Point Loma Lighthouse

Erected in November of 1855, the original Point Loma Light House is one of the original eight Cape Cod influenced structures built along the California coast to aid sea navigation. The lighthouse did not get off to a good start. First, construction costs reached over $30,000 - much over the budget. Then, when the first-order Fresnel lens arrived, the builders could not fit it into the tower and a smaller lens had to be substituted. Finally, because of its elevation, the light was often shrouded in fog.

For 36 years, the tower was a beacon at the entrance of the San Diego Bay. At 422 feet above sea level, the original location seemed to be good for ships entering the area. It was soon recognized, however, that the light was often hidden by low hanging clouds and dense fog. The site was abandoned shortly thereafter for a new location closer to the water and at the tip of the Peninsula (1891).

Today, Old Point Loma Lighthouse is the centerpiece of the Cabrillo National Monument, which honors Portuguese navigational explorer, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, who first discovered San Diego Bay and charted the coast of California.

Visiting Point Loma Lighthouse

The National Park Service has refurbished the interior of the Cape Cod to the historic 1880’s appearance -- a reminder of a bygone era. Ranger-led talks, displays and brochures are available to explain the interesting past of the light house. For more information and tour schedules call: (619) 557-5450.

Point Loma is located in Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego. From I-5 South or I-8 west, exit at Rosecrans St., turn right on Canon St., then left on Catalina Blvd. From I-5 North: exit and turn left on Hawthorne St., then right on N. Harbor Drive, left on Rosecrans St., right on Canon St., and left on Catalina Blvd.