|
|
Pacific Coast Lighthouses
[ | WA | OR | CA:N | CA:S | MAP | ]
The Northwest
Washington
1. Admiralty Head Lighthouse
- Location: Fort Casey Historical State Park, Whidbey Island, Island County, WA
- Coordinates: 48°09'42.8"N 122°40'46.5"W (48.1619, -122.6796)
- Status: Deactivated. Museum.
- History: The current picturesque 1903 stucco and brick lighthouse replaced an earlier 1861 wooden tower. It was built to guide ships into Admiralty Inlet, the main entrance to Puget Sound. The light was deactivated in 1922 as the fortifications at Fort Casey rendered it obsolete. It has been beautifully restored.
- Viewing Information: Fully accessible. The lighthouse is a main feature of Fort Casey Historical State Park. It is operated by the Washington State University Island County Extension and is open for tours seasonally.
2. Brown's Point Lighthouse
- Location: Browns Point, Pierce County, WA
- Coordinates: 47°18'28.5"N 122°26'28.0"W (47.3079, -122.4411)
- Status: Active (Private Aid).
- History: The original 1887 lamp on a post was replaced by the current 1933 Art Deco-style concrete tower. It marks the entrance to Commencement Bay and the Port of Tacoma. The keeper's cottage has been restored and is available for weekly rentals.
- Viewing Information: Located in a public park. The grounds are fully accessible, and visitors can walk right up to the tower. The keeper's cottage can be visited when not occupied by renters.
3. Cape Disappointment Lighthouse
- Location: Cape Disappointment State Park, Pacific County, WA
- Coordinates: 46°16'32.6"N 124°03'07.6"W (46.2757, -124.0521)
- Status: Active.
- History: First lit in 1856, this is the oldest operating lighthouse in Washington state. The 53-foot brick tower, painted white, stands guard at the mouth of the Columbia River, one of the most dangerous river bars in the world, known as the "Graveyard of the Pacific."
- Viewing Information: Located within Cape Disappointment State Park. The lighthouse can be reached via a 0.5-mile hike on a paved service road from the Waikiki Beach parking area. The tower is not open to the public.
4. Cape Flattery Lighthouse
- Location: Tatoosh Island, Clallam County, WA
- Coordinates: 48°23'30.2"N 124°44'09.4"W (48.3917, -124.7359)
- Status: Deactivated.
- History: An 1857 brick and sandstone tower on a remote, storm-swept island at the entrance to the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It marks the northwesternmost point of the contiguous United States. The station was known for its extremely difficult and isolated living conditions.
- Viewing Information: The island is part of the Makah Reservation and is closed to the public. The lighthouse can be viewed from a distance from the Cape Flattery Trail overlook on the mainland, which requires a Makah Recreation Pass to access.
5. Cattle Point Lighthouse
- Location: San Juan Island, San Juan County, WA
- Coordinates: 48°27'00.8"N 122°57'45.2"W (48.4502, -122.9626)
- Status: Active.
- History: The current 34-foot octagonal concrete tower was built in 1935, replacing an earlier light on the keeper's house. It marks the southern entrance to San Juan Channel.
- Viewing Information: Located in the Cattle Point Interpretive Area. It is easily accessible via a short trail, and visitors can walk right up to the tower.
6. Destruction Island Lighthouse
- Location: Destruction Island, Jefferson County, WA
- Coordinates: 47.6742°N 124.4869°W
- Status: Decommissioned.
- History: Construction on the 94-foot tower began in 1890, and it was first lit on January 1, 1892. It was a vital coastal light located on a remote island about 3 miles offshore. The station was automated in 1968 and the light was permanently deactivated in April 2008. Its original, magnificent first-order Fresnel lens was removed in 1995 and is now on display at the Westport Maritime Museum. The island is now part of the Quillayute Needles National Wildlife Refuge and the abandoned station has fallen into disrepair.
- Viewing Information: The island is a wildlife refuge and is closed to the public. The lighthouse can be seen in the distance from viewpoints along U.S. Route 101, particularly from Ruby Beach.
7. Dofflemyer Point Light
- Location: Boston Harbor, Thurston County, WA
- Coordinates: 47°08'43.0"N 122°54'25.0"W (47.1453, -122.9069)
- Status: Active.
- History: The current 30-foot pyramidal concrete tower was built in 1934, replacing a lantern on a post from 1887.
- Viewing Information: The lighthouse is on a small plot of public land at the end of a private residential street. Public access is limited, and there is no parking. It is best viewed by boat.
8. Ediz Hook Light
- Location: Port Angeles, Clallam County, WA
- Coordinates: 48°08'19.0"N 123°24'09.0"W (48.1386, -123.4025)
- Status: Active.
- History: The current lighthouse is a modern structure on the Port Angeles Coast Guard Air Station. The historic 1865 lighthouse that once stood on the sand spit was demolished.
- Viewing Information: Located on an active Coast Guard station and is not accessible to the public. It can be seen from across the harbor in Port Angeles.
9. Grays Harbor Light (Westport Light)
- Location: Westport, Grays Harbor County, WA
- Coordinates: 46°53'19.1"N 124°07'01.5"W (46.8886, -124.1171)
- Status: Active.
- History: At 107 feet, this is the tallest lighthouse in Washington. The 1898 brick and stucco tower originally stood 300 feet from the high tide line; due to sand accretion, it is now over 3,000 feet from the shore.
- Viewing Information: Located in a state park. The Westport-South Beach Historical Society operates the lighthouse and offers climbs to the top seasonally.
10. Lime Kiln Lighthouse
- Location: San Juan Island, San Juan County, WA
- Coordinates: 48°30'57.4"N 123°09'01.9"W (48.5159, -123.1505)
- Status: Active.
- History: The current 38-foot octagonal concrete tower was built in 1919. It is located on the west side of San Juan Island in a spot considered one of the best whale-watching locations in the world.
