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Point Reyes Lighthouse
photo Andrew Block
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Alcatraz Lighthouse
photo Hubert Yu
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Old Point Loma Lighthouse
photo Ctorbann
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Piedras Blancas Lighthouse
photo Anita Ritenour
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Piedras Blancas Lighthouse
photo Anita Ritenour
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Piedras Blancas Lighthouse
photo Dave johnson
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Point Fermin Lighthouse
photo Ken Lund
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Point Montara Lighthouse
photo Juan Pablo J
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Don DeBold
Point Pinos Lighthouse
photo Don DeBold
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Point San Luis Lighthouse
photo Jerry Kirkhart
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Christopher Prentiss Michel
Point Sur Lighthouse
photo Christopher Michel
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Point Sur Lighthouse staircase
photo Frank Schulenburg
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Point Vicente Lighthouse
photo Ming-yen Hsu
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Point Vicente Lighthouse
photo Ming-yen Hsu
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Point Cabrillo Lighthouse
photo Frank Schulenburg
By Jeff Crider
LIGHTHOUSE TOURS FOR CAMPING ENTHUSIASTS
When people often think of lighthouses, they usually think of the famous towers that dot Cape Cod or the coast of Maine. But California has 15 historic lighthouses, including the oldest and tallest lighthouses on the West Coast.
Sightseers and photography buffs will be inspired by the dramatic backgrounds of expansive ocean views and spiritual skies behind historic architectural locations.
“Most people know about our historic Spanish missions. But not that many people know about our lighthouses,” said Debbie Sipe, executive director of the California Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, which hosts Camp-California.com, the statewide travel planning website.
“We think terrific road trips could be built around tours of California’s scenic lighthouses, and there are campgrounds, RV parks and resorts that are close to many of these historic structures,” Sipe said.
Mendocino Coast
Point Cabrillo Lighthouse: This lighthouse was originally built after the 1906 earthquake to warn ships carrying lumber to stay away from the coastal shoals. The lighthouse is located 3 km (2 mi) north of Mendocino and can be reached by taking Point Cabrillo Drive off State Route 1. The lighthouse is open daily.
San Francisco Bay Area
Alcatraz Lighthouse: Alcatraz Island was actually the site of the first operational U.S. lighthouse on the Pacific Coast. It was originally built in 1852 and its beacon was first lit in 1854 to guide ships through San Francisco Bay. Like other lighthouses, it was damaged during the 1906 earthquake. It was replaced with a 25 m (84 ft) tall tower in 1909 when the Alcatraz prison was constructed. The tower can be seen by taking a ferry and guided tour of Alcatraz Island.
Point Montara Lighthouse: This lighthouse is located along State Route 1 about 40 km (25 mi) south of San Francisco between Montara and Moss Beach. A foghorn was first installed at the site in 1872. A light tower was subsequently built in 1900. The grounds are accessible but there are no tours inside the lighthouse.
Point Reyes Lighthouse: Originally built in 1870, this lighthouse was used for 125 years. It is located in an area considered to be the foggiest location in California. The lighthouse and visitors center at Point Reyes National Seashore are open year round.
Monterey Bay Area
Point Pinos Lighthouse: This is the oldest active lighthouse on the West Coast. Originally built in 1855, its light has been in operation ever since. However, it was severely damaged during the 1906 earthquake and was rebuilt with reinforced concrete in 1907. It is considered to be one of California’s prettiest lighthouses. The lighthouse located in Pacific Grove. It is open Monday through Thursday.
Point Sur Lighthouse: This picturesque lighthouse is located off of State Route 1 30 km (19 mi) south of Carmel. It has been in continuous operation since 1889. It is considered one of the ten most haunted lighthouses in the U.S. Ghost tours are offered as fundraising events in October.
Greater San Luis Obispo Area
Piedras Blancas Lighthouse: This 35 m (115 ft) lighthouse is located along State Route 1 just north of Hearst Castle. Completed in 1875, it is open for tours.
Point San Luis Lighthouse: This lighthouse is located near San Luis Obispo on the grounds of Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant. The light at this “Prairie Victorian” style lighthouse was first turned on in 1890. It is open for guided tours only and is not visible from public roads.
Greater Los Angeles Area
Point Vicente Lighthouse: This 20 m (67 ft) lighthouse is located in Rancho Palos Verdes about one quarter mile south of Hawthorne Boulevard. Built in 1926, it remains one of the brightest lights along the Southern California coast. It is open the second Saturday of each month.
Point Fermin Lighthouse: Built in 1874, this was the first lighthouse in San Pedro Bay. Unlike other California lighthouses, which stand by themselves, Point Fermin is integrated into a Victorian style house. Volunteers from the Point Fermin Lighthouse Society serve as tour guides and help keep it open to the public. The lighthouse is located on the south side of San Pedro just west of the southern end of S. Pacific Avenue. Children under one metre (40 in) tall are not allowed in the lighthouse tower.
Greater San Diego Area
Old Point Loma Lighthouse: Located inside Cabrillo National Monument at the tip of the Point Loma Peninsula, this Cape Cod style lighthouse was built in 1855. The lighthouse is open daily.
For more lighthouses, and nearby RV parks and campgrounds visit www.Camp-California.com.