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California Lighthouses





Above California lighthouse map.
Find locations and names of California’s historic lighthouses and lights. These include the famous: Point Loma Lighthouse, Point Arena Lighthouse, Point Pinos Lighthouse, Point Reyes Lighthouse and other light and lighthouse locations.




California Coast Shipwrecks


SS City of Rio de Janeiro

Year: 1901

Cause: Navigational error in fog

Weather Condition: Dense fog

Lives Lost: 128 out of 210 passengers and crew

Proximity to Lighthouse: Near Fort Point Light, but visibility was poor

Details: The SS City of Rio de Janeiro struck rocks near Fort Point while entering San Francisco Bay. Dense fog caused disorientation, leading to the wreck.



SS Brother Jonathan

Year: 1865

Cause: Struck an uncharted rock

Weather Condition: Heavy seas and dense fog

Lives Lost: 225 out of 244 passengers and crew

Proximity to Lighthouse: Far from any lighthouse; led to the construction of St. George Reef Light

Details: Near Crescent City, the Brother Jonathan hit an uncharted rock and quickly sank. This disaster prompted the construction of the St. George Reef Lighthouse.



SS Montebello

Year: 1941

Cause: Torpedoed by a Japanese submarine

Weather Condition: Calm seas

Lives Lost: None, as the entire crew of 38 survived

Proximity to Lighthouse: Near Point Arguello Light

Details: The oil tanker SS Montebello was sunk by a Japanese submarine near Point Arguello. Fortunately, all crew members survived despite the sinking.



SS Cuba

Year: 1923

Cause: Grounded due to navigational error

Weather Condition: Foggy conditions

Lives Lost: None, passengers and crew safely evacuated

Proximity to Lighthouse: Near Point Arguello Light

Details: The SS Cuba ran aground near Point Arguello. Although the ship was a total loss, all passengers and crew were safely evacuated.



Honda Point Disaster

Year: 1923

Cause: Navigational errors, exacerbated by fog and rough seas

Weather Condition: Dense fog and heavy seas

Lives Lost: 23 lives lost, seven Navy destroyers wrecked

Proximity to Lighthouse: Near Point Arguello Light(is located on the coast at Vandenberg Space Force Base)

Details: The Honda Point Disaster remains one of the largest peacetime naval losses for the U.S. Navy. Seven destroyers ran aground after misjudging their position in fog.



Pacific Mail Steamer SS Tennessee

Year: 1853

Cause: Heavy fog obscured navigation

Weather Condition: Heavy fog

Lives Lost: None, all passengers and crew were saved

Proximity to Lighthouse: Near Point Bonita Light

Details: SS Tennessee ran aground in fog near Point Bonita. The passengers and crew managed to safely evacuate, and the site is now called Tennessee Cove.


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List of California Lighthouses


Alcatraz Island Light

Location: San Francisco (Alcatraz Island)

Coordinates: 37°49′34.5″N 122°25′19.8″W

Year First Lit: 1854 (First), 1909 (Current)

Purpose: Built to warn ships navigating the challenging waters of San Francisco Bay.

Type: Lighthouse

Material: Reinforced concrete

Wave Exposure: In Bay, protected from direct wave impact

Famous Keepers: Known for a series of keepers, especially due to its proximity to Alcatraz prison.

Automation: Automated in 1963

Current Status: Active, part of Alcatraz Island historic site



Anacapa Island Light

Location: Anacapa Island

Coordinates: 34.015827°N 119.359548°W

Year First Lit: 1912 (First), 1932 (Current)

Purpose: Guides ships through the Santa Barbara Channel's tricky waters.

Type: Lighthouse

Material: Reinforced concrete

Wave Exposure: Located on high cliffs, it is protected from most direct wave action.

Famous Keepers: Famous for its resident lighthouse keepers until automation.

Automation: Automated in 1967

Current Status: Active, part of Channel Islands National Park, historic site



Año Nuevo Light

Location: Año Nuevo Island

Coordinates: 37.1083°N 122.3378°W

Year First Lit: 1890 (First), 1914 (Last)

Purpose: Warns vessels near Año Nuevo's rocky coast.

