There is just something about lighthouses that everyone loves. It’s a quiet haven of contemplation and sweet serenity in a sometimes too chaotic world. The feeling of being surrounded by nature, standing high above the ocean, with waves crashing below, and the smell of salt blowing in the breeze. It’s soothing and symbolic of many things from strength and guidance to promises of resilience and renewal.
So, it’s no wonder why many people go from place to place, in search of new lighthouses to explore. In this post, we will show you some on the west coast.
California
Point Reyes Light (Point Reyes National Seashore, California)
This lighthouse was built in 1870 to warn vessels of the dangers in one of the windiest and foggiest known spots on the west coast. Since then, it has been turned into a museum, open for public viewing. It is also a National Historic Landmark. The surrounding area is perfect for wildlife sightings, including elk and shorebirds. And the beaches are excellent for viewing whales, especially during their annual migration.
Point Bonita Lighthouse
Looking over the Marin Headlands, Point Bonita Lighthouse, built in 1855, promises visitors a unique view of the Golden Gate Bridges and San Francisco skyline. Visit the lighthouse and trail on Sundays and Mondays from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m
Oregon
Heceta Head Light, Yachats, Oregon
Considered to be one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world, Heceta Head Light not only allows visitors to take a climb up but also to stay the night. Guests are welcome to book a night in the light keeper’s house which doubles as a bed and breakfast.
Cape Blanco Lighthouse (Port Orford)
This lighthouse located in the westernmost point in the United States was first lit in 1870 and is one of the oldest original towers in Oregon. After some early disagreement over the name, Cape Blanco eventually became the common usage. The ground it’s resting on, consists of layers of various marine sediment, some of which is millions of year old, and each yeah, Capo Blanco gets a little higher by several millimeters. All of the landforms on the Oregon Coast appear to be rising as the ocean floor slides under the continent.
Yaquina Head Lighthouse (Newport)
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this is Oregon’s last remaining historical, wooden lighthouse that is still standing and fully operational. Built in 1871, and initially only used for the first three years, it was re-lit about twenty years ago.
Washington
Grays Harbor Light Station
Located along the central Washington Coast, visitors can climb 135 stairs to one of the most beautiful views on the Pacific. The beach is now 3,000 feet away, thanks to sediment deposits from Grays Harbor. Multiple lighthouses have sat here over the years, several of them toppling over due to the built-up deposits. And each new lighthouse is built further out than the last.
Ready?
Now that you’ve seen some lighthouses on the west, check out what the east side has in store. And wherever you end up, book your last-minute hotel reservations on our sister site, HotelCoupons.com.
