Visit the oldest lighthouse on the Pacific coast at Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego.
Point Loma Lighthouse in San Diego
The old Point Loma Lighthouse was one of the first working lighthouses on the Pacific coast to guide ships. For 36 years, from 1855-1891 it helped ships safely into San Diego harbour. It was built 400 feet (120 meters) above sea level and was one of the highest in the continent.
Fog and low clouds made it challenging for ships to see the light from the Point Loma Lighthouse. To solve this problem, the Pelican Point lighthouse was built at a lower elevation in 1891.
Point Loma Lighthouse became part of the Cabrillo National Monument in 1913. During World War II, the Navy called it back into service to use it as a signal tower. The National Park Service restored it in 1984, and it is a nationally registered historic landmark.
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Inside Old Point Loma Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse on the Pacific coast
Life of a Lighthouse Lightkeeper
The lightkeeper was responsible for keeping the lantern lit and continually burning brightly from dusk to dawn.
Inside the lighthouse, you will learn how a lightkeeper’s family lived. See the bedrooms, kitchen, pantry, and vegetable garden. These rooms are furnished as they might appear during the 1880s, when Robert and Maria Israel lived here while tending to the lighthouse.
Climb the spiral stairs to the top to see how the lighthouse works.
The Kitchen area. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
The children’s bedroom. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
The lightkeeper’s bedroom. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
The spiral staircase inside historic Point Loma Lighthouse. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
The lightkeeper’s garden. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Learn about how a lighthouse works
Inside an outer secondary building, there is an impressive display explaining how a lighthouse functions. Discover how the bright tower light worked with other navigation aids.
Learn how these tools helped to keep seamen and their ships safe from the hidden dangers in the waters along the coast.
Point Loma Lighthouse the is the oldest lighthouse on the Pacific coast. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Point Loma Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse on the Pacific coast. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
See how a lighthouse works. Point Loma Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse on the Pacific coast. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Learn about the lens sizes of a lighthouse and how they work. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Learn about the lens sizes of a lighthouse and how they work. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Where are the oldest lighthouses on the Pacific Coast?
- The Fisgard National Historic Site of Canada is British Columbia’s oldest lighthouse. Its operation started in 1860 on Fisgard Island, a small island near Esquimalt Harbour, south of Victoria on Vancouver Island. This lighthouse operated until 1957. Learn more about Canada’s 750 lighthouses and discover more about heritage lighthouses from Parks Canada.
- Point No Point Lighthouse, built in 1879, is one of the earliest lighthouses found in Washington State. It is located at the north entrance of Puget Sound near Hansville. This structure is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is also on the Washington State Heritage Register.
- Cape Blanco is Oregon’s oldest continually operating lighthouse. It was built in 1870.
- Cape Disappointment is the oldest lighthouse in the Pacific Northwest. It started operation in 1862 at the mouth of the Columbia River.
A great source of almost everything you ever wanted to know about lighthouses in the United States can be found on the United States Lighthouse Society website. The website provides detailed information on the history, architecture, and preservation efforts of lighthouses across the nation. Whether you’re a history buff or simply love maritime culture, this resource is invaluable. Additionally, for those planning trips to coastal destinations, it’s worth looking up insider tips for Puerto Vallarta to enhance your travels, where stunning views and coastal adventures await.
Getting to Point Loma Lighthouse, San Diego
Discover Old Point Loma Lighthouse by taking a short 25-30 minute drive from the heart of San Diego, California.
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Rugged sandstone cliffs of Cabrillo National Park, San Diego
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About the Author:
Wendy Nordvik-Carr is a highly regarded travel writer who produces quality, well-researched articles with stunning photography and video.
She seeks out authentic experiences showcasing the people, culture and history that make each destination unique. Her focus is on solo, couple and multigenerational travel through cruising, air and road trip adventures.
Wendy is the editor & writer for LifesIncredibleJourney.com, an award-winning travel site that encourages exploration of destinations near & far.
She is a TMAC Director, Chair, National Governance Committee and Chair of TMAC's BC & Yukon Chapter, as well as a member of SATW, IFWTWA and NATJA.
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