Type: Lighthouse (later abandoned)

Material: Reinforced concrete

Wave Exposure: On wave surround rock, exposed to significant ocean waves.

Famous Keepers: Various keepers before abandonment. Now famous for Elephant Seal colonies

Automation: Never automated; deactivated in 1948, tower cut down in 1976

Current Status: Abandoned, ruins only



Ballast Point Light

Location: San Diego (Point Loma)

Coordinates: 32°41′11.0″N 117°13′57.0″W

Year First Lit: 1890

Purpose: Aids navigation near San Diego harbor.

Type: Lighthouse (demolished)

Material: Wood and masonry

Wave Exposure: Protected by Point Loma

Automation: Never automated, deactivated in 1960

Current Status: Demolished



Battery Point Light

Location: Crescent City

Coordinates: 41.744094°N 124.203099°W

Year First Lit: 1856

Purpose: Protects Crescent City and its coastal routes.

Type: Classic lighthouse with a stone structure

Material: Stone and brick

Wave Exposure: Often battered by large waves, including significant tsunamis.

Famous Keepers: Stories of brave keepers who stayed during storms and tsunamis.

Automation: Automated in 1953

Current Status: Museum, preserved by the Del Norte Historical Society



Cape Mendocino Light

Location: Shelter Cove

Coordinates: 40°26′23.66″N 124°24′21.71″W

Year First Lit: 1868

Purpose: Warns ships of the treacherous Cape Mendocino coast.

Type: Lighthouse

Material: Cast iron and brick

Wave Exposure: Set back, it is protected from wave action.

Automation: Automated in 1951, deactivated in 1971

Current Status: Relocated to Shelter Cove, preserved as a historic site



Carquinez Strait Light

Location: Vallejo

Coordinates: 38.067816°N 122.213832°W

Year First Lit: 1910

Purpose: Aids in navigating Carquinez Strait.

Type: Lighthouse (replaced by a beacon)

Material: Concrete and steel

Wave Exposure: Protected from ocean waves(Note: was saved/moved from the middle of the Carquinez Strait)

Automation: Never automated, deactivated in 1951

Current Status: Replaced by a beacon



East Brother Island Light

Location: Richmond

Coordinates: 37.963233°N 122.433643°W

Year First Lit: 1874

Purpose: Marks East Brother Island to guide ships in San Francisco Bay.

Type: Lighthouse

Material: Brick and mortar

Wave Exposure: Exposed to San Francisco Bay waves

Automation: Automated in 1969

Current Status: Active and operates as a B&B



Farallon Island Light

Location: San Francisco (Farallon Islands)

Coordinates: 37.698966°N 123.001651°W

Year First Lit: 1856

Purpose: Guides ships past the hazardous Farallon Islands in the Pacific.

Type: Lighthouse

Material: Stone and brick

Wave Exposure: On middle of Island, Exposed to heavy Pacific winds

Automation: Automated in 1972

Current Status: Active, under the management of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service



Fort Point Light

Location: San Francisco

Coordinates: 37°48′38″N 122°28′38.4″W

Year First Lit: 1855 (First), 1864 (Current)

Purpose: Aids in navigation near Fort Point and the Golden Gate entrance.

Type: Lighthouse (replaced by the Golden Gate Bridge)

Material: Brick and cast iron

Wave Exposure: Exposed to turbulent waters of the Golden Gate

Automation: Never automated, deactivated in 1934

Current Status: Historic site, managed by the National Park Service



Humboldt Harbor Light

Location: Eureka (Humboldt Bay)

Coordinates: 40°46′7.1″N 124°13′15.7″W

Year First Lit: 1856

Purpose: Marks entrance to Humboldt Bay for ships.

Type: Lighthouse (collapsed)

Material: Wood and masonry

Wave Exposure: Exposed to wind and spray from the Pacific and Humboldt Bay

Automation: Never automated, deactivated in 1892

Current Status: Collapsed in 1933



Lime Point Light

Location: San Francisco

Coordinates: 37.825447°N 122.478321°W

Year First Lit: 1900

Purpose: Assists navigation at the Golden Gate.

