The point arena lighthouse is very impressive and it's history is very interesting. This is actually the 3rd lighthouse on the premises. It is well worth the $5 extra fee to climb to the top. The views from the top of the lighthouse are inspiring and very beautiful. Very polite staff and a nice gift shop as well. read more

See all

I went out to the light house but parked outside the gate. Beautiful scenery and view of lighthouse. Grounds look nice and clean. Ample parking inside and outside the main gate. Views of the oceans and lighthouse. I had my dogs with me and they needed to run. I'm confident the light house and grounds are just as spectacular inside the complex as they looked from outside the gates. read more

See all

A wonderful place to spend time! We stayed at the lodging here for 3 days last year. Highly recommend that as well! After closing the entire place is yours! You can chill with the lighthouse cat or explore with flashlights under the moon. During our stay we went to the top of the lighthouse many times.. it's a quite few steps but worth it! The gift shop is also cool! We went home with a shirt and a magnet. Although the need for this lighthouse is no longer, it still works and is magnificent as is the whole park! Complete with rocky cliffs and a labyrinth by the sea. read more

Point Arena Light Station - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Point Arena, California

See all

I'd always seen pictures of this beautiful lighthouse and had wanted to go forever! It's located about an hour away from Mendocino and is essentially in the middle of nowhere. It's the tallest lighthouse on the West Coast at 115 ft. $5 to park and $5 to access the top of the lighthouse. There's a gift shop in another building which is large and has some exhibits. Not all lighthouses offer access to the top, so I appreciate that they have tours here every 20 minutes which is super convenient. I'd recommend the tour for the view which is breathtaking. That being said, this is more for people that are fairly in shape and can handle 145 stairs up a narrow staircase as well as not being afraid of heights. I'm slightly afraid of heights so walking on the outside perimeter was a little scary for me especially since it was windy but it's worth it for the view. If in the Mendocino/Fort Bragg area and only had time for one lighthouse and trying to decide between this one and Cabrillo, I'd say this one has a more wow factor and tours go up daily unlike Cabrillo. However, Cabrillo is better if you do not want to drive an hour from Mendocino and there are more hiking trails around to explore afterwards. read more

See all

I had such a surprisingly wonderful experience here! The gift shop was so cool to look at. And I adored their story about their lighthouse cat Arena Mina, I wish I got to meet her because she's too cute! I learned a lot of stuff on this tour and it was fun being able to climb all the way up top of the lighthouse! read more

See all

Even if you're not going to do the tour, it's still really cool to see this lighthouse close up. There's also a cute little store where you can buy souvenirs. Right outdoors, there a cool whale skeleton, if that's what you call it. Pretty cool, don't forget to check it out. It's right next to the store entrance. Also free parking and plenty of spaces. read more

See all

Hidden gem! Everyone, especially Californians, should do this once in your lifetime! I think we got lucky with a clear beautiful day because those views from the top of the lighthouse were unmatched. Love the gift shop in the little history tour. Everyone who worked there was friendly and knowledgeable. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone. It far exceeded expectations I had for it. read more

See all

Stopped by Point Arena's famous lighthouse. There are 2 fees; one to enter the site and another to have a tour of the Lighthouse, both are $5 each. For $10 you get to learn the history of one of the tallest lighthouse in the west coast as well as experience great views from the, bottom, middle, and top of the lighthouse. 10/10 Experience for me. read more

See all

This was a cute little place to stop and take pictures at we really enjoyed the view. We didn't pay to actually go inside or do any of the tours though. There is a lot of different people parked around all over the place taking pictures. Overall definitely a nice rest stop. Idk if I'd go out of my way to visit though but it's cool to have come once. read more

Absolutely beautiful lighthouse. We stopped in here just to walk through before heading into town, and it was absolutely gorgeous! There is lodging on site and they do tours of the lighthouse daily. They even have a local cat that roams around the area. The views from the coast are so pretty! read more

Point Arena Light Station - View of the coast - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Point Arena, California

Such a cozy and thoughtful place! The hosts prepared firewood and kindling for the fireplace, and the house had everything we could possibly need. The views are absolutely breathtaking -- endless space, the sound of the ocean waves, and that fresh sea breeze. You can just sit for hours watching the sunset and listening to the surf. It's a wonderful place to relax and recharge -- everything you need for a truly cozy weeken read more

See all

Great place to visit and take a tour to the top. $5 to park and $5 for the tour. Free museum and gift shop too. Worth a visit.

