Point Arena Lighthouse San Francisco Day Trip

Point Arena Lighthouse Mendocino County

The lovely Point Arena lighthouse is located at the end of a small peninsula. For over 100 years, the lighthouse has protected sailors from the rough shoreline and rocky outcroppings along the Pacific Coast. If traveling down Highway 1, make a side trip to this historic lighthouse and museum.

Visitors can enjoy the lighthouse museum, which documents the history of the lighthouse, the 1906 earthquake and subsequent rebuild of the lighthouse, and other events that occurred in the area. The centerpiece of the lighthouse is the beautiful Fresnel lens that used to be up in the lighthouse. Friendly docents are available to answer questions.

Guided Tours Point Arena Lighthouse

Tours leave every 20 minutes and are on a first-come, first-serve basis. The top of the lighthouse is accessed by an interior spiral staircase of over 140 steps, with the last bit on a steep and narrow stairwell.

Once at the top, you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama view of the Pacific Ocean, the Garcia River Valley, and the Stornetta Public Lands. It is common to see migrating whales on clear days and during the right time of the year. The tour guide will point out interesting landmarks and is happy to answer questions. There is plenty of time to take photos and step onto the circular balcony for fresh air views.

Foggy Days at the Lighthouse

Fog is a regular occurrence in this area. Therefore, try to time your visit on a non-foggy day to take full advantage of the views. Visiting the lighthouse on a foggy day is still a great experience. The stunning views are traded for a grey cloak that hugs the lighthouse. It can be a little eerie and spooky if you have an active imagination.

There are a few picnic tables on the lighthouse grounds and a trail to a gazebo on an overlook. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trails.

Spend The Night at a Lighthouse Cottage

A particularly unique feature of the Point Arena Lighthouse is its four rental houses. These former lighthouse keeper homes are now available as vacation homes. The homes enjoy stunning ocean views, and the flashing lighthouse is neat at night. These rentals make a great family or romantic getaway.

Overnight visitors can choose ten different lodging options from a 1-bedroom, 1-bathkeeper’s room to a 3-bedroom / 2-bath patio, Ocean View Keepers house. There are several pet-friendly options for those traveling with their four-legged friends. For more information on lodging and to book a reservation, visit this website.

Stornetta Public Lands

Once you are out at the Point Arena Lighthouse peninsula, a great way to extend your visit is to take in the natural beauty of the Stornetta Public Lands. Bordered on one side by the lighthouse, this 1,132-acre area includes two miles of coastline and the Garcia River estuary.

Popular features include sinkholes where you can watch the ocean water rush in at high tide. A waterfall drops from the rocky ledges into the ocean following heavy rain. The terrain is generally flat unless you want to work down the rocky shoreline to the tide pool.

The Stornetta Public Lands are ideal for hiking, picnics, nature photography, and wildlife viewing. Bring your camera and binoculars because stunning shore and land wildlife are common.

Migratory birds, such as waterfowl, can be seen as shorebirds, raptors, and special-status avian species. Because this area is an active, eroding, and dynamic coastline, be aware of sinkholes and unstable cliffs. Keep your pet leashed and your children close at hand.

What to Bring on Your Day Trip

When visiting the lighthouse or the Stornetta Public Lands, dress in layers with wind protection. The weather changes quickly in this coastal area. Don’t forget your camera binoculars to capture the stunning views from the top of the lighthouse.

There is a small gift shop on-site, but no food services. You can pick up picnic provisions in Point Arena at one of the markets or enjoy a sit-down meal at one of the restaurants in town or near the Point Arena pier before or after your visit.

Where is Point Arena Lighthouse

The lighthouse is located a few miles north of Point Arena. From Highway 1, turn west on Lighthouse Road and drive towards the ocean. There will be signage on Highway 1 for the lighthouse.

Just follow Lighthouse Road to the end. A gate and attendant will provide more information. There are pullout areas for the Stornetta Public Lands before you get to the lighthouse entrance. Look for a cleared area under large trees at the 90-degree bend in the road.

Point Arena Lighthouse is open daily from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM in the winter and extends the closing time to 4:30 PM in the summer. Entry is charged on a per-person basis.

Point Arena is 129 miles from San Francisco. The drive time is about three hours. You might consider spending one night in the area for this trip.

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