Point Cabrillo Lighthouse Tours

Discover a historic lighthouse, see gorgeous panoramic views, and take a beautiful nature walk when you go on Point Cabrillo Lighthouse tours with Mendo Insider Tours.

Nature Walk

Beyond the parking lot, you’ll have a half-mile walk downhill to the actual lighthouse building. You can take either of two paths to the light station. The easier walk is via the paved access road to the south. The other option is on a dirt path that starts at the north end of the parking lot and ambles among tufts of grass.

On your Point Cabrillo nature walk, you’ll be able to sight harbor seals napping on rocks offshore as well as many different birds such as herons, egrets, and seagulls. You might view sea lions and whales cruising by – or at least see plumes of condensed breath leaping in the air – so don’t forget to keep glancing at the ocean.

From December to April you’re most likely to see gray whales from shore. In summer and fall you might observe humpback whales and blue whales. You might also sight dolphins and porpoises year-round.

Historic Lighthouse

A California state historic park, the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse was built between 1908 and 1909. It has undergone extensive restoration and is well maintained by dedicated Mendocino Coast locals. The entire light station consists of several buildings: the actual lighthouse, three restored lightkeeper homes, a restored blacksmith and carpentry shop, two cottages, and public restrooms.

The Point Cabrillo Lighthouse contains the original Chance Brothers classic third-order Fresnel lens. One of the three restored lightkeeper homes is a period museum of a lightkeeper’s house in the 1930s while the other two houses serve as comfortable vacation rental homes. You can also visit the Point Cabrillo Marine Science Exhibit, located inside the restored blacksmith and carpentry shop, and view the impressive 240-gallon saltwater aquarium.

Active Navigation Aid

The Point Cabrillo Lighthouse continues to be on active duty as a navigation aid for passing ships. The lighthouse is open 365 days a year, and doesn’t charge any admission fees though donations for continued maintenance are always welcome. The restored Kearn farmhouse houses a public restroom. The Point Cabrillo lighthouse is a favorite Mendocino Coast venue for weddings, parties, vacation rentals, and education programs.

Reviews

  Thank you Jefferson. Glad we could contribute to making your special day safe and convenient for you and your guests.
Best Regards, David

JeffersonCasto
07/24/2019

  Mendo Insiders provided shuttles for our wedding at Cuffey’s Cove in July. We had a great experience and would recommend them to other couples looking for a wedding shuttle option... read more in the Mendocino area. They were easy to work with and flexible in adding another shuttle a week before the wedding when we realized our guests would be arriving too early without it. They got all of our guests home safely (and our event went until 2am!).

JeffersonCasto
07/23/2019

  Mendo Insiders provided shuttles for our wedding at Cuffey’s Cove in July. We had a great experience and would recommend them to other couples looking for a wedding shuttle option... read more in the Mendocino area. They were easy to work with and flexible in adding another shuttle a week before the wedding when we realized our guests would be arriving too early without it. They got all of our guests home safely (and our event went until 2am!). …

Jefferson C
07/01/2019

  I used Mendo Insider Tours to book for my boss and his family for a trip to Northern California. Overall I had a very good experience and got great feedback... read more from the guests. David was very helpful and was able to make all of the...More

Maggiest518
05/13/2019