- Viewing Information: Located in Lime Kiln Point State Park, which is known as "Whale Watch Park." The grounds are fully accessible, and the tower is often opened for tours during the summer.
11. Marrowstone Point Light
- Location: Marrowstone, Jefferson County, WA
- Coordinates: 48°06'07.2"N 122°41'22.2"W (48.1020, -122.6895)
- Status: Active.
- History: The current small 1912 concrete tower with an integrated fog signal building replaced an earlier lens lantern on a post. It is located at the entrance to Port Townsend.
- Viewing Information: The lighthouse is located at the end of Fort Flagler Historical State Park. While the immediate grounds are fenced off, excellent close-up views are available from the park beach.
12. Mukilteo Lighthouse
- Location: Mukilteo, Snohomish County, WA
- Coordinates: 47°56'52.3"N 122°18'22.1"W (47.9479, -122.3061)
- Status: Active.
- History: An elegant 1906 wooden lighthouse, built to guide ships into Possession Sound. The station is remarkably well-preserved with its two keeper's houses.
- Viewing Information: Located in Mukilteo Lighthouse Park, adjacent to the ferry terminal. The grounds, keeper's houses, and tower are open to the public for tours from April to September.
13. New Dungeness Light
- Location: Dungeness Spit, Sequim, Clallam County, WA
- Coordinates: 48°10'55.8"N 123°06'33.1"W (48.1822, -123.1092)
- Status: Active.
- History: An 1857 sandstone tower that was later shortened from 100 feet to its current 63 feet in 1927 due to decay in the upper section. It is located at the end of the Dungeness Spit, the longest natural sand spit in the United States.
- Viewing Information: Access requires a strenuous 11-mile round-trip hike along the Dungeness Spit within a national wildlife refuge. The New Dungeness Light Station Association offers tours and a popular program where volunteers can be modern-day keepers for a week.
14. North Head Lighthouse
- Location: Cape Disappointment State Park, Pacific County, WA
- Coordinates: 46°17'57.4"N 124°04'38.9"W (46.2993, -124.0775)
- Status: Active.
- History: Built in 1898, this 66-foot stucco-covered brick tower was added to the area because the Cape Disappointment Light was not visible to ships approaching from the north. It is perched on a dramatic, wind-swept cliff.
- Viewing Information: Located within Cape Disappointment State Park. The lighthouse is a short walk from a designated parking area. The tower has been under restoration but is periodically open for tours.
15. Patos Island Light
- Location: Patos Island State Park, San Juan County, WA
- Coordinates: 48°47'22.8"N 122°58'07.6"W (48.7897, -122.9688)
- Status: Active.
- History: The current 38-foot wooden lighthouse was built in 1908, replacing an 1893 original. It is located on a remote island in the San Juan Islands National Monument.
- Viewing Information: The island is a state park accessible only by private boat. A hiking trail leads to the lighthouse, and the grounds are open.
16. Point No Point Lighthouse
- Location: Hansville, Kitsap County, WA
- Coordinates: 47°54'43.6"N 122°31'33.1"W (47.9121, -122.5259)
- Status: Active.
- History: The oldest lighthouse in Puget Sound, this 1879 brick tower is attached directly to the fog signal building. It is located on the northeasternmost point of the Kitsap Peninsula.
- Viewing Information: Located in a county park. The grounds are fully accessible. The U.S. Lighthouse Society, which has a chapter office on site, offers tours of the tower on weekends from April to September. The keeper's house is available for vacation rental.
17. Point Robinson Lighthouse
- Location: Vashon Island, King County, WA
- Coordinates: 47°23'17.4"N 122°22'30.1"W (47.3882, -122.3750)
- Status: Active.
- History: The current 1915 octagonal concrete tower replaced an earlier post light. It marks a significant turning point for ships in Puget Sound's main shipping lane.
- Viewing Information: Located in a beautiful public waterfront park on Vashon Island. The grounds are always open. The tower is open for tours on Sundays during the summer. The two keeper's quarters are available for weekly rentals.
18. Point Wilson Lighthouse
- Location: Fort Worden Historical State Park, Port Townsend, Jefferson County, WA
- Coordinates: 48°08'40.5"N 122°45'16.6"W (48.1446, -122.7546)
- Status: Active.
- History: The current 51-foot octagonal concrete tower was built in 1914, replacing an 1879 original. It marks the west side of the entrance to Puget Sound from the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
- Viewing Information: Located within Fort Worden Historical State Park. The lighthouse is at the end of a sandy spit. The grounds are open, and tours of the lighthouse are offered by the U.S. Lighthouse Society on weekends.
19. Turn Point Lighthouse
- Location: Stuart Island State Park, San Juan County, WA
- Coordinates: 48°41'21.1"N 123°14'15.4"W (48.6892, -123.2376)
- Status: Active.
- History: A simple but vital light established in 1893 on the west end of Stuart Island. It marks the busy Haro Strait, a major shipping channel.
- Viewing Information: The island is a state park accessible only by private boat. A 3.5-mile round-trip hike from the main dock leads to the lighthouse. The grounds are open to the public.
Columbia River
20. Clover Island Lighthouse
- Location: Clover Island, Kennewick, Benton County, WA
- Coordinates: 46°13′01″N 119°06′40″W
- Status: Active (Private Aid to Navigation).
- History: Completed in 2010, this 62-foot modern lighthouse is a significant landmark, as it was the first lighthouse to be built in the United States in nearly 50 years. It was constructed by the Port of Kennewick as a centerpiece for the commercial and recreational revitalization of Clover Island on the Columbia River. The concrete and steel structure houses a solar-powered beacon that flashes a white light every four seconds and is an official, U.S. Coast Guard-approved navigational aid.
- Viewing Information: The lighthouse is fully accessible to the public. It is located in a public plaza on Clover Island, which features walking paths, viewpoints, a hotel, and restaurants, making it a popular local destination.