Beautiful old lighthouse! Small interesting gift shop with museum information. Take the tour of the lighthouse, it is very informative. 115 steps to the top and the views are amazing! Great. Experience all around. .......I have to add....as I was walking past the memorial plaque inside the base of the lighthouse, I felt two grabs of the back of my shirt! No one around! Just saying. read more

Point Arena Lighthouse is a must-see when you visit the Mendocino coast. Take the tour, climb the 115-foot tower by it's 145 steps. At the top, you'll have access to the most incredible 360-degree view on the California Coast !! My son, Yelper Elite Jason R's 1st job, at 15, was a lighthouse tower tour guide here. Needless to say, he came home exhausted every day but never tired of the excitement and views. read more

See all

This area is secluded almost off the grid area with some vacant one level spaces to rent, this is ideal for the vacationers who want a break from any type of city noise or hustle and bustle in the daytime. Those spaces are nestled close to nature, near the cliff and the sounds of wind and waves and will have to be ok with having to drive a bit of a distance to civilization for provisions. They do have a museum area as well once you go through the gift shop. If you're inclined to go up the light house they also have tours available. My boyfriend and I did a museum tour and saw little glimpses of history and how the movie Forever Young used this site in the movie. You also get to view past light house keepers and their families who lived in the area. Interesting piece of history read more

See all

Had an amazing trip to the top of the lighthouse; highly recommend you make the trip to the top.

Classic tall lighthouse along the Mendocino coastline in California. This is the second lighthouse on the location after the first was significantly damaged by an earthquake in 1906. This new lighthouse began operation in 1908 and stands 115 feet tall. The lighthouse is open to the public and features a gift shop and museum at the base. Of course, there's a fee to enter the parking area or you can park outside and walk some distance. If you do decide to drive, keep an eye out for the lighthouse cat, Mena. Gifts in the gift shop are way expensive. Magnets for $10 and postcards for $1. Yowza. [Review 17638 overall - 428 in California - 1159 of 2022.] read more

See all

Starry, Starry Light Lighthouse that's been in service since 1870 and is tied with the Pigeon Point Lighthouse as the tallest in CA at a whopping 115'. This current building is not the brick-and-mortar original, as that one was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake and later rebuilt 18 months later in 1908 into what you see today. The Good: *It's a Lighthouse! *Great gift shop *Docents are incredibly friendly and helpful. *Make sure you say hi to Arena Mina the Lighthouse Cat! She has her own book and Instagram page, you know. https://amzn.to/3KWhkB0 *Spectacular views *If you really love lighthouses, then you can actually spend a night--or two!--here on the grounds. It's a little pricey but def worth every penny. The Meh: *$5/per entrance fee or $25/vehicle depending on which is cheaper. They are *NOT* state or government funded, so please don't be a cheapskate and park just outside and not pay. The Ugly: *Lots of fog in the area so there's always a chance of getting snookered on the views. TLDR: A must visit for Lighthouse fans and anyone staying near or visiting Pt Arena. read more

See all

9/27/2023 10:30am. Amazing views. Great little tour and cute gift shop. Had never been on a lighthouse tour. Cool to learn about the history. Great tour guide. Did I mention amazing views?!! read more

Point Arena Light Station - Beautiful - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Point Arena, California

