Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo was commissioned by the Spanish Crown to explore the west coast of North America in search of a passage to Asia and the riches it promised. Cabrillo departed from the Mexican port of Navidad, making his way up the coastal waters with a fleet of ships. During his expedition, he stopped at several places along the Pacific coast, and on September 28, he arrived in the bay of what is now San Diego, California. This marked a significant occasion, as Cabrillo became the first European to explore this part of the continent, vastly expanding the European map and understanding of the region. The area was inhabited by the Kumeyaay people, who encountered Cabrillo and his crew during their arrival.Cabrillo's landing in San Diego triggered subsequent European interest in the California coast. An important detail of the expedition was Cabrillo's interactions with indigenous peoples, which set the stage for future relationships, both cooperative and adversarial, as European settlers continued their push into California. Cabrillo and his crew documented the coastal geography, climate, and native inhabitants, laying the groundwork for future explorations and colonial endeavors. Cabrillo's landing was not just a claim to land; it was a pivotal moment that heralded the beginning of European colonization in California, with profound implications for the indigenous population and the course of California’s history.Following his stay in San Diego, Cabrillo continued his exploration northward, seeking new lands and the fabled riches of Asia. His journey was significant, although his explorations were ultimately cut short due to illness, complications arose, and Cabrillo died during the expedition. Nonetheless, his work opened the door for future Spanish missions and a deeper Spanish presence in the region, influencing the cultural and political landscape of California for centuries to come.