[ Back to Top ]
Oregon
1. Cape Arago Lighthouse
- Location: Cape Arago State Park, Coos County, OR
- Coordinates: 43°20'29.0"N 124°22'26.0"W (43.3414, -124.3739)
- Status: Deactivated.
- History: The current 1934 concrete tower is the third lighthouse at this location, replacing earlier structures from 1866 and 1909. The lighthouse is located on a detached piece of land, Chief's Island, and was connected to the mainland by a high bridge. The light was deactivated in 2006.
- Viewing Information: The lighthouse itself is not accessible to the public as the connecting bridge has been removed. The best views are from a designated viewpoint in Cape Arago State Park on the mainland, south of the lighthouse.
2. Cape Blanco Lighthouse
- Location: Cape Blanco State Park, Curry County, OR
- Coordinates: 42°50'14.6"N 124°33'45.4"W (42.8374, -124.5626)
- Status: Active.
- History: First lit in 1870, this 59-foot brick and stucco tower is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in Oregon. It is also the westernmost lighthouse in the state, marking the westernmost point of Oregon.
- Viewing Information: Located in Cape Blanco State Park. The lighthouse and grounds are open for tours from April to October, managed by the Bureau of Land Management and volunteers.
3. Cape Meares Lighthouse
- Location: Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint, Tillamook County, OR
- Coordinates: 45°29'12.4"N 123°58'43.0"W (45.4868, -123.9786)
- Status: Deactivated.
- History: At 38 feet tall, this is the shortest lighthouse on the Oregon coast. The 1890 wrought-iron tower houses a magnificent first-order Fresnel lens. It was deactivated in 1963. The lighthouse suffered from severe vandalism in 2010, but the lens was repaired.
- Viewing Information: Located in Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint. The lighthouse is fully accessible and is open to the public for tours daily during the summer and on weekends in the spring and fall.
4. Cleft of the Rock Lighthouse
- Location: Near Yachats, Lincoln County, OR
- Coordinates: 44°16'54.0"N 124°06'56.0"W (44.2817, -124.1156)
- Status: Active (Private Aid).
- History: This is a privately built and operated lighthouse, constructed in 1976 by the former keepers of the Cleft of the Rock bible school. It is built on the grounds of a private residence.
- Viewing Information: Private property and not open to the public. It can be viewed from a turnout on Highway 101, about one mile south of Yachats.
5. Coquille River Lighthouse
- Location: Bullards Beach State Park, Coos County, OR
- Coordinates: 43°07'25.4"N 124°25'39.7"W (43.1237, -124.4277)
- Status: Active (Private Aid).
- History: An 1896 brick and stucco tower with an attached fog signal room. It was built to guide ships across the dangerous bar at the mouth of the Coquille River. It was deactivated in 1939 but was restored and relit in 1991.
- Viewing Information: Located in Bullards Beach State Park. The grounds are accessible, and the lighthouse interior is open for volunteer-led tours during the summer months.
6. Heceta Head Lighthouse
- Location: Heceta Head Lighthouse State Scenic Viewpoint, Lane County, OR
- Coordinates: 44°07'59.9"N 124°07'41.5"W (44.1333, -124.1282)
- Status: Active.
- History: First lit in 1894, this 56-foot tower is perched on the dramatic Heceta Head cliff, 150 feet above the ocean. It is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the country. The light is said to be the most powerful on the Oregon coast. The historic keeper's house is operated as a popular bed & breakfast.
- Viewing Information: Located in a state scenic viewpoint. A short, beautiful trail leads from the beach to the lighthouse. The grounds are open to the public, and tours of the base of the tower are offered seasonally.
7. Pelican Bay Light (Port of Brookings)
- Location: Brookings, Curry County, OR
- Coordinates: 42°02'46.0"N 124°16'05.0"W (42.0461, -124.2681)
- Status: Active (Private Aid).
- History: A privately built lighthouse constructed in 1999 by the local port authority. It is a concrete tower designed to resemble a more traditional lighthouse.
- Viewing Information: Located on the jetty at the Port of Brookings. Visitors can walk out on the jetty for a close view.
8. Tillamook Rock Lighthouse
- Location: Off Tillamook Head, Clatsop County, OR
- Coordinates: 45°56'00.8"N 124°01'07.6"W (45.9336, -124.0188)
- Status: Deactivated. Privately owned.
- History: Nicknamed "Terrible Tilly," this 1881 lighthouse is built on a basalt sea stack one mile offshore. Its construction was one of the most difficult and dangerous in U.S. history. The station was constantly battered by violent storms. It was deactivated in 1957 and later sold, briefly becoming a columbarium (a storage place for funeral urns).
- Viewing Information: Not accessible. It is best viewed from the viewpoints at Ecola State Park, particularly from the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse viewpoint.
9. Umpqua River Lighthouse
- Location: Umpqua Lighthouse State Park, Douglas County, OR
- Coordinates: 43°40'00.2"N 124°11'50.1"W (43.6667, -124.1972)
- Status: Active.
- History: The current 1894 tower replaced an earlier 1857 lighthouse that was the first built on the Oregon coast but collapsed due to a poor foundation. The 65-foot brick and stucco tower is famous for its unique first-order Fresnel lens, which produces 22 beams of light (17 white, 5 red).
- Viewing Information: Located in a state park. The grounds are accessible, and the adjacent former keeper's house serves as a museum. The U.S. Coast Guard and the museum offer tours of the lighthouse tower.
10. Yaquina Bay Lighthouse
- Location: Newport, Lincoln County, OR
- Coordinates: 44°37'00.8"N 124°03'39.3"W (44.6169, -124.0609)
- Status: Active (Private Aid).
- History: An 1871 wooden lighthouse with the tower attached to the keeper's dwelling. It was only in service for three years, being deactivated in 1874 after the larger Yaquina Head Light was built just a few miles north. It was restored and relit in 1996.