This is one of another beautiful historical lighthouses on UNITED States west coast. The fog and clouds played hide and seek with us whole day. But it still is part of our daily lives. Golden hills, rolling fogs in summer, beautiful nights in winter anand spring brings myriad of colors with blooming wildflowers! This is definitely one of topmost in my lists to revisit. You could drive up north on 101 and then traverse across Sonoma county's winding mountain roads or just take route 1 all the way. We know the views are stunning from this point from looking at pictures. But shrouded in clouds it was like October in June! The tour of museum and light house itself was more fascinating for us. Since it was first time ever we actually could see a lighthouse from inside. 152 year old standing tall and proud they aren't funded by any federal agency or state or nps. So they appreciate the visitors. If you are here on a beautiful sunny day don't miss a chance to walk up 145 steps to the top. We opted to park just outside the gates and took a trail along the picket fence. Soaking in misty weather. It's almost mile long loop to the parking outside. But you could park right next to the lighthouse itself. There is also restroom available. Little snacks and gifts in their gift shop+ mini museum. PS. No drones are allowed. read more

See all

We stopped by while on our way back from bowling ball beach located in Point Arena and were delighted at the opportunity to take some great pictures of the Pacific. Unfortunately, the place closes at 5 pm and so we weren't able to get a lot of time to explore the place. read more

See all

Dont trust google on this one. You can probably skip this place. I was on my way to Mendocino, this place popped up along with another lighthouse further up. Ok, 4.7 stars on Google, historic landmark, sure let's check it out. They're currently having an outdoor museum, charging $5 per person. You're pretty much paying $5 for mediocre views. The place isn't well kept, outside of the main lighthouse and the gift shop that has a bit of history to read over, the place got nothing else worthy of time and money. Due to COVID, you cant go inside the light house tower. For 5 bucks, you get this map drawn by a kindergartener. You follow the map to hit up all the spots, and probably can finish in like 20 minutes, because some of the spots are labeled but doesnt really have much significance. You're probably better off at the other lighthouse. It's more colorful, there's a walking trail of 2 miles rather than a school yard of dead grass and dusty gazebo. read more

See all

On Saturday my sweetheart and I stopped by and had a picnic at their picnic tables overlooking the Pacific Ocean to celebrate our 1 year anniversary. Man what a view, it was very romantic watching the waves crash over the ocean! We also stopped into the museum/gift shop to browse and learn about the history and construction of the historic lighthouse and scheduled a tour to see inside. We climbed the steps up to the lighthouse and experienced the most breathtaking view and the tour guide was very helpful with answering questions and explaining how the lighthouse came to be! I would highly recommend visiting the largest Lighthouse on the Pacific Coast at a whopping 115 ft tall, it's been featured in several films including the romantic comedy "Forever Young", such a great film! On Saturday they will be having a fundraiser dinner and auction to celebrate 150 years, come out and show your support! They have rentals nearby if you need a place to stay and don't forget to keep your eyes peeled for their lighthouse cat Mina, hopefully next time we can spot her! read more

See all

Stopped in while driving south on highway 1. It costs $5 per person to enter the fenced area. There's a museum, restrooms and beautiful ocean views. They even have cottages you can rent for the night. Unfortunately, because of covid, the lighthouse is closed. read more

See all

I visited the Point Arena light house in April 2021 -- it was totally worth the price of admission to see such a wonderfully preserved site. I even got to meet the lighthouse keeper -- a friendly and informative man -- and Mina the Point Arena light house cat. There's even a children's book with her story (which I bought for my nephews, of course!). There are plenty of flat trails around the lighthouse for leisurely strolling. Bring binoculars and enjoy the sights and sounds of the seashore. read more

