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.

Megan is an Australian Journalist who has been travelling and blogging since 2007, with the main aim of inspiring others to embark on their own worldwide adventure. Her husband Mike is an American travel photographer, and together they have made the world their home.

Committed to bringing you the best in adventure travel from all around the globe, there is no mountain too high, and no fete too extreme! They haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on their list.

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