- Viewing Information: Located in Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site. The lighthouse is operated as a museum and is open to the public for tours.
11. Yaquina Head Lighthouse
- Location: Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, Lincoln County, OR
- Coordinates: 44°40'31.6"N 124°04'44.4"W (44.6754, -124.0790)
- Status: Active.
- History: At 93 feet, this 1873 brick tower is the tallest lighthouse in Oregon. It was built to replace the short-lived Yaquina Bay Light. The station has been beautifully preserved by the Bureau of Land Management.
- Viewing Information: Located in the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area (a fee is required for entry). The grounds are fully accessible, and the tower is open for ranger-led tours year-round.
Columbia River
12. Warrior Rock Lighthouse
- Location: Sauvie Island, Columbia County, OR
- Coordinates: 45°50'30.8"N 122°48'01.9"W (45.8419, -122.8005)
- Status: Active.
- History: The current 1930 concrete tower is the second lighthouse at this location, replacing an 1889 wooden structure. It is Oregon's smallest lighthouse and the only one of two on the Columbia River.
- Viewing Information: Located on the northern tip of Sauvie Island. Access requires a 6-mile round-trip hike along a sandy beach trail. The grounds are open, but the tower is not.
13. Lightship Columbia (WLV-604)
- Location: Columbia River Maritime Museum, Astoria, Clatsop County, OR
- Coordinates: 46°11′25″N 123°49′26″W
- Status: Decommissioned. National Historic Landmark and museum ship.
- History: Commissioned in 1951, the WLV-604 was the fourth and final lightship to serve at the treacherous mouth of the Columbia River, an area known as the "Graveyard of the Pacific". As a "floating lighthouse," it guided ships across the dangerous Columbia River Bar. It was the last lightship to be decommissioned on the U.S. West Coast, serving until 1979 when it was replaced by a navigational buoy. Shortly after decommissioning, it was acquired by the Columbia River Maritime Museum.
- Viewing Information: The Lightship Columbia is a primary exhibit at the Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria and is included with museum admission. Visitors can go aboard and explore the vessel to see where the crew cooked, ate, slept, and worked.

[ Back to Top ]
California
Northern
1. Alcatraz Island Lighthouse
- Location: Alcatraz Island, San Francisco Bay, San Francisco County, CA
- Coordinates: 37°49'34.0"N 122°25'20.0"W (37.8261, -122.4222)
- Status: Active.
- History: This was the first lighthouse built on the U.S. Pacific Coast, first lit in 1854. The original brick tower was damaged in the 1906 earthquake. The current, taller 84-foot octagonal concrete tower was built in 1909 to be seen above the new, large prison cellhouse. It was automated in 1963 when the prison closed.
- Viewing Information: The lighthouse is a main feature of the Alcatraz Island tour, which is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The island is accessible by a dedicated ferry service from Pier 33 in San Francisco. The grounds are open, but the tower itself is not open for climbs.
2. Arena Cove Light (Point Arena Light)
- Location: Point Arena, Mendocino County, CA
- Coordinates: 38°57'17.4"N 123°44'25.9"W (38.9548, -123.7405)
- Status: Active.
- History: The original 1870 brick tower was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake. It was replaced in 1908 by the current 115-foot concrete tower, which was the first major lighthouse to be built with steel reinforcement. At 115 feet, it is tied with Pigeon Point as the tallest lighthouse on the West Coast.
- Viewing Information: The light station is open to the public daily. Visitors can tour the grounds and climb the tower for a fee. The keeper's houses are also available for vacation rental.
3. Battery Point Lighthouse (Crescent City Light)
- Location: Crescent City, Del Norte County, CA
- Coordinates: 41°44'39.5"N 124°12'11.8"W (41.7443, -124.2033)
- Status: Active (Private Aid). Museum.
- History: An 1856 stone lighthouse built in the Cape Cod style. It is located on a tidal island; at low tide, the island is connected to the mainland by a causeway. It has survived several tsunamis, including a major one in 1964.
- Viewing Information: The lighthouse is accessible to the public only during low tide when the causeway is exposed. The Del Norte County Historical Society operates it as a museum and offers tours, including climbs to the lantern room.
4. Cape Mendocino Lighthouse
- Location: Shelter Cove, Humboldt County, CA (Relocated)
- Coordinates: 40°02'46.1"N 124°04'50.0"W (40.0461, -124.0806) (Current Location)
- Status: Deactivated. Relocated.
- History: The original 1868 43-foot iron skeletal tower stood at Cape Mendocino, the westernmost point in California. It was one of the most remote and difficult stations to access. It was deactivated in 1951. In 1998, the abandoned tower was saved by preservationists and moved to Mal Coombs Park in Shelter Cove.
- Viewing Information: The restored lighthouse is now the centerpiece of a public park in Shelter Cove and is fully accessible for viewing.
5. Carquinez Strait Light
- Location: Richmond, Contra Costa County, CA (Relocated)
- Coordinates: 37°54'01.6"N 122°13'57.4"W (37.9004, -122.2326) (Current Location)
- Status: Deactivated. Relocated.
- History: An 1898 wooden lighthouse that was built on a pier in the Carquinez Strait. It was deactivated in 1951. The lighthouse was later moved to the grounds of the Point Richmond historical museum.
- Viewing Information: The lighthouse now stands at the entrance to the Richmond Museum of History and Culture. It is not regularly open but can be viewed from the outside.
6. East Brother Light Station
- Location: San Pablo Bay, Richmond, Contra Costa County, CA
- Coordinates: 37°57'48.1"N 122°25'59.9"W (37.9634, -122.4333)
- Status: Active. Operates as a Bed & Breakfast.
- History: An 1874 Victorian-style lighthouse built on a small island. It was saved from automation and demolition by a non-profit group who restored it and now operate it as a popular and unique inn.
- Viewing Information: The island is only accessible by boat. It is open to the public for day tours on weekends and for overnight stays as a B&B.
