Top Lighthouses to Visit in California
After exploring the Point Reyes and Pigeon Point lighthouses, I’ve been inspired to check out more of these historic coastal gems.
Please make sure you check with official sources regarding your visit. Some of these lighthouses may be under construction or closed.
Here’s a list of some of the best lighthouses in California that you should definitely visit:
Point Reyes Lighthouse
- 🌍 Location: Point Reyes Headlands
- 🏃♂️ Accessibility: 300 steps down
- 🅿️ Parking: Free
- 📅 Best Time: December to May (whale watching)
- 📸 Views: Panoramic ocean views
Point Bonita Lighthouse
- 🌍 Location: San Francisco Bay
- 🏃♂️ Accessibility: Scenic hike, tunnel, suspension bridge
- 🅿️ Parking: Free
- 📅 Best Time: Clear days for Golden Gate views
- 📸 Views: Golden Gate Bridge, bay
Pigeon Point Lighthouse
- 🌍 Location: Pescadero
- 🏃♂️ Accessibility: Easy access
- 🅿️ Parking: Free
- 🏨 Stay: On-site hostel available
- 📸 Views: Stunning ocean views
Battery Point Lighthouse
- 🌍 Location: Crescent City
- 🏃♂️ Accessibility: Walkable during low tide
- 🅿️ Parking: Free
- 📸 Views: Charming lighthouse, historical interior
Point Sur Lighthouse
- 🌍 Location: Big Sur
- 🏃♂️ Accessibility: Guided tours only
- 🅿️ Parking: Included with tour
- 📅 Best Time: Year-round
- 📸 Views: Dramatic coastline
Point Arena Lighthouse
- 🌍 Location: Mendocino Coast
- 🏃♂️ Accessibility: Climbable (tallest on West Coast)
- 🅿️ Parking: Free
- 🏛️ Museum: On-site
- 📸 Views: Breathtaking coastal views
Point Vicente Lighthouse
- 🌍 Location: Rancho Palos Verdes
- 🏃♂️ Accessibility: Easy access
- 🅿️ Parking: Free
- 📅 Best Time: Whale watching season
- 📸 Views: Ocean, cliffside
Old Point Loma Lighthouse
- 🌍 Location: San Diego
- 🏃♂️ Accessibility: Within Cabrillo National Monument
- 🅿️ Parking: $20 per vehicle
- 📸 Views: San Diego Bay, Pacific Ocean
East Brother Light Station
- 🌍 Location: San Pablo Bay
- 🏃♂️ Accessibility: Boat access, reservation required
- 🏨 Stay: Bed and breakfast
- 📸 Views: Bay views
Point Cabrillo Light Station
- 🌍 Location: Mendocino
- 🏃♂️ Accessibility: Easy access
- 🅿️ Parking: Free
- 📸 Views: Marine life, coastal trails
Point Fermin Lighthouse
- 🌍 Location: San Pedro
- 🏃♂️ Accessibility: Easy access
- 🅿️ Parking: Free
- 📅 Tours: Guided available
- 📸 Views: Pacific Ocean, gardens
Point Hueneme Lighthouse
- 🌍 Location: Port Hueneme Harbor
- 🏃♂️ Accessibility: Easy access
- 🅿️ Parking: Free
- 📅 Tours: Guided available
- 📸 Views: Unique architecture
Have fun Coasties!
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