San Diego, California's second largest city, is located in the southwest corner of the United States and is home to one of the most historic and beautiful lighthouses in the country. Lighthouse tours are a great way to experience the history and functions of these preserved monuments. From ranger-led to self-guided, these tours will delight visitors of all ages.
The Old Point Loma Lighthouse, built in 1855, sits high upon the cliff side overlooking the San Diego Bay. According to the National Park Service, the Old Point Loma Lighthouse was only in operation for 36 years before it shut down in 1891. Due to constant fog and low clouds that obstructed the incoming ship's view of the light, it was replaced by another lighthouse closer to the water. Restored to its authentic 1880s interior look, the lighthouse still sits 422 feet above sea level and allows visitors a look at a simpler time in history.
The Old Point Loma Lighthouse offers visitors a chance to experience what life was like for a lighthouse keeper in the 1880s with guided tours and talks led by the National Park Service rangers. The daily schedule for the tours is available at the Cabrillo National Monument Visitors Center. These tours consist of exploring various exhibits about the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and the New Point Loma Lighthouse that is still in use today. Visit the living quarters of the assistant keeper while hearing about the history of the original keeper, Captain Robert Decatur Israel. Tour guides are actual living descendants dressed in period clothing. Take a climb on the staircase for views out the windows of the office, bedroom, kitchen, and parlor.
Pick up some brochures in the Cabrillo National Monument for the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and take a self-guided tour to explore the lighthouse at your own pace. The Cabrillo National Monument is open every day of the year, even weekends and holidays, and offers detailed books about the lighthouse as well as other various gifts and souvenirs. For visitors wishing to tour the Old Point Loma Lighthouse with no guide, all persons in the National Monument and Lighthouse must exit by 5 p.m. every day.