7. Farallon Island Lighthouse
- Location: Southeast Farallon Island, San Francisco County, CA
- Coordinates: 37°41'50.0"N 123°00'06.0"W (37.6972, -123.0017)
- Status: Active.
- History: An 1855 brick tower built on the highest peak of the remote and rugged Farallon Islands, 28 miles offshore. The station was extremely isolated and dangerous.
- Viewing Information: The islands are part of a National Wildlife Refuge and are strictly closed to the public to protect the vast seabird and marine mammal populations. The lighthouse can only be seen distantly on whale-watching boat tours.
8. Fort Point Lighthouse
- Location: Fort Point National Historic Site, San Francisco, CA
- Coordinates: 37°48'38.3"N 122°28'38.1"W (37.8106, -122.4773)
- Status: Deactivated.
- History: A small iron skeletal tower erected in 1864 on the roof of Fort Point, directly under the southern end of the Golden Gate Bridge. The light became obsolete and was extinguished in 1934 when the bridge construction began to obstruct it.
- Viewing Information: The lighthouse is part of the Fort Point National Historic Site. Visitors to the fort can see the tower on the ramparts.
9. Lime Point Lighthouse
- Location: Sausalito, Marin County, CA
- Coordinates: 37°50'12.4"N 122°28'40.9"W (37.8368, -122.4780)
- Status: Active.
- History: A 1900 fog-signal building to which a light was added in 1961. It is located at the northern base of the Golden Gate Bridge.
- Viewing Information: Located on an active Coast Guard station and is not open to the public. It can be viewed from the Vista Point at the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge or from boat tours.
10. Mare Island Lighthouse
- Location: Vallejo, Solano County, CA
- Coordinates: 38°03'39.0"N 122°16'18.0"W (38.0608, -122.2717)
- Status: Deactivated. Replica.
- History: The original 1873 wooden Victorian lighthouse was demolished in the 1930s. In 2008, a 36-foot tall replica was constructed as an art piece, a few miles from the original location.
- Viewing Information: The replica can be viewed at the Vallejo waterfront.
11. Mile Rocks Lighthouse
- Location: Off Lands End, San Francisco, CA
- Coordinates: 37°47'34.4"N 122°30'47.1"W (37.7929, -122.5131)
- Status: Active.
- History: The original 1906 lighthouse was a massive steel cylinder structure, an incredible engineering feat. In 1966, the superstructure was removed, and the caisson base was converted into a helicopter pad with an automated light.
- Viewing Information: Not accessible. It can be viewed from the trails at Lands End in San Francisco or from the Golden Gate Bridge.
12. Montara Lighthouse (Point Montara)
- Location: Montara, San Mateo County, CA
- Coordinates: 37°32'09.4"N 122°31'09.1"W (37.5359, -122.5192)
- Status: Active. Operates as a youth hostel.
- History: The current 30-foot cast-iron skeletal tower was originally the Mayo Beach Light in Massachusetts, built in 1881. It was dismantled and moved to Point Montara in 1928.
- Viewing Information: The light station is home to the Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel. The grounds are open to the public daily.
13. Pigeon Point Lighthouse
- Location: Pescadero, San Mateo County, CA
- Coordinates: 37°10'54.2"N 122°23'38.3"W (37.1817, -122.3940)
- Status: Active.
- History: First lit in 1872, this 115-foot tower is tied with Point Arena as the tallest lighthouse on the West Coast. It is named for the ship Carrier Pigeon that wrecked here in 1853. Its magnificent first-order Fresnel lens is now displayed in the fog signal building.
- Viewing Information: Located in Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park. The grounds are open daily. The tower has been closed for climbs since 2001 due to structural issues, but restoration efforts are underway. Several buildings are operated as a youth hostel.
14. Pillar Point Harbor Light
- Location: Half Moon Bay, San Mateo County, CA
- Coordinates: 37°29'38.0"N 122°29'08.0"W (37.4939, -122.4856)
- Status: Active (Private Aid).
- History: A modern private aid to navigation.
- Viewing Information: Can be viewed from the Pillar Point Harbor area.
15. Point Bonita Lighthouse
- Location: Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Marin County, CA
- Coordinates: 37°48'55.4"N 122°31'47.1"W (37.8154, -122.5297)
- Status: Active.
- History: The current 1877 lighthouse is reached by a dramatic suspension bridge. It was moved to this lower location from a higher peak because the original 1855 light was often shrouded in high fog. It was the last staffed lighthouse on the California coast.
- Viewing Information: Located in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The lighthouse is accessible via a half-mile trail. It is open to the public during limited hours on weekends and Mondays.
16. Point Cabrillo Light Station
- Location: Point Cabrillo, Mendocino County, CA
- Coordinates: 39°20'55.2"N 123°49'34.2"W (39.3487, -123.8262)
- Status: Active.
- History: A beautiful 1909 station with a 47-foot octagonal wooden tower attached to the fog signal building. The station has been fully restored and includes a museum and vacation rentals in the historic keeper's houses.
- Viewing Information: Located in Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park. The park is open daily. The lighthouse and museum are open for tours, and the original third-order Fresnel lens is still in use.
17. Point Reyes Lighthouse
- Location: Point Reyes National Seashore, Marin County, CA
- Coordinates: 37°59'44.4"N 123°01'24.0"W (37.9957, -123.0233)
- Status: Deactivated. Maintained by the National Park Service.
- History: An 1870 sixteen-sided, 37-foot cast-iron tower. It was built low on the cliff face to be seen below the region's persistent, dense fog. It is located in the windiest and foggiest spot on the West Coast.
- Viewing Information: A major attraction in the Point Reyes National Seashore. Access requires a long walk from the parking lot, followed by a descent of over 300 steps. The visitor center and lighthouse are open seasonally.
