Night Light

Catch Sunset at Point Cabrillo Light Station on the Mendocino Coast

06.23.2021

When it comes to coastal beauty, there’s not a lot that’s more beautiful, dramatic, and romantic than a windswept lighthouse … that you stroll to during sunset! For over a century Mendocino’s Point Cabrillo Light Station has signaled coast-side danger to passing ships.

hikers at Point Cabrillo Light Station Mendocino coast

hikers at Point Cabrillo Light Station Mendocino Coast

Time your visit for a spectacular “lightshow” twofer—sunset and the lighthouse’s crowning glory: a 6,800-pound original Chance Brothers classic Fresnel lens producing a flash every 10 seconds. The lighthouse is now a state park (operated by a nonprofit) and there are two half-mile paths to walk to the lighthouse. We recommend going in on the dirt North Trail and returning on the paved Lighthouse Road.

hikers at Point Cabrillo Light Station Mendocino Coast

The North Trail is an easygoing bluff-sandwiched path that goes through grassland and coastal prairie all the way out to the end of the bluff. Turn left and follow the light! In a few minutes you’ll be at the lighthouse, a favorite among photographers as daylight dwindles. The sheer beauty of this stretch of coast with the century-old lighthouse is worth a trip in itself.

OVERNIGHT: The light station is flanked by two lightkeepers’ homes converted into rental cottages. All profits from the vacation rentals go to the nonprofit Point Cabrillo Lightkeepers Association, under contract with California State Parks.

The parking area is inside the gate off Point Cabrillo Dr. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Perles Beach Angel Island San Francisco Bay

    Secret Beach

    A hidden beach and a killer view? Those are hard to come by, but that’s exactly what you’ll get at Perles Beach on Angel Island. Bike or hike to this beautiful pocket cove.

    View

  2. Cinematic Sonoma

    Longer days. Golden light. Wildflowers in bloom. It’s the perfect moment to plan your spring escape to Sonoma for the Sonoma International Film Festival, March 25–29. No fuss. No sprawl. Just films, friends, fresh air, and that unmistakable Sonoma glow.

    View
  3. Hike Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve

    Mellow in the Marsh

    Beach, birds, ice plant popping purple flowers: That’s a hiking slam dunk! Hike about 2 miles at Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve using their easy to navigate (well-signed) Sequoia Audubon Trail.

    View
  4. A man is looking through his binoculars at sunrise at the Bayland Nature Preserve in Palo Alto

    Baylands Bird & Art Loop

    Combine an outdoor art walk and wildlife sightings at the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto. This 5-mile loop through Byxbee Park and the Emily Renzel Wetlands features striking installations by artists Peter Richards and Michael Oppenheimer—where the landscape itself becomes part of the canvas.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Tree Town

    Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

    View
  2. Fountain to Falls trail Monrovia

    Fountain to the Falls

    There are three ways to reach the lovely Monrovia Canyon Falls, but only one of them is worthy of being named a good challenge, with a lovely old town stroll included.

    View

  3. A Better Way to Baldwin

    The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City is one of West L.A.’s most popular hiking spots, but most visitors miss the bigger picture. This 3.5-mile out-and-back along a section of the Park to Playa Trail offers a fuller experience of this gorgeous nature park with sweeping urban views and a few artistic surprises along the way.

    View

  4. Stairstruck in Hollywood

    Beachwood Canyon in Hollywoodland has an action-packed adventure with A-list workouts, big-budget views, and a stair-studded cast. Running time is 1.25 miles with five staircases.

    View