California’s coastline is dotted with lighthouses, from tall structures that signal seamen from great distances to low ones that help them navigate in fog and bad weather. While many are now automated, some are still in use and others have been adopted by nonprofit organizations devoted to preserving them. Some even have on-site lodging accommodations, allowing you to fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves and wake up to a picturesque waterfront landscape. Whether you’re a history buff, looking to take some peak-level Instagram photos or just want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, these lighthouses you can stay in california offer a unique experience and a memorable night’s sleep.
Point Sur Lighthouse
Located south of the Bixby Bridge in Big Sur, this iconic lighthouse is one of the most beautiful California lighthouses to visit. It’s also a popular spot for stargazing and has a few eerie tales to tell, including the time when an airship the size of three Boeing 747s parked end-to-end crashed into it.
The Lighthouse Inn at Cape Mendocino
This historic inn in Crescent City, on the northernmost coast of California, is a perfect place to spend a few days exploring tide pools and other coastal trails or just relaxing in this wild, remote area that’s known as “The Lost Coast.” The hotel has several punny pun names such as The Tides Inn, The Inn of the Lost Coast and Spyglass Inn at Shelter Cove, but it’s the lighthouse itself that steals the show here. During your stay, you’ll be able to tour the lighthouse itself and learn about the arduous job of being a light keeper.