18. Point Sur Light Station
- Location: Big Sur, Monterey County, CA
- Coordinates: 36°18'24.5"N 121°53'57.4"W (36.3068, -121.8993)
- Status: Active.
- History: An 1889 stone lighthouse perched on a massive volcanic rock just offshore, connected by a low sandbar. The station is reputed to be haunted.
- Viewing Information: Located in Point Sur State Historic Park. The only way to visit is on a guided walking tour, offered on weekends year-round. The tours are strenuous, involving a steep climb.
19. Punta Gorda Lighthouse (Point Gorda)
- Location: King Range National Conservation Area, Humboldt County, CA
- Coordinates: 40°15'01.0"N 124°20'51.0"W (40.2503, -124.3475)
- Status: Deactivated. In ruins.
- History: A 1910 reinforced concrete lighthouse, known as the "Alcatraz of Lighthouses" due to its extreme isolation. It was deactivated in 1951.
- Viewing Information: Located on the "Lost Coast." Access requires a strenuous 3-mile hike one way along the beach from the Mattole Recreation Site. The lighthouse is a concrete shell.
20. Santa Cruz Harbor Light (Walton Light)
- Location: Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County, CA
- Coordinates: 36°57'29.0"N 122°00'15.0"W (36.9581, -122.0042)
- Status: Active (Private Aid).
- History: The current lighthouse was erected in 2002 to replace an earlier 1964 light. It is dedicated to Charles Walton, a local merchant who was lost at sea.
- Viewing Information: Located at the end of the western jetty of the Santa Cruz Small Craft Harbor. Visitors can walk the jetty for a close view.
21. Santa Cruz Lighthouse (Mark Abbott Memorial)
- Location: Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County, CA
- Coordinates: 36°57'05.0"N 122°01'37.0"W (36.9514, -122.0269)
- Status: Active. Museum.
- History: A 1967 brick lighthouse built as a memorial to a local surfer, Mark Abbott, who died in a surfing accident. It houses the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum.
- Viewing Information: The lighthouse and museum are open to the public. It is located at Lighthouse Point on West Cliff Drive.
22. St. George Reef Lighthouse
- Location: Off Crescent City, Del Norte County, CA
- Coordinates: 41°50'15.1"N 124°22'32.9"W (41.8375, -124.3758)
- Status: Deactivated.
- History: Considered the most expensive and deadliest lighthouse ever built in the U.S. Construction on the wave-swept rock six miles offshore took ten years (1882-1892) and cost several lives. The 144-foot granite tower was deactivated in 1975.
- Viewing Information: Not accessible. It can only be viewed by boat or helicopter. It is visible distantly from the shores near Crescent City on very clear days.
23. Trinidad Head Light
- Location: Trinidad, Humboldt County, CA
- Coordinates: 41°03'06.5"N 124°09'01.9"W (41.0518, -124.1505)
- Status: Active.
- History: A short, 25-foot brick tower built in 1871. Its location on a high 175-foot cliff gives its light a commanding presence. A massive rogue wave in 1914 famously crashed over the cliff, damaging the keeper's house.
- Viewing Information: Located on an active Coast Guard station. The grounds are generally not open, but the lighthouse can be viewed from a public hiking trail that circles Trinidad Head.
24. Ano Nuevo Light
- Location: Año Nuevo Island, San Mateo County, CA
- Coordinates: 37°06'30.0"N 122°20'16.0"W (37.1083, -122.3378)
- Status: Deactivated. In ruins.
- History: An 1890 lighthouse consisting of a keeper's dwelling with an attached fog signal building, this station was established on a low, windswept island that is a major breeding ground for elephant seals. The light itself was a lantern on the fog signal building. The station was abandoned in 1948 and has since fallen into ruin.
- Viewing Information: The island is a protected reserve for marine mammals and is strictly off-limits to the public. The ruins can be seen distantly from the Año Nuevo Point overlook on the mainland in Año Nuevo State Park.
25. Humboldt Harbor Light
- Location: Eureka, Humboldt County, CA
- Coordinates: 40°46'07.1"N 124°13'15.7"W (40.7686, -124.2210)
- Status: Deactivated. Collapsed.
- History: An 1856 brick lighthouse that was poorly constructed on unstable ground. It was deactivated in 1892, replaced by the Table Bluff Light. It was abandoned and eventually collapsed from neglect and earthquakes in 1933.
- Viewing Information: Nothing remains of the lighthouse today. A modern jetty light now marks the harbor entrance.
26. Oakland Harbor Light
- Location: Oakland, Alameda County, CA
- Coordinates: 37°49'44.4"N 122°19'44.6"W (37.8290, -122.3291) (Original Location)
- Status: Deactivated. Relocated.
- History: The 1903 wooden, cottage-style lighthouse was built on the Oakland Estuary jetty. It was deactivated in 1966. To save it from demolition, it was barged to its current location at Quinn's Lighthouse Restaurant and Pub.
- Viewing Information: The lighthouse now serves as the main building for Quinn's Lighthouse Restaurant and is fully accessible to patrons of the restaurant.
27. Point Blunt Light
- Location: Angel Island State Park, Marin County, CA
- Coordinates: 37°51'11.6"N 122°25'09.3"W (37.8532, -122.4192)
- Status: Active.
- History: A simple light on a concrete block, established in 1915 on the southeastern tip of Angel Island to guide ships around the point. The current structure dates from 1960.
- Viewing Information: The lighthouse is located in a part of Angel Island State Park that is not easily accessible by public trails. It can be seen well from boats and ferries in San Francisco Bay.
28. Point Knox Light
- Location: Angel Island, Marin County, CA
- Coordinates: 37°50'30.0"N 122°26'30.0"W (37.8417, -122.4417)
- Status: Demolished.
- History: A fog signal station was established on the southwestern tip of Angel Island in 1886. A light was added later. The station was demolished in 1963.
- Viewing Information: Nothing remains of the station.
