How long does it take to visit all California lighthouses?

Visiting all 50 California lighthouse sites is a multi-week project across San Diego, the South Coast, Central Coast, Bay Area, California Delta, North Coast, and Lake Tahoe. The Flagship 12 is one circuit from Old Point Loma to Battery Point; its Northbound Seven and Southbound Five are planning legs, not separate achievements.

All 50 California lighthouse sites can't be done in one trip without compromise. The coast is roughly 840 miles end to end, the Bay Area system is its own cluster, and a handful of sites require ferry rides, low-tide windows, or pre-booked guided tours.

Realistic time estimates:

• The Flagship 12 — 7 to 10 days. The statewide circuit from Old Point Loma in San Diego to St. George Reef off Crescent City. See the Flagship 12 itinerary.
• All 50 — three to four trips over a season. Pair regional circuits — South Coast, Central Coast, Bay Area, California Delta, North Coast, Lake Tahoe — with the Flagship 12 backbone. See all circuits.

The bottleneck is rarely driving time — it's access. Several sites require reservations or fixed-schedule tours that anchor the rest of your week — Point Sur Light Station (three-hour guided tour, set departures only), East Brother Light Station (boat access and overnight only), and Point Reyes Lighthouse (mandatory shuttle January through April).