Point Vicente Lighthouse

• Hours: Open second Saturday of month (first Saturday in March) Check for current schedule
• Reservations: Not required
• Cost: None
• Location: Rancho Palos Verdes about a quarter mile south of the southern end of Hawthorne Blvd, driving directions below
• How Long: Unless you're especially interested in lighthouses, an hour will do
• Best Time to Visit: Any time they're open

Local storytellers contend that the Point Vicente Light Tower is home to a lady ghost who lost her lover at sea. Realists will tell you that the shadowy images are really reflections from the third order Fresnel lens atop the 67 foot tower.

The view from the nearby cliffs is superb and the nearby park offers great opportunities for enthusiastic whale watchers. The beam from Point Vicente Lighthouse's powerful lens can be seen up to 20 miles at sea.

History of Point Vicente Lighthouse

Point Vicente Lighthouse was built in 1926, in response to a petition from ships' masters who sailed this disastrous stretch of coastal waters. The original lens, manufactured in France by Barbier & Bernard came from Alaska where it had been in use for 40 years. It remains atop the structure, but is now automated.

The addition of a radio station and helicopter pad made the location the Coast Guard's principal communication center in Southern California, as well as the base for numerous rescue operations. It is one of the biggest and brightest lights along the California coast.

Visiting Point Vicente Lighthouse

Getting to the Point Vicente Lighthouse

Point Vicente Lighthouse
31550 Palos Verdes Drive, West Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Website

The Point Vicente Lighthouse is located at the southwestern tip of the Palos Verdes peninsula, near where Hawthorne Blvd. intersects Palos Verdes Drive. They require people 18 years old and up to show a photo ID.