Capri, La Jolla, CA 92037 (directions)
- Hours
- Gates open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
- Cost
- Free admission
- Parking
- A few spaces around the memorial, plus a larger lot about a five-minute walk below
- Veterans Day
- Sat., Nov. 7, 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; arrive by 10:30 a.m.
- Info
- soledadmemorial.org · 858-384-2405 (office, weekdays)
What you’ll see at Mt. Soledad
The memorial is built in rings around the hilltop. Eleven walls circle the base of the cross, and brick steps lead up to the cross itself. There’s no fenced entrance, so you can wander the walls at your own pace.
Take your time with the plaques. They honor veterans from every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, and many include photos. Some honor people who died in service; others honor veterans whose families wanted their service remembered. It’s common to see visitors searching for a grandparent’s name or stopping to read a stranger’s story.
Then turn around. The summit looks out over the Pacific, the coastal cities, the mountains and downtown San Diego. Late afternoon into sunset is a popular time to go, and the lawns around the memorial are a nice spot for a picnic.
Tips for your visit
- Parking: Only a few spaces sit right at the memorial. If they’re full, use the larger lot below and walk up; it takes about five minutes.
- Restrooms: There are portable restrooms next to the memorial, not full facilities.
- Bring a layer: It’s a hilltop, and it can be breezier and cooler than down at the beach.
- Steps: The walls are at ground level, but reaching the cross means climbing brick steps.
Veterans Day 2026 at Mt. Soledad
The memorial holds its Veterans Day ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 7, a few days ahead of the Nov. 11 holiday. This year’s theme is “Guardians of the Promise: The 250-Year Unbroken Line.”
- Ceremony: 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Organizers suggest arriving by 10:30 a.m.
- Program: Former San Diego Chargers linebacker Donnie Edwards gives the keynote. Marine Band San Diego performs, and the San Diego Salute Aerial Formation Team is scheduled for a flyover.
- Afternoon gathering: The Guardians’ Gathering runs from 1 to 4 p.m. on the west lawn, with live music and local food and drink vendors (purchases are extra). Bring a blanket.
- Cost and parking: The event is free, and so is parking. Free shuttles run from Mount Soledad Presbyterian Church (6551 Soledad Mountain Road) and the San Diego French-American School (6550 Soledad Mountain Road).
Details can change, so check the official event page before you go.
A short history
The memorial was formally dedicated in 1954. The walls came much later: construction started in 1999, and the first two walls and 300 plaques were finished in 2001. In 2007, the memorial opened plaque eligibility to veterans of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.
The site also spent years at the center of court fights over the cross. According to the memorial, those legal battles ended in 2016. Five more walls were added in 2015, a third phase finished in 2022, and the cross was refurbished in 2024.
Want to honor someone? The memorial is taking orders for plaques marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. armed forces through Dec. 31, 2026. Details are on soledadmemorial.org.
Mt. Soledad FAQ
Is Mt. Soledad free to visit?
Yes. Admission to the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial is always free.
What are the hours at Mt. Soledad?
The gates are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day.
Where do you park at Mt. Soledad?
There are a few spaces around the memorial and a larger lot about a five-minute walk below it. For the Nov. 7 Veterans Day ceremony, use the free shuttle lots on Soledad Mountain Road.
When is the Mt. Soledad Veterans Day ceremony in 2026?
Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., followed by an afternoon gathering from 1 to 4 p.m. It’s free and open to the public.
What can you see from Mt. Soledad?
The summit has 360-degree views that take in the Pacific Ocean, the coastal cities, the mountains and downtown San Diego.
Looking for more local outings with a view? Try the story of the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, our guide to the Cabrillo tide pools, or what to know before you hit San Diego trails this winter.