Type: Lighthouse

Material: Cast iron

Wave Exposure: Regularly battered by strong storms from the Pacific Ocean

Automation: Automated in 1961

Current Status: Active, automated lighthouse



Long Beach Light

Location: Long Beach (Port of Long Beach)

Coordinates: 33.723237°N 118.186821°W

Year First Lit: 1949

Purpose: Aids ships entering the busy port of Long Beach.

Type: Lighthouse

Material: Concrete

Wave Exposure: Some exposure to ocean waves in large storms

Automation: Always automated

Current Status: Active lighthouse



Los Angeles Harbor Light(Angels Gate Light)

Location: Los Angeles (Port of Los Angeles)

Coordinates: 33.70857°N 118.25160°W

Year First Lit: 1913

Purpose: Provides guidance for vessels entering the Port of Los Angeles.

Type: Lighthouse

Material: Concrete and steel

Wave Exposure: Some exposure to rolling ocean waves in large storms

Automation: Automated in 1973

Current Status: Active lighthouse

Angels Gate light


Mare Island Light

Location: Vallejo (Mare Island)

Coordinates: 38.074834°N 122.250464°W

Year First Lit: 1873

Purpose: Warns ships navigating near Mare Island.

Type: Lighthouse (demolished)

Material: Wood

Wave Exposure: Limited exposure in the bay

Automation: Never automated, deactivated in 1917

Current Status: Demolished in the 1930s



Mile Rocks Light

Location: San Francisco

Coordinates: 37.792765°N 122.510366°W

Year First Lit: 1906

Purpose: Protects ships from Mile Rocks near the Golden Gate.

Type: Lighthouse

Material: Concrete and steel

Wave Exposure: 360 ocean exposure, frequently hit by strong waves

Automation: Automated in 1966

Current Status: Active lighthouse



Oakland Harbor Light(Quinn’s Lighthouse)

Location: Oakland

Coordinates: 37.781335°N 122.243817°W

Year First Lit: 1890 (First), 1903 (Last)

Purpose: Guides ships into Oakland Harbor.

Type: Lighthouse

Material: Concrete and steel

Wave Exposure: (Note: was moved and is a closed bar/resturant now)

Automation: Never automated, deactivated in 1966

Current Status: Replaced by modern navigational aids



Piedras Blancas Light

Location: San Simeon

Coordinates: 35°39′56.3″N 121°17′03.6″W

Year First Lit: 1875

Purpose: Warns ships along the central coast of California.

Type: Lighthouse

Material: Brick and masonry

Wave Exposure: Exposed to Pacific Ocean wind and spray

Automation: Automated in 1975

Current Status: Active, managed by the Bureau of Land Management



Pigeon Point Light

Location: Half Moon Bay

Coordinates: 37°10′54.3″N 122°23′38.1″W

Year First Lit: 1872

Purpose: Marks the dangerous rocky coast south of San Francisco.

Type: Lighthouse

Material: Brick and cast iron

Wave Exposure: Regularly hit by strong wind and wave spray

Automation: Automated in 1974

Current Status: Active, managed by California State Parks



Point Arena Light

Location: Point Arena

Coordinates: 38°57′17.1″N 123°44′25.8″W

Year First Lit: 1870 (First), 1908 (Current)

Purpose: Warns vessels along California's rugged northern coastline.

Type: Lighthouse

Material: Concrete and steel

Wave Exposure: Exposed to rough ocean waves and spray

Automation: Automated in 1977

Current Status: Active, operates as a museum and B&B



Point Arguello Light

Location: Lompoc (Point Arguello)

Coordinates: 34°34′37.4″N 120°38′49.9″W

Year First Lit: 1901 (First), 1934 (Last)

Purpose: Assists in navigating the dangerous coast near Vandenberg Air Force Base.

Type: Lighthouse (replaced by modern light)

Material: Brick and steel

Wave Exposure: Exposed to coastal wave spray and wind

Automation: Never automated, deactivated in 1967

Current Status: Replaced, with remains preserved



Point Blunt Light

Location: San Francisco (Angel Island)

Coordinates: 37°51′11.64″N 122°25′9.25″W

Year First Lit: 1915 (First), 1956 (Current)

Purpose: Aids in navigation around Angel Island in San Francisco Bay.

