Point Arena Lighthouse
Point Arena, CA
A 115-foot lighthouse rebuilt after the 1906 earthquake, on a narrow point two miles off Highway 1. Visitors can climb the tower on most days; there is a fee and a small museum in the fog signal building.
Point Arena Lighthouse stands on a narrow point of land about 2 miles (3 km) north of the town of Point Arena and roughly 130 miles (210 km) north of San Francisco. The first tower, built in 1870, was so badly damaged in the 1906 earthquake that it was demolished. The current 115-foot (35 m) tower went into service in 1908; according to the operator, it was the first lighthouse built this way, of reinforced concrete with steel rods. The first-order Fresnel lens, with 258 hand-ground prisms, stayed in use until 1977, when an automated beacon replaced it. Today it is displayed in the museum.
The site is run by the nonprofit Point Arena Lighthouse Keepers, which took over the grounds in 1984. Guided tours run daily, and on them you can also climb the tower. There are self-guided walks around the grounds, a museum and a gift shop, and the historic keepers' houses can be rented as vacation lodgings. Check current visiting hours and fees before you go.
- Nearest town
- Point Arena, CA
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 38.9546, -123.7405
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March–April and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Manchester Beach KOAMotorhome stopover3 mi from Point Arena LighthouseMotorhomes
- Anchor Bay CampgroundCampsite13 mi from Point Arena LighthouseTentsCaravans
- Paul M. Dimmick CampgroundCampsite15 mi from Point Arena Lighthouse
- Navarro Beach CampgroundCampsite16 mi from Point Arena Lighthouse · 10 pitchesTentsCaravans
- Gualala Point CampingCampsite18 mi from Point Arena LighthouseTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Van Damme State Park CampgroundCampsite22 mi from Point Arena Lighthouse
All campsites in California · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Point Arena Lighthouse?
Point Arena Lighthouse is in Point Arena, CA, at GPS 38.9546, -123.7405. It is about 18 mi from Philo.
Can you camp near Point Arena Lighthouse?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Manchester State Park Campground, about 3 mi away; within 25 mi there are 12 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Point Arena Lighthouse?
Point Arena Lighthouse is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Sonoma and Mendocino coast on Highway 1.
What is there to see near Point Arena Lighthouse?
Places worth a stop nearby: Mendocino Village (25 mi), Glass Beach (35 mi), Fort Ross State Historic Park (41 mi) and Goat Rock Beach (48 mi).
When is the best time to visit Point Arena Lighthouse?
The most pleasant months are usually May–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March–April and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)