Did you know that California is home to more than 30 lighthouses? And 16 of them are open to the public. Now, not only are lighthouses a helpful tool for marine navigation, they’re also educational tourist destinations.
We love visiting the lighthouses in California because they’re always interesting. You might find one with a unique history or an enthralling story behind it. But you also get to see the construction, the way it protects ships from running aground, and learn about its history.
Check our list below to see the lighthouses in California to visit that are open to the public and some even offer lodging.
Another great aspect of lighthouse viewing is just that – the view. These amazing structures are always located on the point of land that would be dangerous to mariners, so you can imagine the view is incredible. Believe me, some of these are really stunning. Well worth the trek to get there.
Now that you know there are so many lighthouses to check out, you might also be interested to know that you can actually stay in some of them. A handful of the lighthouses offer overnight accommodations.
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16 Incredible Lighthouses in California to Visit
These awe-inspiring California lighthouses should be on your bucket list if you’re into beautiful coastal scenery and learning about maritime history.
#1 Battery Point Lighthouse & Museum
The Battery Point Lighthouse, also known as Crescent City Light Station, sits proudly on a rocky island off the shore of Battery Point Beach. It was built in 1856 and is one of the first lighthouses on the California coast.
When you’re in the area, visiting the Battery Point Lighthouse is a must. However, you can only go on the tour if the tide permits, because at high tide the lighthouse’s island is inaccessible. Bring your water shoes if Battery Point Lighthouse is on your itinerary.
The Lighthouse still serves as a private lighthouse and it’s maintained by the Del Norte County Historical Society.
#2 Point Cabrillo Lighthouse
You’ll find Point Cabrillo Lighthouse on the Mendocino Coast. Starting from 1909, the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse still actively serves to this day. It’s part of the California State Historic Park complex, which includes a museum, the Marine Science Exhibit, and cottages for rent.
You can see the 240-gallon aquarium in the exhibit and learn from the displays of marine life. Outside, you can go hiking, whale and bird watching, or simply enjoy the view.
There is a half-mile walk to the lighthouse from the gate on Point Cabrillo Drive. You can park in the parking area from sunrise to sunset. The climate can be cool and a bit chilly with the wind, so don’t forget to bring extra sweaters when you visit.
If you want to stay at the lighthouse, you have a choice between the head lighthouse keepers house, the 2nd assistant’s house or the cottages. Sadly, you can’t stay inside the actual lighthouse.
#3 Point Arena Lighthouse
The Point Arena Lighthouse is a 115-foot icon, located about 35 miles south of Mendocino. The brick tower was built in 1870 but was destroyed in a 1906 earthquake. It was rebuilt two years later and had been continuously operating.
The lighthouse, indoor, and outdoor museums are open daily from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m and there is a $5 fee for admission (12+). The 145-step spiral staircase leading to the tower’s top will have your heart racing. It’s a guided tour that’s open daily.
If you want to stay at the lighthouse, you can choose from the head lighthouse keeper’s quarters, the assistant keeper’s quarters, the keeper’s apartment and the keeper’s room.
#4 Point Reyes Lighthouse
This maritime monument at the end of Sir Francis Drake Blvd has long been retired after 105 years of service. However, it’s still open for visits and offers an array of activities for its guests, like the visitor’s center, the lighthouse and equipment building, the Ocean Exploration Center, and the Observation Deck.
The visitor’s lot can only handle 38 cars, so you might have to park on the road and hike in. The visitor’s center is a half-mile walk on a foot path. Once you arrive, you will have a further 313 steps to descend to get to the lighthouse (which you’ll have to climb back up on the return!).
The weather can be unpredictable, though, with high winds, fog, and occasional rain. So be sure to check the weather forecast before going, and do bring extra layers of clothing and waterproof shoes.
#5 Point Bonita Lighthouse
Before the Point Bonita Lighthouse was built, about 300 boats ran ashore along the Golden Gate straits. After that, it’s been a valuable aid to mariners and travelers to date.
You can only access the lighthouse through a man-made bridge, so tours may be unavailable during harsh weather. Accordingly, pets and bikes aren’t allowed on the trails. Keep this in mind when planning a trip to Point Bonita Lighthouse.
Additionally, bring binoculars to see the whales, harbor seals, porpoises, and other marine wildlife playing around Bay Area.
#6 Alcatraz Lighthouse
Originally built in the early 1850s, the famous Alcatraz Lighthouse was manned for 29 years and endured earthquakes and fires. It still functions today but operates with an automated electric light and foghorn.
Currently, the lighthouse tower isn’t available to guests. Meanwhile, you can book a tour around the island and hope that the renovation plans will come to fruition.
Alcatraz island has been an inspiration to several literary works and screenplays with mentions of its famous Civil War prison and citadel.
#7 Point Montara Lighthouse
The rocky coast of Montara may be a marvel to behold, but it’s proven to be devastating for mariners. If not for its lighthouse, despite being only 30 feet tall, boats would get lost in the dense fog.
