Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo was a Portuguese explorer known for his significant contributions to the exploration of the west coast of North America. Born around 1499, he sailed under the Spanish flag and is best remembered for his expedition in 1542, during which he became the first European to set foot on the coast of California. Cabrillo's journey began in Mexico, where he commanded a fleet of ships. His exploration provided valuable information about the Pacific coastline and the indigenous peoples he encountered. Unfortunately, Cabrillo died in 1543 during his expedition, but his legacy remains an important part of California history.