Point Cabrillo Lighthouse was constructed after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake to guide ships carrying lumber away from the dangerous coastal shoals. This beacon illuminated the rocky coastline of Mendocino County, and many historic buildings from that era are still intact today.

The lighthouse features a third order, British-built Fresnel lens crafted by Chance Bros., which can be seen for 13 to 15 miles. Notably, it remains an active navigational aid, serving as a critical resource for mariners.

What to Do There

Visitors have the opportunity to tour the beautifully restored lighthouse, the Lightkeeper’s Home and Museum, and the surrounding nature preserve grounds. The Farmhouse Visitor Center, located near the parking area, showcases an exhibit about the native Pomo Indians.

Moreover, a few times each year, the Point Cabrillo Lightkeepers Association offers special tours focused on the iconic lens.

Point Cabrillo also serves as an excellent whale-watching spot during the annual Gray Whale migration, which occurs from December to April.

Interestingly, before the lighthouse was established, the ship named Frolic wrecked off Point Cabrillo. Artifacts from this shipwreck can be explored at the lighthouse location.

While exploring the area, consider visiting the Point Arena Lighthouse, which is located approximately 40 miles south of Point Cabrillo.

Spend the Night

At Point Cabrillo, there is a rare chance to become a lightkeeper for a night. Accommodations include the main lightkeeper’s house, an assistant lightkeeper’s house, or one of the two nearby cottages, providing a unique overnight experience.

Fascinating History

The U.S. Lighthouse Service surveyed Cabrillo Point in 1873; however, it wasn’t until 1908 that a light station was constructed. The first illumination of the lens took place on June 10, 1909, under head keeper Wilhelm Baumgartner. The original station featured a combined light and fog-signal building, three keeper’s dwellings, a barn, pump house, and a carpenter/blacksmith shop.

Baumgartner married local resident Lena Seman in 1911 and maintained his role at the light station until his passing in 1923.

Initially, a kerosene lamp was utilized to light the lens, which operated through a mechanical clockwork system. To generate a flash of light every ten seconds, the four-sided lens revolved three times every two minutes. In 1935, this was upgraded to an electric light and motor.

The U.S. Coast Guard assumed responsibility for the station in 1939. Keeper Bill Owens, who also served at the Point Arena Lighthouse, managed Point Cabrillo from 1952 until his retirement in 1963, making him the last civilian lightkeeper on the West Coast.

In 1973, the Coast Guard ceased manning the station, replacing it with a modern rotating beacon positioned on the roof west of the lantern room. Subsequently, from the late 1980s onwards, various organizations have worked on restoring the old lighthouse, which is now a part of a state park.

Interestingly, Point Cabrillo has made appearances in film, notably featured in the 2001 Warner Bros. movie The Majestic.

Visiting

Point Cabrillo Light Station is a designated California state park. For hours and additional information, refer to the Point Cabrillo Light Station Website. Notably, there is no admission fee for entry.

The main lightkeeper’s house has been renovated and is now available for rental, alongside two nearby cottages, accommodating a total of six rooms for visitors looking to experience this historic site.

Getting There

45300 Lighthouse Rd
Mendocino, CA 95468

Point Cabrillo Lighthouse is situated on the scenic Mendocino coast, approximately two miles north of the town of Mendocino and six miles south of Fort Bragg. Access Point Cabrillo Drive from California Highway 1 and follow the signage along the way.

After parking in the designated lot, you can reach the lighthouse via two paths. Choose the cliffside walk for beautiful views or opt for the shorter paved road by turning left from the lot when facing the ocean.