Besides being a navigational aid, the Point Montara Lighthouse also supports the protection of the surrounding marine protected areas.
Point Montara is ideal both for a day trip and overnight stays. The location offers fun activities for its outgoing guests, such as surfing, kayaking, and hiking.
If you’re lucky, you might even witness whales in migration during your visit.
#8 Pigeon Point Lighthouse
This photogenic lighthouse is the Pacific Coast’s tallest light station tower. It has continued to serve as a navigational aid since it was first lit in 1872.
At Pigeon Point, guests could go on guided history walks, picnics, and bird-watching tours. At night, the grounds are open for stargazing only for guests staying at the hostel.
The Pigeon Point Lighthouse is regularly maintained, so the establishment may be closed for days at a time. Because of this, be sure to check for availability before going.
#9 Point Pinos Lighthouse
This charming lighthouse is California’s oldest active light station. It’s been working since its inauguration in 1855 using its original lens.
Before global positioning satellite (GPS) navigation existed, the lighthouse served alongside a Class D radio beacon and a manually operated foghorn. The radio beacon and foghorn were eventually deactivated in 1993.
Besides touring the premises, there are also dainty shops and cafés to try around the area. So, drop by the Point Pinos Lighthouse and museum if you’re taking the 17-mile road trip along the Monterey Peninsula.
#10 Point Sur Lighthouse
Point Sur Lighthouse is arguably the most picturesque light station on the California Coast. This 40-foot tall structure on top of a 361-foot rock is an active aid to marine navigation to this day.
Besides the scenery, visitors go there for a rather bizarre reason: ghost-hunting. Marketing gig or not, the annual Ghost Tour held every October is a must-see.
The lighthouse is accessible through two stairs, so if you have mobility issues, be sure to call first to see if any assistance may be available. Additionally, guests are recommended to wear walking shoes and layered clothing while visiting.
#11 Piedras Blancas Lighthouse
Piedras Blancas directly translates to “white rocks,” referring to the pale outcrops looming offshore. These rocks served as a landmark for early mariners, so the name stuck.
The inactive Piedras Blancas Lighthouse is open for tours, although tourists mostly go there to watch the adorable elephant seals playing on the beach.
The original lightkeeper’s dwelling has since been converted into a rental cottage for guests who wish to stay overnight. If you decide to visit, you can drop by the gift shop for souvenirs before saying goodbye.
#12 Point San Luis Lighthouse
The Point San Luis Lighthouse, with its Victorian-inspired architecture, is truly an enchanting scene. It’s the only surviving lighthouse out of the three that were built with this distinct design.
The incident with the Queen of the Pacific prompted its construction in 1890. It operated merely as a lighthouse until the mid-1970s and eventually opened to the public as a historical site and museum in 1995.
Educational tours and trail hikes are limited for guests’ safety. These activities are only done with a professional guide, so book in advance. You can get tickets here.
#13 Point Vicente Lighthouse
The Point Vicente Light is among California’s newer lighthouses, built in 1926. However, since it’s an active light station manned by the US Coast Guard, tours are limited to once a month.
Nonetheless, the shaded park is an ideal picnic spot with a breathtaking sea view. Also, the paved trail is perfect for a stroll at sunset.
#14 Point Fermin Lighthouse
This lighthouse is laden with an interesting past, starting with the bombing of Pearl Harbor. In fear of the enemies taking advantage of its light, the Point Fermin Light Station’s Fresnel lens was removed.
Aside from that, the lighthouse dodged a close demolition in 1972, has been through misuse and neglect, and had its original lens stolen at some point. The lens was recovered decades later and is currently being displayed in a museum in Malibu.
The Point Fermin Lighthouse is now a famous destination for family vacations with lots of trees and a spacious lawn. Unlike most lighthouses built on rocky cliffs, Point Fermin is suitable for groups with small children.
#15 Old Point Loma Lighthouse
This old lighthouse has the highest elevation among all the lighthouses in the United States. However, this feat has proven to be of little help to navigation.
Most of the time, the tower’s beacon is enveloped by low-lying clouds, so the personnel responsible decided to close it down and build a replacement lighthouse in a lower location. The New Point Loma Lighthouse, its less-picturesque-but-more-functional counterpart, took over its duty in 1891.
After 36 years of active service, the government converted the Old Point Loma Lighthouse into a museum.
#16 East Brother Light Station
This beautiful lighthouse is on East Brother Island in San Rafael Bay. It was built in 1874 but wasn’t fully operational until 1969.
Besides being a beacon to mariners, it’s also a bed-and-breakfast inn that offers history tours and scenic boat rides.
Conclusion
For many, lighthouses are a symbol of inspiration and hope. So it’s no wonder locals and tourists alike endure long lines and waiting times to get inside.
So, if you’re planning to go on a road trip along the famous coasts of California, we recommend squeezing one or two of these lighthouses into your travel route. Whether you’re a lighthouse enthusiast, you’ll surely find something to love about the trip.
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Angie is a long-time California fan, having lived in the Monterey area for many years. She loves reading, cooking, and hanging out with her two kids.