Type: Lighthouse

Material: Concrete

Wave Exposure: Protected within the bay

Automation: Automated in 1976

Current Status: Active lighthouse



Point Bonita Light

Location: San Francisco (Point Bonita)

Coordinates: 37.815614°N 122.529578°W

Year First Lit: 1855 (First), 1877 (Current)

Purpose: Guides ships entering San Francisco Bay.

Type: Lighthouse with a historic Fresnel lens

Material: Concrete and brick

Wave Exposure: High cliffs, exposed to large powerful waves

Automation: Automated in 1980

Current Status: Active, operated by the National Park Service, open for tours



Point Cabrillo Light

Location: Caspar

Coordinates: 39°20′54.97″N 123°49′34.02″W

Year First Lit: 1909

Purpose: Marks the rocky Mendocino coast.

Type: Lighthouse with a historic Fresnel lens

Material: Brick and concrete

Wave Exposure: Exposed to coastal wind and some spray

Automation: Automated in 1973

Current Status: Active, operates as a museum and historic site



Point Conception Light

Location: Lompoc (Point Conception)

Coordinates: 34°26′55.51″N 120°28′14.71″W

Year First Lit: 1856 (First), 1882 (Current)

Purpose: Marks the point where California's coastline changes direction, guiding ships around this dangerous area.

Type: Lighthouse

Material: Brick and masonry

Wave Exposure: High cliffs, exposed to powerful Pacific winds and some spray

Automation: Automated in 1973

Current Status: Active, managed by the U.S. Coast Guard



Point Diablo Light

Location: San Francisco (Golden Gate)

Coordinates: 37.820171°N 122.499423°W

Year First Lit: 1923

Purpose: Aids navigation through the Golden Gate.

Type: Lighthouse

Material: Concrete

Wave Exposure: Regularly exposed to wind and high waves within the Golden Gate

Automation: Always automated

Current Status: Active, managed by the U.S. Coast Guard



Point Fermin Light

Location: Los Angeles (San Pedro)

Coordinates: 33.705420°N 118.293649°W

Year First Lit: 1874

Purpose: Guides ships entering San Pedro Bay.

Type: Lighthouse

Material: Wood

Wave Exposure: Some exposure within the bay

Automation: Never automated, deactivated in 1942

Current Status: Museum and historical site



Point Hueneme Light

Location: Port Hueneme

Coordinates: 34.145176°N 119.210019°W

Year First Lit: 1874 (First), 1941 (Current)

Purpose: Guides ships into Port Hueneme.

Type: Lighthouse

Material: Concrete

Wave Exposure: Exposed to coastal winds

Automation: Automated in 1972

Current Status: Active, open for public tours



Point Knox Light

Location: San Francisco

Coordinates:

Year First Lit: 1900

Purpose: Aids navigation in the San Francisco Bay.

Type: Lighthouse (demolished)

Material: Concrete

Wave Exposure: Protected within the bay

Automation: Never automated, deactivated in 1963

Current Status: Demolished



Point Loma Light (Old)

Location: San Diego (Point Loma)

Coordinates: 32.671983°N 117.240938°W

Year First Lit: 1855

Purpose: Marks the entrance to San Diego Bay.

Type: Lighthouse with historic Fresnel lens

Material: Brick and masonry

Wave Exposure: High cliffs, minimal wave exposure

Automation: Deactivated in 1891, replaced by new Point Loma Light

Current Status: Historical landmark within Cabrillo National Monument



Point Loma Light (New)

Location: San Diego (Point Loma)

Coordinates: 32.665071°N 117.242621°W

Year First Lit: 1891

Purpose: Replaced the old Point Loma Light to better guide ships into San Diego Bay.

Type: Lighthouse

Material: Concrete

Wave Exposure: Exposed to large ocean waves at lower elevation

Automation: Automated in 1973

Current Status: Active, within Cabrillo National Monument



Point Montara Light

Location: Montara

Coordinates: 37.536503°N 122.519311°W

Year First Lit: 1900 (First), 1928 (Current)

Purpose: Guides ships along the San Mateo County coast.