I am so sad we are leaving this morning. I mean it. I simply can get enough of being left alone on the edge of the continent. There are so many places to go and so many things to do. You can also just sit in a chair for hours. Places you can stay where there is a working historical lighthouse on the West Coast are few. I would have to look it up but I'll go out on a limb and say not very many. You can right here! This is the most unique place we stay. It is highly affordable because you can pay so much more for so much less. There is so much upside to the stay here! It's early Sunday morning. Open the front door so that I can here the music from the ocean. Coffee is on because they provide you with MORE than enough coffee. In fact. There are several little things they do like that to make your say special. We weren't planning to drink wine but they leave a right size bottle in the room with glasses. There room we stayed in was the smallest. There is a microwave and refrigerator. They both work awesome as do the cool room heater with remote control! A million tv channels for after the sun goes down. A short drive in either direction gets you to really one of a kind places like this place. I know Im forgetting some things. Mark, the Executive Director, tipped us to his whale siting and a short time later it was OUR whale siting. This dedicated servant of this property shared a wealth of inside information about this place when I asked! I could have talked to him for hours! You HAVE to stay here once. For us it's the third time and it is always a charm here. 27 years of our marriage and it couldn't have been a better celebration! read more

See all

The Light Station one of the few attractions in Point Arena area, but during Covid you can't go inside the Lighthouse, there is a little museum with some historical info about the lighthouse and a small gift shop. The entrance fee is $5/person, children under 12 is free. Worth to stop by if you have time to kill and wanted a nice view of the coastline, but can skip if you are short on time and have better places to go. If you walk around the fenced off areas, toward the Gazebo side of the cliff, you might be able to see seals chilling on the rocks and enjoying the California sunshine. read more

See all

The lighthouse timing is 10.00 AM - 3.00 PM, we went there at 7.30 PM to catch the sunset but lighthouse entrance was Closed and fog had Rolled in so we couldn't see the light house. It gets windy and cold once for rolls and waves were rough .. you can see from the cliff. So we went next morning around Noon it was wind n cold but we were able to enter the the lighthouse Entrance. There is entry fee $5 per person. they have got enough parking access to top of Lighthouse has been closed due to Covid. There is a museum that you can visit that tells about the lighthouse history. Overall good trip, kids Loved seeing the light house, whale bone. On clear day Sunset would be amazing.. read more

See all

Stunning views of the pacific and west coast/highway 1. Lighthouse is cute but could not go into museum or up because the area closes at 3pm (or 3:30?). Even though the park was closed to cars, you can still walk inside and take pictures. Other reviews said the lighthouse is closed due to COVID, but because the whole attraction was closed, I cannot confirm this. Overall, the lighthouse is definitely worth it to drive out 2 miles from hwy 1 to see this dreamy place, maybe bring some wine and watch the sunset. It is very cold and it was incredibly windy, so dress warmly read more

See all

The scenery around the Point Arena Light Station is stunning! Although you cannot go in the lighthouse, it is worth a trip to walk the grounds and take in the beauty of the coast. The entrance fee is $5 a person and includes a small museum/gift shop. read more

See all

This was such a cool spot. The grounds are pretty big and there is no charge to walk around. We spent over an hour looking at what i swear is the endangered mountain beaver, but it could've been just a gopher. He was adorable and very busy looking at us from a hole in the ground. There is a gift shop with fun gifts and an educational area that tells you all about the history of the lighthouse. It was quite fascinating. This is the tallest lighthouse on the West Coast!! We spent $7.50 per person to take a tour of the lighthouse. It is 115 feet tall and 145 steps up a spiral staircase. I would recommend tennis shoes and this is not an easy climb. We were the last to make it up and were VERY out of breath. The very last leg to the tip top is straight up a metal ladder. I would not do this if you are claustrophobic at all. Once at the top, it is very humid and warm and there is no fresh air at all in the tip top. After we were given a few facts about the lighthouse, we were able to make our way down and go to the outside railing. It was a cool experience and I am glad to say that we made it to the top. read more

See all

One of the many beautiful hidden treasures of the NorCal coast. If you book early enough you can stay in one of their ocean view cottages. Perfect mini weekend "staycation" read more

