Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo (Circa 1499 - January 3, 1543) was an explorer who led the first expedition to what is now the west coast of the United States. He is credited as being the first "European" to set foot on this part of the continent.

Antonio de Mendoza, the Viceroy of "New Spain" (Mexico) requested that Juan lead an expedition to explore the Pacific Coast area.

The journey started June 24, 1542, and one hundred and three days after their departure, Cabrillo's flagship, the "San Salvador", landed in what is now the San Diego area. Cabrillo continued his journey northward, reaching north of Monterey Bay. Due to poor weather conditions, the group turned around and decided to spend the winter in the Channel Islands area. It was during this layover that the man who started his early days as a Conquistador, was injured in a small clash with area natives, and died shortly thereafter as a result of his injuries.
 
On October 14, 1913, President Woodrow Wilson dedicated the "Cabrillo National Monument" in honor of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo's expedition and landing. The monument is located at Point Loma in San Diego, California.