On the stunning northern coast of California stands majestically the Point Arena Lighthouse, a historic beacon that once guided sailors and now captivates the imagination of visitors from around the world.
Let’s explore how to plan a visit to this California lighthouse and incorporate it into a state itinerary.
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How to Get There
Point Arena Lighthouse is located in Mendocino County. To reach it by car, you need to take Lighthouse Road, which is a short detour from the historic Pacific Coast Highway.
Here are the distances from the main towns and attractions in the area:
- San Francisco: approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes
- Mendocino: approximately an hour
- Point Reyes National Seashore: approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes
- Muir Woods National Monument: approximately 3 hours
History of the Lighthouse
The construction of the first Point Arena Lighthouse was completed in 1870, along with a spacious keeper’s house that could accommodate up to four families. However, in 1906, a violent earthquake severely damaged the tower and the adjacent buildings, so they had to be demolished.
Naturally, this necessitated the construction of a new lighthouse, not only to replace the old one but also to be earthquake-resistant. The task was entrusted to a San Francisco company, which completed the work in 1908.
After the automation of the lighthouse in 1977, the property was transferred in 1984 to a non-profit organization called the Point Arena Lighthouse Keepers, with the aim of preserving and promoting the history of this place.
The lighthouse has also gained popularity in American pop culture for being featured in two films. Point Arena Lighthouse appears in “Forever Young” with Mel Gibson and in the 2014 movie “Need For Speed”.
Hours, Admission Fee and Other Information
You can visit Point Arena Lighthouse every day of the week from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM. During the fall and winter seasons, it closes one hour earlier at 3:30 PM. The lighthouse is not accessible on major holidays such as Christmas and Thanksgiving.
To visit the museum, both the outdoor and indoor areas of the building, there is an admission fee of $5, and children under 12 years old can enter for free. If you wish to take a tour to climb to the top of the lighthouse tower, there is an additional cost of $5 per person for ages 6 and up. This fee is in addition to the museum admission fee. Tours are conducted every day the lighthouse is open, with one tour departing every 20 minutes, starting at 10:15 AM.
Certainly, there are plenty of interesting activities to enjoy once you arrive at Point Arena Lighthouse. Let’s take a closer look at what this area has to offer:
- Explore the Interior Museum: The interior museum is housed in the oldest structure of the lighthouse, the Fog Signal Building, which once held the machinery used to produce audible signals during foggy days. Inside, the main attraction is the original 1908 Fresnel lens, surrounded by informative materials that trace the history of the lighthouse, its keepers, and their families. The museum also includes a gift shop where you can purchase a variety of themed items, including t-shirts, posters, books, and postcards.
- Stroll through the Outdoor Museum: The outdoor museum features a series of historical and artistic installations set in the grounds surrounding the lighthouse building. One of the most intriguing pieces is “Shiprock“, created using various types of stones, representing a ship crashing onto the rocky coastline. It serves as a unique reminder of what can happen without the guidance of a lighthouse through the perils of the sea. This installation is situated amidst the stone labyrinth and the Druids Circle/Homage to Stonehenge, which, as the name suggests, pays homage to the famous Stonehenge in England. In this area, you can also visit the original gazebo used during the filming of the movie “Forever Young”.
- Take a Tower Tour: Undoubtedly one of the most exciting activities you can do here is to take a tour of the lighthouse tower. It’s not an everyday experience to climb to the top of a historic lighthouse. As mentioned in the previous section, there is a small additional fee for this tour, but it’s definitely worth it. The 360-degree view, including an outdoor balcony, is unparalleled.
Additionally, throughout the year, there are special themed days that offer visitors a unique way to explore the lighthouse beyond the regular tours. An example of this is evening visits during full moon nights. You can find a complete list of special activities by visiting the official website.
Nearby Attractions
If you’re planning an excursion to Point Arena Lighthouse, here are the distances to some of the main attractions you can visit nearby:
- Manchester State Park: This protected area offers scenic trails along spectacular coastal landscapes. It’s a great place for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the sound of the waves crashing on the shore. Manchester State Park is only a 15-minute drive from the lighthouse.
- Mendocino: This charming coastal town is known worldwide for being the home of… Jessica Fletcher. Yes, the famous Cabot Cove from the popular TV series is actually the town of Mendocino in California. Here, you can find small shops, delightful restaurants, and captivating art galleries. Don’t miss the breathtaking views at Mendocino Headlands State Park, where you can immerse yourself in the surrounding natural beauty. It takes about an hour by car to reach the town of Mendocino.
- Bowling Ball Beach: Located about 15 minutes away, this beach is known for its spherical rocks that resemble giant bowling balls. It’s a unique and fascinating place to explore, especially during low tides.
- Redwood National Park: If you want to continue north, one of the stops worth considering is visiting the majestic Redwood forests and its four national and state parks in the area. However, they are not very close, as you should plan for almost a 5-hour drive to reach the Kuchel Visitor Center.
Point Arena Lighthouse Lodging
Point Arena Lighthouse is one of those rare lighthouses that allow its visitors to stay overnight inside. Yes, you heard it right — the lighthouse premises have been completely renovated and can accommodate a limited number of guests who have the privilege of falling asleep after witnessing the spectacle of the sunset over the ocean.
You can check room availability by clicking on the link below:
Find Accommodation at Point Arena Lighthouse
If, on the other hand, you want to explore the best accommodations in the area, you can check by clicking on the link below:
