Santa Cruz Breakwater Light

Santa Cruz Breakwater Light is a lighthouse in Santa Cruz Harbor with a cylindrical concrete tower painted white and marked with a green band. It stands on the western breakwater at the harbor entrance and rises noticeably above the surrounding area.

The structure replaced an earlier simple light in 2001 after the community spent years raising funds for the project. Local businessman Charles Walton provided financial support for this new construction.

The lighthouse is named after Derek Walton, a merchant marine who died at sea during World War II. The name honors people who worked at sea and faced serious dangers in their profession.

Access is along a path that runs the length of the breakwater, starting from Atlantic Avenue and leading directly to the lighthouse. Watch out for occasional large waves that can wash over the jetty during tidal changes.

Inside the tower, 42 spiral steps wind upward from the base. The light flashes green every 4 seconds and can be seen from up to 8 nautical miles away over the water.

Location: Santa Cruz County

Inception: 1964

Height: 12.6 m

GPS coordinates: 36.96040,-122.00230

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:07