The original 14-foot wooden cross was erected in 1913, with the current 29-foot concrete cross dating back to 1954.
The site contains plaques dedicated to figures such as President Ronald Reagan, Admiral James Stockdale, and Bob Hope.
The memorial occupies the highest point in the city of La Jolla, sitting at an elevation of 822 feet above sea level.
The arrangement of the plaques follows a circular, tiered design that creates a series of concentric walkways around the central cross.
The memorial underwent a significant land transfer in 2015, shifting from federal ownership to the Mount Soledad Memorial Association to resolve constitutional disputes regarding religious symbols on public property.
Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial is a prominent hilltop landmark featuring a large central cross surrounded by over 6,000 individual black granite plaques honoring veterans from all branches of the U.S. military. Located at the summit of Mount Soledad in La Jolla, it provides 360-degree views of the San Diego coastline, Mexico, and the Cuyamaca Mountains. The site serves as a non-denominational memorial park dedicated to preserving the legacy of those who served. The memorial has been the site of extensive legal litigation regarding the presence of the cross on public land, which eventually led to the transfer of the land to a private non-profit entity. It is maintained by the Mount Soledad Memorial Association.
The western edge of the memorial terrace looking toward the Pacific Ocean with the cross in the foreground.
Bring a jacket, as the summit is often significantly windier and cooler than the coastal areas below.
Use the free binoculars mounted at the perimeter to spot downtown San Diego landmarks and coastal shipping lanes.
Visit during clear weather to maximize visibility of the distant mountain ranges to the east.
Do not attempt to walk or cycle up the steep residential roads from the coast, as there are no sidewalks and the incline is extreme.
Maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor suitable for a memorial site; refrain from loud activities.
