Lighthouses of California -  Point Arena
Point Arena Lighthouse
45500 Lighthouse Road
Point Arena, CA 95468
Point Arena Lighthouse Point Arena Lighthouse is a 115-foot coastal tower rebuilt in 1908 after a devastating earthquake, standing as one of the tallest and most powerful lighthouses on the West Coast.

Prints & Downloads

Map

Point Arena Lighthouse  Keepers (Partial list)
  • First keeper appointed in 1870
  • Staffed by a head keeper and assistants until automation
  • Keepers endured strong winds, heavy fog, and powerful Pacific storms

Location

Located on a dramatic bluff along the Mendocino County coastline, about 2 miles north of the town of Point Arena, California.​​​

History

Key Milestones
  • 1870 – Original lighthouse first lit
  • 1906 – Tower severely damaged in the San Francisco earthquake
  • 1908 – Current reinforced concrete tower completed
  • 1977 – Automated by the U.S. Coast Guard
  • Present – Operates as an active aid to navigation and public historic site
Interesting Historical Facts
  • At 115 feet tall, it is one of the tallest lighthouses on the West Coast.
  • The 1906 earthquake damage led to its complete reconstruction using reinforced concrete — making it more resilient to seismic activity.
  • The original First Order Fresnel lens is on display at the site.
  • The light is visible up to 24 nautical miles in clear conditions.
  • Visitors can climb 145 steps to the top for panoramic views of the rugged Mendocino coast.
  • The lighthouse sits near the tectonically active Mendocino Triple Junction.

Photography

You can easily shoot this location with a cell phone, but looks best when you can shoot from a distance with a 300mm lens.