29. Point Pinos Lighthouse
- Location: Pacific Grove, Monterey County, CA
- Coordinates: 36°38'00.2"N 121°56'01.6"W (36.6334, -121.9338)
- Status: Active.
- History: First lit in 1855, this is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast. The stone lighthouse is built in the Cape Cod style. It has been beautifully maintained and still houses its original third-order Fresnel lens.
- Viewing Information: The lighthouse and museum are open to the public on weekends. It is located on the grounds of a public golf course in Pacific Grove.
30. Roe Island Light
- Location: Suisun Bay, Solano County, CA
- Coordinates: 38°03'36.0"N 122°01'30.0"W (38.0600, -122.0250)
- Status: Demolished.
- History: An 1890s cottage-style lighthouse that stood on a pier. It was deactivated and demolished in the mid-20th century.
- Viewing Information: Nothing remains of the lighthouse.
31. Rubicon Point Lighthouse
- Location: D. L. Bliss State Park, Lake Tahoe, El Dorado County, CA
- Coordinates: 38°59'11.0"N 120°05'56.0"W (38.9864, -120.0989)
- Status: Deactivated.
- History: A small, simple wooden structure built in 1916, this was once the highest lighthouse in the world by elevation (over 6,000 feet). It was built to guide steamships on Lake Tahoe. It was only active for a few years.
- Viewing Information: Located within D. L. Bliss State Park. It can be reached via the Rubicon Trail. The small wooden structure is easily accessible.
32. San Luis Obispo Lighthouse
- Location: Near Avila Beach, San Luis Obispo County, CA
- Coordinates: 35°09'35.0"N 120°45'37.0"W (35.1597, -120.7603)
- Status: Active (Private Aid).
- History: An 1890 Victorian-style lighthouse with the tower rising from the center of the dwelling. The original fourth-order Fresnel lens is still on site. The station is being restored by a preservation foundation.
- Viewing Information: Access is managed by the Point San Luis Lighthouse Foundation. The lighthouse can be reached via guided hikes or by a trolley service from Avila Beach.
33. Southampton Shoal Light
- Location: Tinsley Island, San Joaquin River, CA (Relocated)
- Coordinates: 38°01'34.2"N 121°40'30.8"W (38.0262, -121.6752) (Current Location)
- Status: Deactivated. Relocated.
- History: This cottage-style lighthouse was built on a platform in San Francisco Bay in 1905. It was deactivated and moved in 1960 to the St. Francis Yacht Club. In 1989, it was moved again to its current location on Tinsley Island, where it serves as part of the yacht club's facilities.
- Viewing Information: Located on private property on Tinsley Island and is not accessible to the public.
34. Table Bluff Lighthouse
- Location: Eureka, Humboldt County, CA (Relocated)
- Coordinates: 40°47'42.8"N 124°09'55.7"W (40.7952, -124.1655) (Current Location)
- Status: Deactivated. Relocated.
- History: The 1892 iron lighthouse replaced the Humboldt Harbor Light. It was deactivated in 1975. The lantern room was removed and now stands as a memorial at Woodley Island Marina in Eureka.
- Viewing Information: The lantern room and lens are fully accessible for viewing at Woodley Island Marina.
35. Yerba Buena Island Light
- Location: Yerba Buena Island, San Francisco Bay, CA
- Coordinates: 37°48'26.0"N 122°21'43.0"W (37.8072, -122.3619)
- Status: Active.
- History: An 1875 octagonal wooden tower built to guide ships through the bay, especially after the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad to Oakland.
- Viewing Information: Located on an active Coast Guard station and is not accessible to the public. It can be seen well from the eastern span of the Bay Bridge.

[ Back to Top ]
Southern
1. Anacapa Island Light
- Location: Anacapa Island, Channel Islands National Park, Ventura County, CA
- Coordinates: 34°00'58.2"N 119°21'35.0"W (34.0162, -119.3597)
- Status: Active.
- History: A 1932 cylindrical concrete tower, it was the last major light station built on the West Coast. It was built to guide ships through the Santa Barbara Channel.
- Viewing Information: The island is part of the Channel Islands National Park and is accessible by concessionaire boats. A trail leads to viewpoints near the lighthouse. The tower itself is not open to the public.
2. Angel's Gate Light (Los Angeles Harbor)
- Location: Los Angeles Harbor, Los Angeles County, CA
- Coordinates: 33°42'29.0"N 118°15'05.0"W (33.7081, -118.2514)
- Status: Active.
- History: A 1913 steel-framed tower marking the entrance to the LA Harbor. It is known for having its massive second-order Fresnel lens damaged in a 1960 storm when a wave broke the lantern room glass.
- Viewing Information: Located at the end of a long breakwater and is not accessible to the public. It is best viewed by boat on harbor tours.
3. Ballast Point Lighthouse
- Location: Naval Base Point Loma, San Diego, San Diego County, CA
- Coordinates: 32°41'14.3"N 117°13'57.4"W (32.6873, -117.2326)
- Status: Deactivated.
- History: The original 1890 lighthouse was a Victorian keeper's dwelling with a tower. It was demolished in 1960 and replaced with a simple steel pole. A small decorative lighthouse was built near the original spot in 1999.
- Viewing Information: Located on an active naval base and is not accessible to the public.
4. Long Beach Harbor Light
- Location: Long Beach, Los Angeles County, CA
- Coordinates: 33°45'06.0"N 118°11'42.0"W (33.7517, -118.1950)
- Status: Active.
- History: A 1949 modernist concrete tower, nicknamed the "Robot Light" for its stark, futuristic design.
- Viewing Information: Located on a breakwater and is not accessible. It can be viewed from shore or on harbor cruises.
5. Old Point Loma Lighthouse
- Location: Cabrillo National Monument, San Diego, San Diego County, CA
- Coordinates: 32°40'18.1"N 117°14'26.7"W (32.6717, -117.2407)
- Status: Deactivated. Museum.
