California Teacher Credentialing Examination (CSET) Practice Test

Juan Cabrillo, a Portuguese explorer sailing under the Spanish flag, is credited with a number of significant discoveries along the California coast during his expedition in 1542. Among these, he is known for his exploration of San Diego Bay, which is considered one of the first encounters between Europeans and the California coast.

San Diego Bay was notably significant not only for its geographic features but also because it served as Cabrillo's landing site, marking a pivotal moment in the European exploration of the west coast of North America. The area provided natural harbor conditions that were advantageous for navigation and the establishment of future settlements.

In contrast, locations like San Francisco Bay, Santa Monica Beach, and Los Angeles Harbor were either not documented by Cabrillo during his expedition or were explored later by different explorers. This focus on Cabrillo's specific discovery highlights the importance of San Diego Bay in the context of early maritime exploration in California.