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Point Fermin Lighthouse

807 W Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro, CA 90731, USA

Name and Location

The Point Fermin Lighthouse is located at 807 W Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro, CA 90731, USA, in Los Angeles County, California.

Construction and History

The Point Fermin Lighthouse was constructed in 1874 by the United States Government to guide mariners through the treacherous coastline of Southern California. Originally, it stood at a height of 14.4 meters (47 feet), with its tower built on top of a 49.5-meter-high (162-foot) bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse's architecture is characterized by its distinctive Victorian-style design, featuring a two-story, three-bay structure with a central tower. The building's elevations are adorned with ornate wooden trim, while the interior boasts a cozy, nautical-themed decor.

Light and Navigation

As an aid to navigation, the Point Fermin Lighthouse originally served as a primary beacon for ships navigating the San Pedro Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Its original light source was a third-order Fresnel lens, which was later replaced with a modern LED light system. Although it is no longer an active lighthouse, its historic significance and architectural charm have made it a popular tourist destination.

Accessibility and Visiting

Today, the Point Fermin Lighthouse operates as a museum and historic site, managed by the City of Los Angeles Parks Department. Visitors can explore the lighthouse's interior, climb to the top for panoramic views, and learn about its rich history through guided tours and exhibits.

Notable Views and Landscape

Visitors who climb to the top of the lighthouse will enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding coastline.

Technical and Operational Details

The Point Fermin Lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) under Criteria A and C, citing its significance in the development of maritime commerce and navigation.

Further Information

For more information about the Point Fermin Lighthouse, please visit the National Register of Historic Places or the City of Los Angeles Parks Department website.

Details

NamePoint Fermin Lighthouse
CitySan Pedro
CountryUsa
Coordinates33.7054421, -118.2936951
Websitehttps://sanpedro.com/san-pedro-area-points-interest/point-fermin-lighthouse/
Year of construction1874
Historic significancecultural and historical importance as one of the oldest lighthouses on the West Coast
Architectural styleVictorian-style
Focal height162
Tower height47
Heritage statustrue
Access descriptionmuseum and historic site, managed by the City of Los Angeles Parks Department
Accessibletrue
Landscape typecoastal
View descriptionpanoramic views of the Pacific Ocean
Guided tourstrue
Facilitiestoilets, cafe, gift shop
AIS Radarfalse
Automatedfalse