One of the benefits of living in a coastal state is relatively easy access to the many scenic lighthouses that dot our coastline. Here are ten lighthouses worth the drive in California and Oregon.
Battery Point Lighthouse
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Location: Crescent City, CA
Access Fees: None, $3.00 for a tour
Notes: access is only possible at low tide
Best light for photography: Sunset, mornings can be foggy
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Coquille River Lighthouse
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Location: Bandon, OR
Access Fees: None
Notes: the area is also good for wildlife viewing
Best light for photography: Sunrise or sunset
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Cape Blanco Lighthouse
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Location: Port Orford, OR
Access Fees: None, $2.00 for a tour
Notes: this area can get incredibly high winds
Best Light for photography: Sunset, mornings can be foggy
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Pigeon Point Lighthouse
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Location: Half Moon Bay, CA
Access Fees: None
Notes: this is one of the most easily accessed lighthouses in central California
Best Light for photography: Sunset
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Point Arena Lighthouse
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Location: Point Arena, CA
Access Fees: $5.00, but you can view from the road for free
Notes: This lighthouse is slightly north of Bowling Ball Beach, which is also worth visiting.
Best Light for photography: Sunrise or Sunset
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Point Bonita Lighthouse
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Location: Marin Headlands, CA
Access Fees: None
Notes: Accessing this lighthouse requires a half mile hike and crossing a suspension bridge.
Best Light for photography: Sunrise or Sunset
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Point Cabrillo Lighthouse
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Location: Caspar, CA (north of Mendocino)
Access Fees: None
Notes: A hike to Caspar Headlands State Beach is accessible from the lighthouse via the California Coastal Trail.
Best Light for photography: Sunrise or Sunset
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Point Pinos Lighthouse
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Location: Pacific Grove, CA.
Access Fees: $4.00 donation
Notes: Easy beach access is located in front of the lighthouse, on Ocean View Boulevard.
Best Light for photography: Sunset
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Point Reyes Lighthouse
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Location: Point Reyes National Seashore, CA
Access Fees: None, unless shuttle is in effect, then $7.00
Notes: Accessing the lighthouse requires descending roughly 300 steps.
Best Light for photography: Sunset
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Walton Lighthouse
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Location: Santa Cruz, CA
Access Fees: None
Notes: You can walk 1.5 miles north from this lighthouse to also visit Santa Cruz Light.
Best Light for photography: Sunset
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Yaquina Head Lighthouse
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Location: Newport, OR
Access Fees: $7.00
Notes: The Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area is also excellent for whale watching and tide pooling.
Best Light for photography: Sunset
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