California boasts of some pretty lighthouses. If you are lost of options of what to do for a weekend, this might help. With summer nearly set in, the coast is a perfect place to be on a hot day. The lighthouses below are along California Highway 1. Driving along this highway is an experience with amazing views of the coastline and the ocean, however be prepared for lonely, single lane curvy roads and not many gas stations. So fill up whenever your tank is half and check for any road closures on THIS website.
The lighthouses mentioned below have been visited on various single day or overnight trips. Read on for details.
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1.) CABRILLO LIGHTHOUSE, MENDOCINO, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA:
Our previous post has all the information you need. Click HERE for the information.
For latest and upto date information regarding timing and other events planned for 2013, click on this link: http://www.pointcabrillo.org/events.htm.
2.) POINT REYES LIGHTHOUSE, POINT REYES STATION, CALIFORNIA
Visit our previous post. Click HERE for more information.
3.) POINT BONITA LIGHTHOUSE, SAUSALITO, CALIFORNIA
Still an active Lighthouse, this is a short drive from San Francisco ( about 30-40 min ) to the Lighthouse. From the parking lot it is a steep 1\2 mile trail that has stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco.
Timing: The tunnel to the lighthouse is open SATURDAY, SUNDAY AND MONDAY FROM 12.30 - 3.30 PM. Our trip was completed in July 2009. Latest updates on yelp, confirm that the old bridge has been replaced with a new one. In 2009, limited peopled could pass the bridge and there was always a wait. Things may have changed since then with a new bridge. We haven't been there after 2009, but if you have do let me know details so I can update it on the post. Parking is limited. Carry a lunch \ snack and enjoy the views.
4.) PIGEON POINT LIGHTHOUSE, PESCADERO, CALIFORNIA:
Location: about 50 miles south of San Francisco on CA Highway 1.
The lighthouse is currently closed to the public however the grounds are open. For more information here is the LINK for timings, and guided tours.
You can check out other places en-route on CA-1 by clicking on this link : http://www.savsmich.com/2012/11/ca-1-central-coast.html
5.) SANTA CRUZ LIGHTHOUSE, SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA
Location: About 30 miles south of Pigeon Point Lighthouse on West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz. Parking is available in a parking lot close to the lighthouse.
Address: W. Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, Ca
Enjoy the day at the beach or a walk along the Pier. Enjoy some sea food and watch the pelicans, pelicans or watch for a stray sighting of dolphins swimming.
In winter, visit the Natural Bridges State Beach to view the Monarch butterflies. More details on the butterflies and when you can see them can be found HERE.
6.) CABRILLO NATIONAL MONUMENT \ OLD POINT LOMA LIGHTHOUSE, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
This lighthouse can be visited throughout the year. This lighthouse has been restored to look what it was like in the 1800's. Get a glimpse of what the rooms looked like. Read stories of the past in its exhibits. Read stories of San Diego's efforts during the World War II, of the 19th Coast Artillery and the army's efforts to defend the harbor.
Enjoy some beautiful views of San Diego skyline. Latest information can be found HERE regarding the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and the Cabrillo National Monument.
If your going to San Diego, the Cabrillo Monument can be found at 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr. San Diego, CA
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr San Diego, CA
For latest and upto date information regarding timing and other events planned for 2013, click on this link: http://www.pointcabrillo.org/events.htm.
2.) POINT REYES LIGHTHOUSE, POINT REYES STATION, CALIFORNIA
Visit our previous post. Click HERE for more information.
3.) POINT BONITA LIGHTHOUSE, SAUSALITO, CALIFORNIA
Still an active Lighthouse, this is a short drive from San Francisco ( about 30-40 min ) to the Lighthouse. From the parking lot it is a steep 1\2 mile trail that has stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco.
Timing: The tunnel to the lighthouse is open SATURDAY, SUNDAY AND MONDAY FROM 12.30 - 3.30 PM. Our trip was completed in July 2009. Latest updates on yelp, confirm that the old bridge has been replaced with a new one. In 2009, limited peopled could pass the bridge and there was always a wait. Things may have changed since then with a new bridge. We haven't been there after 2009, but if you have do let me know details so I can update it on the post. Parking is limited. Carry a lunch \ snack and enjoy the views.
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| Trail to Point Bonita |
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| Pt. Bonita Lighthouse |
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| San Francisco |
Location: about 50 miles south of San Francisco on CA Highway 1.
The lighthouse is currently closed to the public however the grounds are open. For more information here is the LINK for timings, and guided tours.
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| Pigeon Point Lighthouse |
You can check out other places en-route on CA-1 by clicking on this link : http://www.savsmich.com/2012/11/ca-1-central-coast.html
5.) SANTA CRUZ LIGHTHOUSE, SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA
Location: About 30 miles south of Pigeon Point Lighthouse on West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz. Parking is available in a parking lot close to the lighthouse.
Address: W. Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz, Ca
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| Santa Cruz Lighthouse |
In winter, visit the Natural Bridges State Beach to view the Monarch butterflies. More details on the butterflies and when you can see them can be found HERE.
6.) CABRILLO NATIONAL MONUMENT \ OLD POINT LOMA LIGHTHOUSE, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
This lighthouse can be visited throughout the year. This lighthouse has been restored to look what it was like in the 1800's. Get a glimpse of what the rooms looked like. Read stories of the past in its exhibits. Read stories of San Diego's efforts during the World War II, of the 19th Coast Artillery and the army's efforts to defend the harbor.
Enjoy some beautiful views of San Diego skyline. Latest information can be found HERE regarding the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and the Cabrillo National Monument.
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| Cabrillo Monument, San Diego |
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| Lens at the Old Point Loma Lighthouse |
If your going to San Diego, the Cabrillo Monument can be found at 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr. San Diego, CA
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr San Diego, CA
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