Type: Lighthouse

Material: Steel and cast iron

Wave Exposure: Exposed to ocean spray and waves

Automation: Automated in 1970

Current Status: Active, also serves as a hostel



Point Pinos Light

Location: Pacific Grove

Coordinates: 36.633389°N 121.933783°W

Year First Lit: 1855

Purpose: Oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast, guiding ships along Monterey Bay.

Type: Lighthouse with a traditional Fresnel lens

Material: Brick and mortar

Wave Exposure: Located on rocky bluffs, it receives wave spray but is safe from direct impact.

Automation: Automated in 1975

Current Status: Active, managed by the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

Point Pinos Light


Point Reyes Light

Location: Point Reyes Station (Point Reyes)

Coordinates: 37.995621°N 123.023215°W

Year First Lit: 1870

Purpose: Helps ships navigate the challenging waters off Point Reyes.

Type: Lighthouse with a historic first-order Fresnel lens

Material: Cast iron and brick

Wave Exposure: Exposed to extreme weather conditions, including powerful ocean wave spray and wind

Automation: Automated in 1975

Current Status: Active, operated by the National Park Service, open for tours

Point Reyes Lighthouse


Point San Luis Light

Location: Avila Beach

Coordinates: 35.160362°N 120.760882°W

Year First Lit: 1890

Purpose: Guides vessels entering San Luis Bay.

Type: Lighthouse

Material: Concrete and brick

Wave Exposure: Exposed to coastal wind and spray action

Automation: Automated in 1974, deactivated in 1975

Current Status: Historic site, maintained by the Point San Luis Lighthouse Keepers, open for tours



Point Sur Light

Location: Carmel-by-the-Sea

Coordinates: 36°18′22.79″N 121°54′05.36″W

Year First Lit: 1889

Purpose: Warns vessels of the dangerous Big Sur coast.

Type: Lighthouse

Material: Granite and cement

Wave Exposure: Positioned on a high bluff, exposed to ocean spray and heavy weather

Automation: Automated in 1972

Current Status: Active, historic site with tours provided by California State Parks



Point Vicente Light

Location: Rancho Palos Verdes

Coordinates: 33.741867°N 118.410738°W

Year First Lit: 1926

Purpose: Marks the Palos Verdes Peninsula, aiding ships along the Southern California coast.

Type: Lighthouse with a third-order Fresnel lens

Material: Reinforced concrete

Wave Exposure: Exposed to ocean spray but positioned on a high cliff

Automation: Automated in 1973

Current Status: Active, maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard, open for occasional public tours

Point Vicente Light


Punta Gorda Light

Location: Petrolia

Coordinates: 40.249433°N 124.350220°W

Year First Lit: 1912

Purpose: Guides ships along the isolated Lost Coast.

Type: Lighthouse

Material: Concrete and stone

Wave Exposure: Regularly exposed to intense ocean wind and spray

Automation: Never automated, deactivated in 1951

Current Status: Historic ruins, managed by the Bureau of Land Management



Roe Island Light

Location: Roe Island

Coordinates: 38.067856°N 122.028166°W

Year First Lit: 1891

Purpose: Aids navigation in the San Joaquin and Sacramento rivers.

Type: Lighthouse (later destroyed)

Material: Wood and metal

Wave Exposure: Protected within the river estuary

Automation: Never automated, deactivated in 1945

Current Status: Destroyed



Rubicon Point Light

Location: South Lake Tahoe

Coordinates: 38°59′45″N 120°05′41″W

Year First Lit: 1919

Purpose: Marks the shores of Lake Tahoe.

Type: Lighthouse

Material: Stone

Wave Exposure: Protected within the lake

Automation: Never automated, deactivated in 1921

Current Status: Historic site within D.L. Bliss State Park



Santa Barbara Light

Location: Santa Barbara

Coordinates: 34.396320°N 119.722625°W

Year First Lit: 1856 (First), 1928 (Current)

Purpose: Guides ships along the Santa Barbara coast.

