The Lighthouse Circuit

Access, tours, hours, fees, and closures change often. Always verify with the official source before driving.

Flagship route

The Flagship 12

The definitive statewide circuit

10–14 daysModerate — significant driving, some hikingBest: September–October (less fog, better weather)

Twelve lighthouses, from San Diego to the Oregon border. The essential California arc, anchored by Old Point Loma in the south and Battery Point in the far north. If you only do one lighthouse trip, do this one.

The route

  1. 01

    Old Point Loma Lighthouse

    San Diego — start at Cabrillo NM

  2. 02

    Point Vicente Lighthouse

    Rancho Palos Verdes

  3. 03

    Point Conception Lighthouse

    Lompoc — restricted access

  4. 04

    Point Sur Light Station

    Big Sur — book tour ahead

  5. 05

    Point Pinos Lighthouse

    Pacific Grove

  6. 06

    Pigeon Point Lighthouse

    Pescadero — hostel on site

  7. 07

    Point Bonita Lighthouse

    Marin Headlands

  8. 08

    Point Reyes Lighthouse

    308 steps down to the lens

  9. 09

    Point Arena Lighthouse

    Climb the 115-ft tower

  10. 10

    Point Cabrillo Light Station

    Active third-order Fresnel

  11. 11

    Trinidad Head Lighthouse

    View from headland trail

  12. 12

    Battery Point Lighthouse

    Crescent City — tide-dependent

Pro tip

Highway 1 is closed somewhere most of the year. Check Caltrans before committing to a Big Sur day.

← Back to all circuits·Open the atlas →