Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park
Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park, Mendocino: Hours, Address, Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park Reviews: 4.5/5
Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park
Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park
4.5
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
OPEN 365 DAYS a YEAR -- THERE IS NO FEE -- Built between 1908 and 1909, and extensively restored, it is one of the most complete Lightstations in the U.S. and hosts visitors, vacation rentals, receptions and weddings, plus education programs for classes of local students. There is a parking area inside the gate off Point Cabrillo Drive, adjacent to the restored Kearn farmhouse with its public restroom. Enjoy the half mile downhill walk to the Light Station buildings. There is parking for vehicles with Disabled placards at the bottom of the hill. There are two paths to the Station. The dirt path begins at the north end of the parking lot and takes you through the introduced grassland and coastal prairie. The paved access road to the south is an easier walk. The Light Station includes the Lighthouse, which is an active duty Aid to Navigation, containing the original Chance Brothers classic 3rd order Fresnel lens. -- Three restored Lightkeeper homes; the first is a period museum of a lightkeeper's house in the 1930s; the other two houses are comfortable vacation rental homes, -- The restored Blacksmith & Carpentry Shop houses the Marine Science Exhibit with its 240 gallon saltwater aquarium, -- Two lovely vacation rental cottages, and public restrooms, one by the lightkeepers houses and another in the Kearn farmhouse. THERE IS NO FEE to tour the Lighthouse museum/giftshop or the period museum lightkeeper's house, although your donations are welcome. The Lighthouse, 1st Assistant Lightkeeper's House and Marine Science Exhibit are open to the public from 11am to 4pm year-round, including holidays. The State Historic Park grounds are open from sunrise to sunset daily.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
698 reviews
Excellent
417
Very good
229
Average
46
Poor
6
Terrible
0
Duhhg
Oakland, CA66 contributions
Couples
What a perfect day to visit one of the most beautiful places on the Mendocino coast! Sunny, crisp and clear vista from every angle! It’s a pleasant half-mile walk from the parking lot to the site. There is a parking area closer to the lighthouse itself available for handicapped parking and/or drop off (not to be abused!)
The interior has a very well-presented expository on the history of the lighthouse and restoration of the light itself. Be sure to also stop by the living quarters to get an idea of what it must have been like to live in such beautiful isolation! Or, you might even consider the option of booking one of the cottages on the site if you are so inclined. There are plenty of picnic tables by the residence and out on the bluff so bringing a packed lunch would be a great outing! Enjoy this California treasure any way you choose, but don’t just drive by without turning off Hwy 1 and taking the short road that leads you to the Point Cabrillo Liggthouse!
The interior has a very well-presented expository on the history of the lighthouse and restoration of the light itself. Be sure to also stop by the living quarters to get an idea of what it must have been like to live in such beautiful isolation! Or, you might even consider the option of booking one of the cottages on the site if you are so inclined. There are plenty of picnic tables by the residence and out on the bluff so bringing a packed lunch would be a great outing! Enjoy this California treasure any way you choose, but don’t just drive by without turning off Hwy 1 and taking the short road that leads you to the Point Cabrillo Liggthouse!
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gigi
Sacramento, CA10 contributions
Couples
We had a lovely walk from the parking area to the lighthouse. The original homes with painted red roofs are charming and the views of the ocean are breathtaking. The docent provided us with the history and operation of the lighthouse which added so much to our experience. There are very clean bathrooms behind the museum and parking close to the lighthouse in case you don’t want to walk from the upper lot.
Written February 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gary
Concord, CA18 contributions
The trail to the lighthouse, while scenic with interesting trees, is rocky and rough. Take the road from the parking lot to the lighthouse. If you do not have a handicap placard there is parking at the lighthouse. They have a webcam on the lighthouse lens in the museum so you can watch it as it rotates.
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
giveoccasionto
Reno, NV68 contributions
Couples
The hike down to the lighthouse was very nice. We thought the large 5$ donation sign outside of the so called museum/gift shop was way too tacky for us to go in. Had they just had a small donation box inside we probably would have donated something if we enjoyed the experience. Our dogs really enjoyed the hike as well.
Written January 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Seattle1213
Houston, TX15 contributions
This small and historic lighthouse was filled with treasures and a nice gift shop. Wish I could have gone up to see the light. It is very unique Chance Brothers classic 3rd order Fresnel lens. Only drawback, the parking is 1/2 a mile away.