Absolutely beautiful views. We were lucky enough to visit on a day when there was minimal wind and the ocean was completely flat. We heard tale of whale and dolphin sightings that day but we're not lucky enough to see them ourselves. Make sure to splurge and pay for the tour to go to the top of the lighthouse. The trek to the top is absolutely worth it. At only $10 for entry and the tour it is an absolute steal. We picked up sandwiches down in town at the center street market and had a nice picnic with gorgeous ocean views. A word to the wise though...don't eat right before making the climb to the top. You will thank me later as this is the tallest lighthouse on the west coast . Tour guides were very knowledgeable and I could tell they were just waiting for someone, anyone to ask some questions. Just down the road is bowling ball beach which should definitely be added to your visit. read more

See all

This was an amazing place to visit. So much history. Employees are friendly and knowledgeable on the history of the lighthouse. I'd you are in the area play the $5 to get in for 12 and above and pay $5 more to get the tour. Make you are able to walk up a spiral staircase of around 90-100 feet. There are spots to rest along the way. But if there are a bunch of people in the guided tour group you may have to wait to get a spot to rest. read more

See all

Stayed at the accomodations on the lighthouse property for 4 nights, beautiful. Lighthouse tour fascinating, great view from the top of 145 steps. Tour guides are well informed, let's us linger & ask lots of questions. Definitely walk trails around the property, great views. read more

Point Arena Light Station - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Point Arena, California

See all

Wonderful wild and beautiful place. We stayed in the "bookkeeper's room". Amazing view of the lighthouse all night. Arrived in the afternoon and it was cold windy and rainy. And gorgeous. Sheer cliffs all around well protected by fences and signs. Amazing surf. Primo spot for lighthouse and ocean lovers read more

Highly recommend a visit to the Point Arena lighthouse if you're driving through the area. It's located right off Highway 1 and a must stop if you're driving down the coast. They're open every day except Christmas and Thanksgiving and I visited on Easter Sunday (open normal hours.) Tours are times every 30 minutes and cost $8 per adult. The admission is definitely worth it to climb to the top of the lighthouse. It's 145 steps and not for those who are claustrophobic or afraid of heights. Very cool journey to the top and the views are unbelievable. While up there, a tour guide will point out the surrounding land and shows you where you can see the San Andreas fault go in to the ocean. You can stroll the grounds and visit the gift shop for free but the fee to climb to the top is soooo worth it. The surrounding cliffs are beautiful as it is, but seeing them from above is a rare privilege. Excellent tour guides, who tell you some interesting stories about the keepers and the history of the light station also make the admission worth it. Easy and plentiful parking and cute little gift shop round out a great experience. read more

See all

Visited the lighthouse on Saturday, while driving home from Fort Bragg. Paid the $5 per person to get in to the gift shop and on the grounds to check out the lights house, take some beautiful photos.. id like to add that i absolutely think charging is understandable due to maintenance on the property and keeping the gates open & having employees at this property.. however, I was bummed there was no chance with CoVid that anyone was able to go up into the lighthouse. With that said.. looks like we'll just have to come back when CoVids gone lol Hope you enjoy this beautiful photo we took! read more

Point Arena Light Station - Point arena lighthouse - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Point Arena, California

Very scenic lighthouse with gift shop. Take the tour to climb the spiral staircase to the top! read more

See all

I've been twice to the light house and loved it every time. Its such a fantastic place to visit. We came early and got a spot on a the tour. I learn something new every single time. The museum is small and very informative. We loved our tour guide. She was so nice and answered all of our dumb questions. Get ready to take a climb. You have to hoof it all the way to the top if you want to see the views. We were last to go into the top and missed the whale passing by! Dang-it! The views are surreal. You can see for miles on a good day and the water, my god, the water is so amazing. You just cant get enough of that ocean view. You can walk along the walk on the outside at the top but I could not do it. My vertigo was too much for me to wonder about at such a height. Once outside we wondered around the grounds. The views from the ground are just a fantastic. We noticed small cabins located near the station. You can rent these through Airbnb! Surprisingly reasonable as well. Get here early on a nice day and take your time to explore the wonders of the coast up here in Point Arena. read more

See all