- History: An 1855 Cape Cod-style lighthouse that sits high on the Point Loma peninsula. Its high location proved to be a flaw, as it was often obscured by low clouds and fog. It was deactivated in 1891 when the New Point Loma Light was built at a lower elevation.
- Viewing Information: A main feature of the Cabrillo National Monument. The beautifully restored keeper's quarters are open to the public, offering a glimpse into a lightkeeper's life.
6. Piedras Blancas Light Station
- Location: San Simeon, San Luis Obispo County, CA
- Coordinates: 35°39'55.9"N 121°17'02.2"W (35.6655, -121.2840)
- Status: Active.
- History: First lit in 1875, this 70-foot conical tower once had an ornate upper section and lantern room, which were removed in 1949 after being damaged by an earthquake. The station is named for the white rocks offshore.
- Viewing Information: The light station is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and is open for guided tours on specific days of the week.
7. Point Arguello Light
- Location: Vandenberg Space Force Base, Santa Barbara County, CA
- Coordinates: 34°34'35.0"N 120°38'41.0"W (34.5764, -120.6447)
- Status: Active.
- History: The current 1934 skeletal tower replaced a 1901 original. The area is known for dense fog and was the site of the Honda Point Disaster in 1923, the largest peacetime loss of U.S. Navy ships.
- Viewing Information: Located on an active military base and is not accessible to the public.
8. Point Conception Lighthouse
- Location: West of Lompoc, Santa Barbara County, CA
- Coordinates: 34°26'55.9"N 120°28'17.0"W (34.4489, -120.4714)
- Status: Active.
- History: The current 1882 tower was built at a lower elevation to be seen below the fog, replacing the original 1856 tower on a higher bluff. This marks a major turning point on the coast.
- Viewing Information: The lighthouse and surrounding land are not open to the public. It can be seen distantly from the Amtrak train or by private boat.
9. Point Fermin Lighthouse
- Location: San Pedro, Los Angeles County, CA
- Coordinates: 33°42'19.1"N 118°17'36.6"W (33.7053, -118.2935)
- Status: Deactivated. Museum.
- History: An 1874 Stick-style Victorian lighthouse. The light was extinguished during WWII as a precaution against enemy attack and was never relit. The beautiful structure has been restored and now serves as a museum.
- Viewing Information: Located in a public park. The lighthouse is open for guided tours from Tuesday through Sunday.
10. Point Hueneme Lighthouse
- Location: Port Hueneme, Ventura County, CA
- Coordinates: 34°08'43.0"N 119°12'37.0"W (34.1453, -119.2103)
- Status: Active.
- History: The current 1941 Art Deco-style lighthouse replaced an 1874 Victorian original.
- Viewing Information: Located on a naval base and is not generally accessible. It is open to the public during the annual Port of Hueneme Banana Festival.
11. Point Vicente Lighthouse
- Location: Rancho Palos Verdes, Los Angeles County, CA
- Coordinates: 33°44'31.0"N 118°24'38.0"W (33.7419, -118.4106)
- Status: Active.
- History: A 67-foot cylindrical concrete tower built in 1926. It is located on a spectacular cliffside setting and is said to be haunted by the "Lady of the Light."
- Viewing Information: The grounds are open to the public during limited hours on the second Saturday of most months.
12. Santa Barbara Lighthouse
- Location: Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara County, CA
- Coordinates: 34°23'49.0"N 119°43'20.0"W (34.3969, -119.7222)
- Status: Active.
- History: The original 1856 lighthouse was destroyed in the 1925 Santa Barbara earthquake. The current lighthouse is a modern beacon on a skeletal tower.
- Viewing Information: Located on an active Coast Guard station and is not accessible to the public.
13. Santa Monica Lighthouse (Replica)
- Location: Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, CA
- Coordinates: 34°00'36.0"N 118°29'54.0"W (34.0100, -118.4983)
- Status: Decorative.
- History: A decorative lighthouse built as part of the "Archway to the Sea" development. It is not a historic or official aid to navigation.
- Viewing Information: Can be seen from the Santa Monica Pier and surrounding area.
14. Trinidad Pier Light
- Location: Trinidad, Humboldt County, CA
- Coordinates: 41°03'21.0"N 124°08'41.0"W (41.0558, -124.1447)
- Status: Active.
- History: A modern light on a pier, not a traditional lighthouse.
- Viewing Information: Viewable from the Trinidad waterfront.
15. New Point Loma Lighthouse
- Location: Cabrillo National Monument, San Diego, San Diego County, CA
- Coordinates: 32°39'55.0"N 117°14'31.0"W (32.6653, -117.2419)
- Status: Active.
- History: An 1891 skeletal tower built at a lower elevation to replace the original 1855 Point Loma Light, which was often obscured by fog.
- Viewing Information: Located at the base of the Point Loma peninsula within Cabrillo National Monument. It is an active Coast Guard station and is not open to the public, but it can be viewed well from the tide pool area.
16. Point Loma (New) Lighthouse
- Location: Cabrillo National Monument, San Diego, San Diego County, CA
- Coordinates: 32°39'55.0"N 117°14'31.0"W (32.6653, -117.2419)
- Status: Active.
- History: An 1891 skeletal tower built at a lower elevation to replace the original 1855 Point Loma Light, which was often obscured by fog.
- Viewing Information: Located at the base of the Point Loma peninsula within Cabrillo National Monument. It is an active Coast Guard station and is not open to the public, but it can be viewed well from the tide pool area.

[ Back to Top ]
Pacific Coast Lighthouses
[ | WA | OR | CA:N | CA:S | MAP | ]
Music and Products Associated with Lighthouses
The Following album covers link to each song's specific page for this state. All lyrics have been written by Mark S. McKenzie/American Storyteller Music and The Lyrical Horizon and produced by Story Teller Books and Music or Loud Mouth Books and Music, Copyright 2025, All Rights Reserved:







|
|