Visit

There is much to do when visiting the Point Cabrillo Light Station, a California State Historic Park. The State Park includes the historic 1909 Light Station (30.5 acres), approximately 270 acres of undeveloped coastal bluffs and prairie and numerous coves, including Frolic Cove, the site of the shipwreck Frolic. When visiting, please respect how dangerous the Pacific Ocean can be, even on apparently calm days and stay well away from the edges of any bluffs.

Note that, due to the fragile and sensitive cultural and wildlife resources present at Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park, the flying of private drones is prohibited throughout the Park

Click to learn more:

Light Station Hours

The museums, marine exhibit, and gift shop are open from 11am until 4pm daily, including holidays.

  • The Lighthouse main floor houses the gift shop and history museum. A $5 donation per adult is requested. The main floor is dog-friendly.
  • The 1st Assistant Lightkeeper’s Home is a period museum of the home of a lightkeeper family in the 1930s.
  • The Blacksmith & Carpentry Shop houses the tidepool aquarium and Marine Science Exhibit.

The farmhouse building at the upper parking lot is closed. Restrooms in the building are open.

Park grounds and trails are open daily, sunrise to sunset. Please keep dogs on a leash and under control.

Lantern Room and Lens Tours

On special occasions, the upstairs Lantern Room housing the lens is open to the public. Please join the Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 87, our modern lightkeepers, and the volunteers of Point Cabrillo Lightkeepers Association for a unique opportunity to visit the lantern room and the beautifully restored operational third order Fresnel lens. These tours are offered only a few days each year. See our events page to learn more about these tours.