Type: Lighthouse

Material: Concrete

Wave Exposure: Exposed to coastal weather

Automation: Automated in 1928

Current Status: Active, managed by the U.S. Coast Guard



Santa Cruz Light

Location: Santa Cruz

Coordinates: 36°57′05.34″N 122°01′36.36″W

Year First Lit: 1870 (First), 1967 (Current)

Purpose: Marks the entrance to Santa Cruz harbor.

Type: Lighthouse

Material: Concrete

Wave Exposure: Exposed to coastal waves and weather

Automation: Automated in 1941

Current Status: Active lighthouse



Santa Cruz Breakwater Light

Location: Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz harbor)

Coordinates: 36°57′38.5″N 122°00′08.0″W

Year First Lit: 1964 (First), 2002 (Current)

Purpose: Aids navigation within the harbor at Santa Cruz.

Type: Lighthouse

Material: Concrete

Wave Exposure: Directly exposed to harbor waves, protected by Dolos

Automation: Always automated

Current Status: Active lighthouse



Southampton Shoal Light

Location: San Francisco Bay

Coordinates: 37°52′54.981″N 122°24′00.837″W

Year First Lit: 1905

Purpose: Warns ships navigating San Francisco Bay.

Type: Lighthouse (moved)

Material: Wood and metal

Wave Exposure: Exposed to bay currents and waves

Automation: Never automated, deactivated in 1960

Current Status: Moved to the Oakland Yacht Club



St. George Reef Light

Location: Crescent City

Coordinates: 41.83633°N 124.37587°W

Year First Lit: 1892

Purpose: Marks the dangerous waters off St. George Reef.

Type: Offshore lighthouse

Material: Granite

Wave Exposure: Frequently battered by massive ocean blue water waves.

Automation: Deactivated in 1975, reactivated in 2012 as a private aid to navigation

Current Status: Active, with occasional tours managed by the St. George Reef Lighthouse Preservation Society

St George Reef


Sugar Pine Point Light

Location: Tahoma

Coordinates: 39.061266°N 120.113971°W

Year First Lit: 1921

Purpose: Assists with navigation on Lake Tahoe.

Type: Lighthouse

Material: Stone and wood

Wave Exposure: Protected within Lake Tahoe

Automation: Deactivated in 1985

Current Status: Historic site within Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park



Table Bluff Light

Location: Table Bluff

Coordinates: 40°41′45.02″N 124°16′26.16″W

Year First Lit: 1892

Purpose: Guides ships along the coast near Humboldt Bay.

Type: Lighthouse

Material: Wood

Wave Exposure: Exposed to coastal winds and weather

Automation: Automated in 1953, deactivated in 1971





Sugar Pine Point Lighthouse

Location: Lake Tahoe, Tahoma

Coordinates: 39.061266°N 120.113971°W

Year First Lit: 1921

Purpose: Navigational aid for vessels on Lake Tahoe.

Type: Inland lighthouse

Material: Stone and wood

Wave Exposure: Protected within the lake

Automation: Never automated, deactivated in 1985

Current Status: Historic site within Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park



North Head Lighthouse

Location: San Clemente Island

Coordinates: 32.9011°N 118.4861°W

Year First Lit: 1935

Purpose: Aids navigation along the southern coast of California.

Type: Coastal lighthouse

Material: Concrete

Wave Exposure: Exposed to open ocean wind and spray

Automation: Automated in the 1970s

Current Status: Active, managed by the U.S. Navy



Catalina Island West End Light

Location: Catalina Island, West End

Coordinates: 33.4662°N 118.5703°W

Year First Lit: 1912

Purpose: Guides vessels around the west end of Catalina Island.

Type: Lighthouse

Material: Concrete and steel

Wave Exposure: Exposed to Pacific Ocean wind and spray

Automation: Automated in the 1970s

Current Status: Active, operated by the U.S. Coast Guard



Catalina Island East End Light

Location: Catalina Island, East End

Coordinates: 33.3548°N 118.3281°W

Year First Lit: 1929

Purpose: Provides navigational aid on the eastern side of Catalina Island.

Type: Lighthouse

Material: Concrete

Wave Exposure: Exposed to ocean wind

Automation: Automated in the 1970s

Current Status: Active, maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard


Source: Data.gov
Map Copyright CCCARTO









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