There’s just something magical about lighthouses.
Maybe it’s the wild ocean views, the crazy history, or the fact that they always seem to be perched in the most dramatic, windswept spots.
If you’ve ever dreamed of road-tripping the California coast, stopping at every towering beacon along the way, you’re in for a treat.
From rugged cliffs to remote islands, and haunted towers to ones you can actually sleep in, this ultimate lighthouse itinerary has it all.
1. Battery Point Lighthouse
Perched on a tiny, rocky island in Crescent City, way up in Northern California, Battery Point Lighthouse has been guiding ships since 1856 and yes, it’s still standing strong.
At low tide, you can walk across a narrow strip of land to reach it, but if the tide comes in, well… you’re stuck until the water goes back down (so time your visit wisely!).
Inside, this historic lighthouse is packed with antiques, old photos, and maritime artifacts, including period furniture and relics from the 1850s.
And if you love a good ghost story, rumor has it that the lighthouse is haunted.
So if you take the guided tour, keep an eye out for anything spooky!
2. Point Arena Lighthouse
Further down the coast in Mendocino County, Point Arena Lighthouse towers an impressive 115 feet above the crashing waves, making it one of the tallest lighthouses on the West Coast you can actually climb.
After an earthquake took down the original in 1906, this sturdy concrete version was built to withstand just about anything.
And over a century later, it’s still doing its job.
If you’re up for the 145-step climb, the panoramic views at the top are unreal, stretching from rugged cliffs to endless ocean (totally worth the leg workout).
And for the ultimate lighthouse experience, you can even stay overnight in one of the old keeper’s cottages – because why just visit when you can wake up to that view?
3. Point Bonita Lighthouse
Just outside San Francisco, Point Bonita Lighthouse hangs dramatically on the edge of a cliff in the Marin Headlands.
Getting there is an adventure on its own.
You’ll hike a short but steep trail, go through a dark hand-carved tunnel, and cross a swaying suspension bridge before finally reaching the lighthouse.
Built in 1855, this was the last manned lighthouse on the California coast until it was automated in 1980, and it still helps ships navigate the famously foggy Golden Gate.
It’s only open for limited hours a few days a week, so make sure to plan ahead.
But trust me, the views of the Pacific, the city skyline, and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge are worth every step.
*At the time of writing, the lighthouse and trail are closed for renovations, so be sure to check online before planning your visit.
4. Pigeon Point Lighthouse
Heading down the coast, Pigeon Point Lighthouse stands tall along Highway 1, about halfway between San Francisco and Santa Cruz.
And at 115 feet, it’s one of the tallest lighthouses in the country.
Even though the tower itself is currently closed for repairs, the surrounding area is wide open, with stunning ocean views, a breezy coastal trail, and some of the best whale-watching spots around.
This place has been lighting up the coastline since 1872, named after a shipwrecked clipper called the Carrier Pigeon.
For a unique experience, you can stay overnight at the old lighthouse keeper’s quarters, now a hostel, where you can fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves.
5. Point Sur Lighthouse
Cruising down Big Sur, you’ll spot Point Sur Lighthouse perched on a massive volcanic rock, looking like something straight out of a pirate story.
This remote, wind-battered light station has been standing guard since 1889, guiding ships past one of California’s most dramatic and dangerous coastlines.
You can only visit on a guided tour, but it’s definitely worth it.
You’ll hike up the steep hill, explore the old keeper’s quarters, and hear wild stories about shipwrecks, isolation, and even a few ghost sightings.
With waves crashing below and endless ocean views stretching to the horizon, it’s the perfect stop to soak in Big Sur’s untamed beauty.
6. Piedras Blancas Light Station
A little farther down the coast near San Simeon, Piedras Blancas Light Station has been lighting the way since 1875—and while it’s missing its original top (thanks to an earthquake), it’s still standing tall.
The real stars of this stop are the elephant seals that crowd the nearby beaches, flopping around, making weird noises, and living their best lazy lives.
You can only visit on a guided tour, but that just means you get all the cool history, plus up-close views of the rugged coastline, wildflowers, and maybe even some migrating whales.
It might seem a little less polished than some other lighthouses, but that just adds to the charm.
7. Anacapa Island Lighthouse
If you’re up for an island adventure, Anacapa Island Lighthouse sits high on the cliffs of the smallest Channel Island, about 11 miles off the Ventura coast.
Built in 1932, it was the last major lighthouse constructed on the West Coast, and thanks to its remote location, it still looks like something straight out of a vintage postcard.
You can’t go inside, but if you take a boat out to Anacapa, you’ll get stunning views of the lighthouse.
There are also miles of hiking trails, sea caves, and thousands of noisy seabirds (seriously, they’re everywhere).
With its dramatic cliffs, bright blue waters, and fewer crowds, this stop feels like a little slice of California’s wild, untouched past.
8. Old Point Loma Lighthouse
Wrapping up the road trip in San Diego, Old Point Loma Lighthouse sits high above the entrance to San Diego Bay, offering some of the best views in town.
It was one of the first lighthouses on the West Coast, but there was just one problem.
At 422 feet above sea level, it was so high that fog constantly blocked the light (not exactly helpful for sailors).
This eventually led to its deactivation in 1891.
Today, it’s part of Cabrillo National Monument, where you can explore the restored quarters and see how 1800s lighthouse keepers lived.
If you’re lucky you might even catch a glimpse of migrating gray whales in the winter.
With sweeping ocean views, historic charm, and easy access from downtown San Diego, this one’s a must-see!
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