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 location initially 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. It sits at the top of the hill and the newer lighthouse is visible from the road, but not open to the public.
Visiting Point Loma Lighthouse
The National Park Service refurbished the interior of the Cape Cod to the historic 1880s 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.