Written November 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
deannaam76
4 contributions
Couples
What a BEAUTIFUL scenery! I was really looking forward to getting to the top of the lighthouse, however, when we got there it was closed and only available to the Coast Guard. The sight was worth seeing and also learned a lot inside the gift shop, talked about the lighthouse history. Was a 1/2 mile walk from the parking lot as the lower parking lot is for handicap and has a few regular spaces.
Written February 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AMC
San Anselmo, CA22 contributions
A nice easy stroll to the lighthouse ending with spectacular views on the bluff & more trails to explore. Due to COVID, the lighthouse itself was not open nor was the museum. Gift shop purchases could be made through the open window around the left side of the lighthouse. There was a mask covered docent available to answer questions outside around the lighthouse and another mask covered docent manning the giftshop window. Both were friendly & we appreciated them being present. Several nice bluff trails lead off from the lighthouse itself. We took the trail to Frolic Cove, the site of an historic shipwreck. We plan to return when other sites can be open to enjoy.
Written October 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lois C
1 contribution
Point Cabrillo lighthouse is such a treasure. We loved the walk out to the lighthouse with beautiful grounds and captivating views of the Pacific. The light-keepers houses were so charming. The lighthouse itself was so wonderful, we learned about the making of the lighthouse and how it works. We were very impressed.
The gift shop had everything for every one. Another treasure inside a treasure! Loved our visit!
The gift shop had everything for every one. Another treasure inside a treasure! Loved our visit!
Written July 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SeeTheW0rld62
Sunnyvale, CA1,353 contributions
Couples
The lighthouse is worth a visit. The walk from the parking lot to the lighthouse is about .5 mile and an easy walk. The 3 staff houses onsite were interesting. I thought that lightkeepers lived in the lighthouse with their family and I didn't know there were multiple lightkeepers. I enjoyed being able to go into one of the houses. They did a nice job with the restoration.
Written May 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vida67
Cambria, CA308 contributions
Took the hike in ( 3/4 mike) this time and enjoyed the trail to myself! The other trail to get to Light House Station is 1/2 a mile and one straight easy shot. Trails well maintained and easily marked. Saw birds, deers other animals in the bushes heard not seen. Great time, lots of pictures!
Written December 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
CaliforniaJan
San Francisco Bay Area11 contributions
Hi, CaliforniaJan. What would you like to know about this attraction? TamSelz advises everyone to drive on past the "disabled parking past this point" signs and park your able body in the disabled parking area. (This was called "A Tip".) And then goes on to state how disappointing it was because the stairs up to the top of the lighthouse were not available. (Too bad there wasn't an elevator for the disabled!!) And "if it had been warm, we PROBABLY would have parked properly but it was windy and rainy". (Talk about being the most self-centered, selfish person in California.)
Manuel L
Fernley, Nevada, United States111 contributions
It's a long walk but worth it. If one is physically unable to and with a disable placard, I would drive it all the way to the lighthouse parking. Whether there is space or not, the fact is one is legally disable, I'd find a spot if that was me. I saw an older lady who was unable to return back. She told her husband to come back for her in their car. One park employee gave her a ride back. The park needs more parking for those unable to walk that distance whether they have the placard or not especially the elderly. Our senior citizens should be given leniency to drive it.
richardsilvoy
Novato, CA
how far is it from Casper RV Park?
Lrksprldy
Larkspur CA11 contributions
I see the question has been answered. A little more info, there are several trails leading to and from the lighthouse, but ticks are a real problem. Recommend staying on the main road, especially if you have dogs with you. Also take water.
Jennifer H
Los Angeles, CA1 contribution
Are dogs allowed?
Doug
Fort Bragg, CA2 contributions
Yes, pets are welcome on a leash on the grounds, inside the lighthouse, and with overnight guests in the West Cottage.
Frequently Asked Questions about Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park
- Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park is open:
- Sun - Sat 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park:
- (0.14 mi) Point Cabrillo Light Station
- (2.69 mi) Sea Rock Inn
- (3.13 mi) Joshua Grindle Inn
- (4.00 mi) Mendocino Grove
- (4.24 mi) Brewery Gulch Inn
- Restaurants near Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park:
- (3.26 mi) Goodlife Cafe and Bakery
- (3.34 mi) Luna Trattoria
- (3.32 mi) Café Beaujolais
- (5.16 mi) David's Deli
- (3.29 mi) Trillium Cafe