OLD POINT LOMA LIGHTHOUSE

San Diego, California

DESCRIPTION:

Old Point Loma lighthouse commands the most majestic views of the city of San Diego and the bay, as well as the Pacific Ocean. This location is a perfect example of why I like lighthouses, and one I like to give when I am asked why I like them. The view alone, even without the lighthouse sitting on top of the mountain, is worth the visit. Someone else thought so to and it was preserved as the Cabrillo National Monument.

The lighthouse is a two story, Cape Cod style, building, with the lantern room in the center of the peak. Very much like the lighthouse at Point Pinos, Monterey. At the time it was constructed the city of San Diego was a whaling center, not much bigger than the Old Town section of today. The lighthouse remained dark from 1891 until it was restored and the beacon activated again in the 1980's. The lightouse is open to the public, the tour is self guided. .

DIRECTIONS:

In California, take Interstate 5 to Route 209. Stay on Route 209 until you reach the Cabrillo National Monument visitors center at the end. (619) 557-5450.

The lighthouses and park are located within Point Loma military base. The gates close at 5pm. On my first attempt to see the lighthouse I drove out there at 4:30pm hoping to catch the sunset. I did not know there were gates here, and they would not let me past the gates. Old Point Loma is open to the public, it is a self guided tour.

WHILE YOU ARE THERE:
There is much to do in San Diego. Cabrillo National Momument has become a well know spot to see whales migrating in the fall and spring. Sea World and the San Diego Zoo are two major attractions.
The Hotel Del Coronado is a wonderful Victorian hotel, First opened in 1888, it was the largest structure outside NYC with electricity. From the beach at the Hotel Del Coronado the two lighthouses of Point Loma are just visible, better through binoculars. 1-800-468-3533

Old town is a recreation of what San Diego once looked like. A nice place to go in the evening. Lots of shops and Mexican restaurants. There is also a maritime museum on the bay.
La Jolla is not to far away, visit the cave beneath the shell shop.

NEAREST LIGHTHOUSES:
NEW POINT LOMA - Below Old Point Loma
Point Fermin - North of San Diego. - About 2.5 hours by car
Los Angeles Harbor, Long Beach. .

The Lighthouse Locator Published and Photographed by F. Menke.

The Lighthouse Locator features a new lighthouse location every month.

Next Month - August - Sea Girt, NJ

DESCRIPTION:
	Old Point Loma lighthouse commands the most majestic views of the city of San Diego and the bay, as well as the Pacific Ocean. This location is a perfect example of why I like lighthouses, and one I like to give when I am asked why I like them. The view alone, even without the lighthouse sitting on top of the mountain, is worth the visit. Someone else thought so to and it was preserved as the Cabrillo National Monument.
The lighthouse is a two story, Cape Cod style, building, with the lantern room in the center of the peak. Very much like the lighthouse at Point Pinos, Monterey. At the time it was constructed the city of San Diego was a whaling center, not much bigger than the Old Town section of today. The lighthouse remained dark from 1891 until it was restored and the beacon activated again in the 1980's. The lightouse is open to the public, the tour is self guided. .

DIRECTIONS:
	In California, take Interstate 5 to Route 209. Stay on Route 209 until you reach the Cabrillo National Monument visitors center at the end. (619) 557-5450.
	The lighthouses and park are located within Point Loma military base. The gates close at 5pm. On my first attempt to see the lighthouse I drove out there at 4:30pm hoping to catch the sunset. I did not know there were gates here, and they would not let me past the gates. Old Point Loma is open to the public, it is a self guided tour.