There’s something magnetic about the lighthouses scattered along California’s wild coastline. They’re not just relics—they’re keepers of shipwreck stories, foggy legends, and Pacific drama. From the windswept cliffs up north to balmy beaches down south, here’s your guide to California’s most captivating lighthouses, moving from north to south. Whether you’re a history buff, a photographer, or just in it for the views, the Golden State’s beacons have something special for you.
1. St. George Reef Lighthouse (Near Crescent City)
- Perched six miles offshore, St. George Reef is infamous for treacherous waters and shipwrecks.
- Built between 1882 and 1892 after the wreck of the Brother Jonathan, it’s considered one of the most dangerous lighthouses to reach.
- No longer operational, it was deactivated in 1975, but its granite tower still stands as a testament to 19th-century engineering.
- Travel Tip: Not accessible to the public due to location, but visible from the shore on a clear day (Lighthouse Friends).
2. Battery Point Lighthouse (Crescent City)
- One of the oldest on the West Coast, first lit in 1856.
- Still operational as a private aid to navigation, the beacon flashes nightly.
- Accessible only at low tide via a short causeway.
- Travel Tip: The exterior is always accessible at low tide, and guided tours of the interior are available (North of Ordinary CA).
3. Trinidad Head Lighthouse (Trinidad)
- Built in 1871 and still active today.
- Located on a stunning headland, with a replica near the harbor for easier viewing.
- The original lighthouse is still maintained by the Coast Guard.
- Travel Tip: The trail to the lighthouse offers panoramic views and is moderately accessible (Point Cabrillo Light Station).
4. Point Cabrillo Light Station (Mendocino)
- First lit in 1909, this still-active beacon guides ships past the rocky Mendocino coast.
- The lens is original, and the station includes restored keepers’ houses.
- Travel Tip: The visitor center and main trails are wheelchair accessible, though the interior lighthouse steps are not. Gardens and exhibits are friendly for all travelers (Wheelchair Traveling).
5. Point Arena Lighthouse (Point Arena)
- This 115-foot tower, rebuilt after the 1906 earthquake, is the tallest on the West Coast.
- Still operational with an automated beacon.
- Travel Tip: The museum, gift shop, and grounds are accessible. The climb to the top is not, but the views from the base are stunning (Journeyable).
6. Point Reyes Lighthouse (Point Reyes National Seashore)
- Built in 1870 and retired from active service in 1975, though the site now has an automated light.
- The lens was critical for ships navigating through thick fog.
- Travel Tip: The visitor center, observation deck, and restrooms are fully accessible. The lighthouse itself is reached by a steep staircase (over 300 steps), but the accessible deck still gives you sweeping ocean views (National Park Service).
7. Pigeon Point Lighthouse (Pescadero)
- At 115 feet, it’s one of America’s tallest lighthouses, first lit in 1872.
- Still operational as a navigational aid.
- Travel Tip: The boardwalk and observation deck are wheelchair accessible and offer dramatic coastline views (Open Space Trust).
8. Point Montara Lighthouse (Montara, south of San Francisco)
- Established in 1875; current cast-iron tower installed in 1928 (originally from Massachusetts!).
- Still operational as an active aid to navigation with an automated beacon.
- The site houses a hostel, so you can stay overnight on the coast.
- Travel Tip: The hostel and scenic grounds are wheelchair accessible, though the tower itself is not open to the public (Lighthouse Friends, Journeyable).
9. Point Pinos Lighthouse (Pacific Grove)
- The oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast, lit since 1855.
- Still uses its original third-order Fresnel lens (See Monterey).
- Travel Tip: Grounds and museum are accessible; interior access may be limited due to the historic structure.
10. Point Sur Lighthouse (Big Sur)
- Established in 1889, it clings to a volcanic rock off the legendary Big Sur coast.
- Still operational, now automated.
- Travel Tip: Tours are available, but the climb is steep and not fully accessible.
11. Piedras Blancas Light Station (San Simeon)
- Lit in 1875 to protect ships from the foggy, rocky coastline.
- Automated since 1975, with the tower now truncated due to earthquake damage.
- Travel Tip: Visitor center and some trails are accessible; tours provide up-close views of elephant seals and coastal wildlife (Department of the Interior).
12. Point Loma Lighthouse (San Diego)
- Two historic lighthouses: the Old Point Loma (1855, now a museum) and the New Point Loma (1891, still active and not open to the public).
- The old lighthouse sits atop a bluff in Cabrillo National Monument.
- Travel Tip: The old lighthouse and its museum are accessible, with some paths and exhibits suitable for wheelchairs (CABBI).
13. Lions Lighthouse for Sight (Long Beach)
- Built in 2000 as a decorative beacon and community landmark.
- Not an official aid to navigation, but a beloved symbol for the city.
- Travel Tip: Fully accessible park location, perfect for all visitors (Wikipedia).
Accessible Travel Tips for Lighthouse Lovers
- Many California lighthouse visitor centers, parks, and viewing platforms are wheelchair accessible or offer accessible paths and restrooms.
- Most towers themselves are historic and may not have elevators; enjoy the accessible museums, gardens, and observation decks instead.
- For lighthouses like Battery Point, check tide charts for accessibility.
- Always check official websites before visiting, as accessibility features and opening hours can change due to maintenance or weather (Journeyable, National Park Service).
Why California’s Lighthouses Are Worth the Trip
California’s lighthouses aren’t just pretty backdrops—they’re windows into a dramatic maritime past, perched on some of the most breathtaking real estate in the state. Whether you’re chasing fog, sun, or a piece of history, these beacons will draw you in and leave you wanting more. Don’t just snap a selfie and leave; stick around, listen to the wind, and let the stories of shipwrecks and stormy nights wash over you. The adventure is only just beginning.
For a deeper dive into California’s lighthouses and accessible travel, check out resources from the California Lighthouse Society and the National Park Service.
Personal Note
The first time I visited Pigeon Point Lighthouse, I was hooked. There’s something unforgettable about standing at the edge of the continent, watching the Pacific crash against the rocks below. While the old lookout point is gone, the views are still incredible—and if you time it right, you might even spot whales passing by. If you live in the Bay Area or you’re just visiting, you absolutely have to make the drive down Highway 1 and see this place for yourself. It’s a must.
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