Traveling along California’s famous Redwood Coast you’ll come across sandy beaches, a stunning rugged coast and the world’s tallest trees. Though tucked away in Crescent City well off the regular tourist trail lies Battery Point Lighthouse – a strikingly beautiful historic landmark built in the late 1800’s.
Standing a top a hill of vivid pink, Battery Point Lighthouse is the most picturesque lighthouse in North America today.
Battery Point Lighthouse was built in 1856 at the cost of $15,000. It was the 10th Lighthouse built on America’s west coast, and is one of the 16 Cape Cod style lighthouses that were built in the 1800’s. At that time it was known as the Crescent City Light Station.
The first keeper was Theophilis Magruder. He started Christmas Day 1856. The last keeper was Wayne R. Piland, who served until the time of automation and was transferred in 1953.
The beacon continued under automation, with the Coast Guard, until it was decommissioned August 11 1965. The beacon was dark until December 1982 when it was reactivated and now operates as a private aid to navigation. To this day they still have a keeper in residence; volunteers who live in the lighthouse for a few months at a time and offer public tours.
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For $3.00 per adult and $1.00 per child, the Battery Point Lighthouse Museum is filled with historical artifacts, antiques and period furniture dating back to the 1800’s, and visitors can tour many of the lighthouse’s original rooms. Tours include the parlor, kitchen, bathroom, living quarters and a steep winding narrow staircase to the tower where amazing views provide spectacular photo opportunities.
Plan your visit according to the tide; access to the lighthouse is via a land bridge which fills with water at high tide. Tours run daily from April through September between 10am and 4pm, and on weekends during October through March from 10am to 4pm also.
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12 Comments
your trip through california makes me want to explore the state more next time im in the US! i have only seen the large cities- hope to change that soon! and i love lighthouses!
So glad we’re inspiring you to see California – I’ve been blown away by how diverse the landscapes have been; highly recommend skipping the big cities and exploring more of the coastal route next time you’re here!
Amazing lighthouse and image Megan! I love the flower colors. Even though I’m a US guy I’ve never been to the West Coast. Gotta add Cali to my list for neat little spots and stops like this one. Thanks so much for sharing :)
Ryan
Thanks Ryan! The flower colors were just unbelievable!! I hope youcan organize for a West Coast trip next time you’re in the US; California has so many amazing destinations, it’s been a really great trip so far :)
So pretty! I thought all lighthouses were really tall, so this surprised me. I’m glad that they use it again…there’s something so rugged and special about lighthouses. Something so simple, yet important!
I hope you enjoyed your trip!
This one hits out against that stereotype! Such a gorgeous yet simple and very underrated lighthouse :)
Have been really enjoying our trip so far, really love finding little hidden gems like this – why I’ll always be an advocate for roadtrips :D Thanks Jess!
Gorgeous! When I lived in CA I had those same flowers on a slope in my yard. Just beautiful.
How awesome – I can imagine they would make for an incredibly beautiful backyard!
Beautiful! I’ve been to crescent city but never got to this light house. The flowers make it even more beautiful. Did you go inside to do the little tour? I’d love to see pics from the inside too.
We didn’t end up going inside for the tour unfortunately – we had stumbled across the lighthouse on a quick afternoon stroll from our hotel so didn’t have our wallet with us at the time. Moral of the story – always travel prepared!
not gerbera
Thanks for the heads up – let us know if you know what the flower is :)