Old Point Loma lighthouse

The Old Point Loma lighthouse is a two-story Cape Cod style building with a centered tower that rises 14 meters above the ground. The structure combines the keeper's living quarters with the signal tower, showing the practical architecture typical of mid-19th century coastal stations.

The lighthouse was built in 1855, shortly after California became a state, to make shipping safer along this coast. The elevated location was chosen to make the light visible across long distances, but fog regularly reduced its effectiveness.

The Israel family ran this lighthouse for 18 years, showing the commitment of keeper families who lived in remote conditions at this elevated location. These households shaped daily life at this windswept place and left their mark on the rooms visitors can see today.

The site sits on a peninsula with steep slopes and requires a short walk to reach, so wear comfortable shoes. The area can be windy, and the bay views make the journey worthwhile, especially on clear days.

The structure stood at roughly 425 feet (130 meters) above sea level, making it the tallest lighthouse in the United States at the time, yet this height often worked against it. Fog settled below the light and blocked it just when ships needed it most.