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THINGS
TO DO IN CALIFORNIA |
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Point Arena Lighthouse North Coast |
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| By Sofia Mitchell | ||
Located at the
end of a small peninsula is the lovely Point Arena lighthouse.
For over 100 years, the lighthouse has protected sailors from
the rough shoreline and rocky outcroppings along this part of
the Pacific Coast. If you are traveling down Highway 1, be sure
to make a side trip to this historic lighthouse and museum.
The lighthouse is open daily from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM the winter,
and extends the closing time to 4:30 PM in the summer. Entry
is charged on a per-person basis. Join one of the guided trips up the lighthouse. Tours leave every 20 minutes and are on a first come, first serve basis. The top of the lighthouse is accessed by an interior spiral staircase of over 140 steps, with the last bit on a steep and narrow stair well. Once at the top, you can enjoy a 360 degree panorama view that
takes in the Pacific Ocean, the Garcia River Valley and the
Stornetta Public Lands. On clear days, and during the right
time of the year, it is common to see migrating whales. |
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 Point Arena Lighthouse |
Fog is a regular occurrence in this area. Therefore, try to time your visit on a non-foggy day to take full advantage of the views. A visit to the lighthouse on a foggy day is still a great experience. The stunning views are traded for a grey cloak that hugs the lighthouse. If you have an active imagination it can be a little eerie and spooky. There are a few picnic tables on the lighthouse grounds, as well as a trail to a gazebo on an overlook. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trails. A particularly unique feature of the lighthouse is that they have four rental houses onsite. These are the former lighthouse keeper homes and are now available as vacation homes. The homes enjoy stunning views of the ocean, and at night, the flashing lighthouse is a neat sight to behold. These rentals make for a great family or romantic getaway. Reservations can be made through the lighthouse webpage. Once you are out at the lighthouse peninsula,
a great way to extend your visit is to take in the natural beauty
of the Stornetta Public Lands. Bordered on one side by the lighthouse,
this 1,132-acre area includes two miles of coastline and the Garcia
River estuary. The Stornetta Public Lands are an ideal area for
hiking, picnics, nature photography and wildlife viewing. Be sure
to bring your camera and binocular, because stunning shore and
land wildlife are common. |
Point Arena Lighthouse Museum |
 Point Arena Lighthouse View |
| When visiting the lighthouse or the Stornetta Public
Lands, be sure to dress in layers with wind protection. The weather
changes quickly in this coastal area. Don’t forget your camera
binoculars to capture the stunning views from the top of the lighthouse. There is a small gift shop on site, but no food services. You can pick up picnic provisions in Point Arena at one of the markets or enjoy a sit-down meal at one of the restaurants in town or near the Point Arena pier before or after your visit. Getting
there: The lighthouse is located a few miles north of the town of
Point Arena. From Highway 1, turn west on Lighthouse Road and drive
towards the ocean. There will be signage on Highway 1 for the lighthouse.
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You
Might Like Make
this a weekend getaway |
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