Point Loma Lighthouse

Issue #121 - California's Southern Coast

A very photogenic lighthouse is at the southern tip of Point Loma, the long peninsula that forms the west side of San Diego Bay.  Follow Cabrillo Memorial Drive and continue driving south on Point Loma, through the open gates of Fort Rosecrans Military Reserve. Keep heading south. A National Park pass will get you into the Cabrillo National Monument to the parking area at the end of the road. If it’s a clear day, check out the panoramic view of San Diego from the visitor Center and then follow the short trail to the old lighthouse at the top of Point Loma. One of the original eight New England-style lighthouses that were built on the West Coast still stands at the top of Point Loma, 462 feet above sea level. It was so high that it was often hidden in fog and low clouds. A new lighthouse had to be built nearby, down at the water’s edge. The new lighthouse is not accessible to the public.Follow the paved path that completely circles the old lighthouse to find the best lighting for the time of day you arrive. Morning light strikes the front of the building. Afternoon light creates interesting shadows cast by the white picket fence.

All the best photo spots south of the town of Santa Maria - all the way (300 miles) to San Diego in Issue #121.