Commemorating Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, who led the first European expedition in 1542 to explore what is now the west coast of the United States, Cabrillo National Monument combines history with a variety of visitor activities, including tidepooling, whale watching, scenic walks, and ranger-led programs. The park includes the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, one of the first lighthouses on the West Coast. Plan your visit here.

On May 10, 1869, the Central Pacific Railroad met the Union Pacific Railroad at Promontory Summit, Utah, officially connecting the nation by rail. The driving of the golden spike marked the completion of what was undoubtedly one of the most important events in United States history. By bridging the 2,000 miles from the Missouri River to the West Coast, the nation was now joined by 3,500 miles of transcontinental railroad from New York to California. A journey that had once taken four to six months by the overland pioneers had been reduced to six days, and the dangers and hardships facing westward travelers had been diminished greatly. The Golden Spike National Historic Site, located 32 miles west of Brigham City, UT, offers programs, films, museum exhibits, an auto tour, and summer steam locomotive demonstrations.