Light Action

Visit the Point San Luis Lighthouse in San Luis Obispo

09.11.2024

One of the most historic places on the Central Coast is still a bit of a California secret. Perched high upon windswept bluffs, the Point San Luis Lighthouse is the only remaining Victorian-style lighthouse on the West Coast. And you can’t simply drive up to it in your car. But you can book a van tour or do a guided hike to see the lighthouse, learn about its history, and enjoy beautiful coastal views from Avila Beach to Vandenberg.

Guides are encyclopedias of knowledge about the flora, points of interest, and tales of local lore. Tour inside the lighthouse, staged to look like it did long ago.

For a little paranormal drama, the lighthouse is said to be haunted … dare you go there to see about the Ghost of 1890 San Luis Lighthouse?

BONUS 2024 CONCERT SERIES: Take in a Saturday afternoon above the Pacific with a concert at Point San Luis Lighthouse. The Lighthouse Concert Series goes through October 12, with food and drinks available.

BONUS HIKE: Bag a Morro! For summit views of the Central Coast, hike 4.5 miles (round-trip) to the highest of nine morros (a chain of ancient volcanoes) in San Luis Obispo. Bishop Peak is right across from Cal Poly’s campus and is a SLOcal favorite.

Directions to Bishop Peak: From downtown San Luis Obispo, head north on Santa Rosa St. (Hwy. 1). Turn left onto Highland Dr. and drive about 1 mile to the end of the road, where the trail starts. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View

  2. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View

  3. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View

  4. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. The Undead Ghost Town

    Every Halloween, the worlds of the living and the dead blur together. In the “living ghost town” of Randsburg that condition is permanent. This strange gold-rush town near the El P

    View

  2. Montebello Mission

    Adorable animal feeding, peaceful bird watching, and delicious beer drinking? Hello, Montebello! This northeastern city has fantastic views of the hulking San Gabriels and a variety of green spaces, not to mention great spots for beer(s)!

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Redding Lights and Silent Nights

    Give your holiday events calendar a major glow up this winter in California’s sunniest city. Redding is a revelation: Surrounded by iconic scenery like Mount Shasta, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Whiskeytown National Recreation area.

    View

  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View