West Coast
Lighthouses (more properly called "light stations") and lightships of the United States' west coast, including Alaska, Washington state, Oregon, California, and Hawaii. Many are open to the public, including opportunities to explore lighthouse grounds, climb the tower, and view the Fresnel lens. Lighthouse photography is a popular activity. Some remote lighthouses are accessible by water only. A number of lighthouses and lightships are accompanied by locally managed maritime museums. If you operate a lighthouse that's open to the public, send your news about activities to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Browse a list of lighthouses where you can volunteer as a lighthouse keeper or just stay overnight.
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Admiralty Head Lighthouse
Established in 1860, the current Admiralty Head Lighthouse was constructed in 1903 and deactivated in 1922. It is now within a state park.
Alcatraz Island Lighthouse
Established in 1853, the original tower of the Alcatraz Lighthouse was destroyed by the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake. The replacement tower was constructed shortly afterward, and it is now part of the Alcatraz Island National Historic Landmark.
Alki Point Lighthouse
Established in 1887, the current Alki Point Lighthouse was constructed in 1913. Automated in 1984, the light is still an active aid to navigation.
Anacapa Island Lighthouse
Established in 1930 and built in 1932, the Anacapa Island Lighthouse is now part of Channel Islands National Park.
Angels Gate Lighthouse
The Angels Gate Lighthouse is also known as the Los Angeles Harbor Lighthouse. The structure was renovated in 2012.
Ano Nuevo Lighthouse
Established in 1872, the tower for Ano Nuevo Lighthouse off Pigeon Point near Santa Cruz was first lit in 1890, but the Coast Guard shut it down in 1948. The ruins are now in the Ano Nuevo State Reserve.
Barbers Point Lighthouse
Established in 1888, the current Barbers Point Lighthouse was constructed in 1933. Automated since 1964, the lighthouse is still an active aid to navigation.
Battery Point Lighthouse
Established and built in 1855, the Battery Point Lighthouse was named for cannon salvaged from a nearby wreck. Automated in 1953, the lighthouse, known officially as the Crescent City Lighthouse, is now operated by the Del Norte Historical Society as a museum.
Browns Point Lighthouse
Established in 1887, the current Browns Point Lighthouse was constructed in 1933. Automated in 1963, the lighthouse is still an active aid to navigation. It is now a museum, with the keepers quarters available for overnight rental. Accommodations for overnight and/or long-term stays available.
Burrows Island Lighthouse
Established and built in 1906, the Burrows Island Lighthouse is still an active aid to navigation.
Bush Point Lighthouse
The Bush Point Lighthouse was built in 1933 to guide mariners through the middle reaches of Admiralty Inlet into Puget Sound.
Cape Arago Lighthouse
Established in 1866, the current Cape Arago Lighthouse, also called the Cape Gregory Lighthouse, was constructed in 1934 and automated in 1966. Now deactivated, the lighthouse is served by an 1889 iron bridge that is closed to the public.
Cape Blanco Lighthouse
Established and built in 1870, the Cape Blanco Lighthouse is the oldest and southernmost of Oregon's Lighthouses. It is now within a state park, although the lighthouse itself is managed by the federal Bureau of Land Management. The Fresnel lens is still installed in the lighthouse. Accommodations for overnight and/or long-term stays available.
Cape Decision Lighthouse
Established and built in 1932, the Cape Decision Lighthouse was the last constructed in Alaskan waters. Still an active aid to navigation, it is now managed by a not-for-profit.
Cape Disappointment Lighthouse
Established and built in 1856, the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse is located within a state park and it is still an active aid to navigation. The Fresnel lens is still installed in the lighthouse.
Cape Flattery Lighthouse
Established and built in 1857, the Cape Flattery Lighthouse was automated in 1977 and is still an active aid to navigation.
Cape Hinchinbrook Lighthouse
Established in 1910, the current Cape Hinchinbrook Lighthouse was constructed in 1934. The light was automated in 1974 and is still an active aid to navigation at the entrance to Prince William Sound.
Cape Kumukahi Lighthouse
Established in 1929, the current skeletal metal tower of the Cape Kumukahi Lighthouse was constructed in 1934. Automated in 1960, the lighthouse is still an active aid to navigation.
Cape Meares Lighthouse
Established and built in 1890, the Cape Meares Lighthouse marks the entrance to Tillamook Bay. The lighthouse, replaced by a nearby tower in 1963, is now a local attraction.(More photos at http://www.peregrinesea.com) Accommodations for overnight and/or long-term stays available.
Cape Mendocino Lighthouse
Constructed in 1867 and 1868 on the westernmost tip of California, Cape Mendocino Lighthouse warned mariners away from one of the most dangerous shorelines in the state.