Old Point Loma Lighthouse
Old Point Loma Lighthouse, Cabrillo National Monument, 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
Name and Location
Old Point Loma Lighthouse is located at Cabrillo National Monument, 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106, USA. The coordinates are 32.6719879 N, ‑117.2409909 W.
2. Construction and History
The Old Point Loma Lighthouse was built in 1855 and served mariners for 36 years before being decommissioned in 1891. It is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places (NRHP ref. #74000350, inscribed 1974-06-27, criteria A & C) and is part of Cabrillo National Monument.
3. Architecture and Materials
The lighthouse has a mid-19th-century Federal government lighthouse design, with a modest coastal station structure. It features a one-story keeper's dwelling with an attached small cylindrical tower made from local stone and brick, finished with exterior stucco.
4. Light and Navigation
The original light was oil-fed Fresnel-style lamp (no longer present). The light range and characteristic are not documented in surviving station logs. The lighthouse no longer has an active navigational light; it is used solely for interpretation.
5. Accessibility and Visiting
Visitors can access the lighthouse by driving or taking a shuttle to Cabrillo National Monument visitor center, then walking (paved trail) to the lighthouse. Public access includes exterior grounds open daily during park hours; periodic ranger-led interior tours are available when staffing allows.
6. Notable Views and Landscape
The lighthouse commands sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean to the west and San Diego Bay to the east. The immediate environs feature native coastal sage scrub, stands of Monterey cypress, and seasonal wildflowers that bloom in spring.
7. Anecdotes and Folklore
No anecdotes or folklore are available for this section.
8. Technical and Operational Details
The lighthouse was operated manually by civilian lightkeepers and assistants until 1891. It did not undergo automation prior to widespread automation of U.S. lights.
9. Further Information
- https://catalog.archives.gov/id/123860939">National Register of Historic Places nomination form (1974)
- https://www.nps.gov/cabr/index.htm">NPS Cabrillo National Monument
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Point_Loma_Lighthouse">Wikipedia: Old Point Loma Lighthouse
Details
| Name | Old Point Loma Lighthouse |
|---|---|
| City | San Diego |
| Country | Usa |
| Coordinates | 32.6719879, -117.2409909 |
| Year of construction | 1855 |
| Events | Decommissioned in 1891 |
| Stories | Historical registers list several 19th-century keepers, but individual anecdotes are scarce in surviving archives |
| Architectural style | Mid-19th-century Federal government lighthouse design |
| Construction material | "Local stone and brick, with exterior stucco finish" |
| Access description | Drive or shuttle to Cabrillo National Monument visitor center, then a short uphill walk (paved trail) to the lighthouse. |
| Accessible | true |
| Landscape type | Coastal sage scrub and stands of Monterey cypress |
| View description | Sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean to the west and San Diego Bay to the east. |
| Facilities | Interpretive panels, Binocular stations, Photographic viewpoints |
| Nearby attractions | ["Cabrillo statue and visitor center","Tide pools","Coastal hiking trails","Military fortifications"] |
| AIS Radar | false |
| Light characteristic | "Fixed white light" |
| Automated | false |