Point San Luis Lighthouse
Step back in time at the Point San Luis Lighthouse, a beautifully restored historic landmark offering stunning coastal views and unique access.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Concerts and golden hour glow
Point San Luis Lighthouse
Best Time
Concerts and golden hour glow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at the Point San Luis Lighthouse, a beautifully restored historic landmark offering stunning coastal views and unique access.
"This is one of the best preserved lighthouses I've been to, with knowledgeable guides and breathtaking views."
🚗 Parking & Transport
Park in Avila Beach; a van transports you. The drive is scenic! :car:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking and potentially hiking. Good footwear is a must for exploring the grounds. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Lighthouse Tower
Top of the Lighthouse
Ascend to the lantern room for panoramic coastal views and a close-up look at the Fresnel lens.
Oceanfront Rope Swing
Near the Lighthouse
Experience the thrill of swinging over the ocean with stunning coastal vistas. A unique photo opportunity!
Abundant Wildlife Sightings
Offshore from the Lighthouse
Keep an eye out for sea lions, seals, and even whales, especially during feeding seasons.
Live at the Lighthouse Concerts
Lighthouse Grounds
Enjoy live music in a spectacular setting with ocean views. These events often sell out quickly!
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
+1Plan for More Than an Hour
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking & Transport
Park in Avila Beach; a van transports you. The drive is scenic! :car:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking and potentially hiking. Good footwear is a must for exploring the grounds.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The coastal scenery and historic lighthouse are incredibly photogenic.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially if hiking or during warmer months. Bring water, though there's a gift shop. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking & Transport
Park in Avila Beach; a van transports you. The drive is scenic! :car:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking and potentially hiking. Good footwear is a must for exploring the grounds.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The coastal scenery and historic lighthouse are incredibly photogenic.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially if hiking or during warmer months. Bring water, though there's a gift shop. :droplet:
📅 Check Event Schedule
Look for special events like concerts or weddings; they offer unique experiences.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Point San Luis Lighthouse for its well-preserved historic charm, knowledgeable guides, and stunning coastal scenery. The unique access via van, hike, or kayak adds to the adventure, and the chance to see abundant wildlife like sea lions is a major highlight. Some note that tours can run longer than advertised, so planning extra time is advised.
"John was our tour guide, he was very knowledgeable and told interesting stories. I enjoy touring lighthouses, and this was one of the best I've been to, as you actually get to go inside and up in the tower. The only part that's a little misleading, they say it's a 1 hour tour, but your total time is close to 2 hours; so plan accordingly. I highly recommend this tour."
Drew A.
"A quaint but beautiful experience. We could go inside but the walk around the grounds was tranquil and the gardens were fun to look at. There was even a rope swing that made it feel like you were swinging over the ocean. Plus the kayak trip out to it was filled with otters and seals. 10/10 would recommend!"
Holly Patty
"Great tour and views. I visit a lot of lighthouses and used to work at one, and I think this is the best preserved one that I've been to.
You can't drive there because of the neighboring powerplant, but you park in Avila Beach and take a van up to the lighthouse. The driver we had was funny and friendly, and the drive was beautiful. We were put into a small tour group when we got there. Our tour guide was very friendly and knew a lot about the lighthouse. You get to go through the beautifully restored lantern room, bedrooms, and kitchen on the tour. You get a few minutes to check out the trails and gift shop too before the van takes you back
Make sure to reserve your tickets online in advance if you want to visit"
Rhi Trujillo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can't drive directly due to a neighboring power plant. Park in Avila Beach and take a van shuttle provided by the tour. Alternatively, you can hike or kayak to the lighthouse.
Parking is available in Avila Beach, where you'll catch the shuttle van to the lighthouse.
Yes, hiking is an option to reach the lighthouse. The Pecho Coast Trail is a popular route.
Kayaking from Avila Paddle Sports takes about 30 minutes and is considered a fun, leisurely activity.
The van shuttle from Avila Beach is described as scenic, with funny and friendly drivers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, access is only via guided tours, and it's highly recommended to reserve tickets online in advance, as tours and events can sell out. +1
Ticket prices vary depending on the tour or event. It's best to check the official website for current pricing and availability.
Tours typically include access to the interior of the lighthouse, including the lantern room, bedrooms, and kitchen, along with historical information.
Yes, the lighthouse hosts events like the 'Live at the Lighthouse' concert series, which are very popular and sell out quickly.
No, access is restricted to guided tours, hiking, or kayaking. Spontaneous visits are not possible.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
While advertised as one hour, the total time commitment, including transportation and exploring the grounds, is closer to two hours.
You can explore the beautifully restored lantern room, historic bedrooms, and kitchen, learning about its operational past.
Absolutely! The lighthouse itself, the coastal views, the rope swing, and the surrounding grounds offer numerous picturesque spots.
Visitors often spot thousands of sea lions, seals, and sometimes whales offshore.
Yes, there is a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs after your tour.
📸 📸 Photography
The iconic rope swing, the lighthouse tower itself, the panoramic ocean vistas, and the surrounding gardens offer fantastic photo opportunities.
While not explicitly stated, drone usage may be restricted due to the proximity of the power plant and the nature of the site. It's best to check local regulations or inquire with the lighthouse staff.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) offers beautiful lighting for capturing the lighthouse and coastline. Midday can be bright but still offers stunning views.
Generally, personal photography is welcomed. However, professional shoots like weddings require coordination with the staff.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal scenery and the lighthouse. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep an eye out for the abundant sea lions and seals, which are always a crowd-pleaser for children. The grounds are spacious enough for kids to explore, and the overall experience is educational without being overly academic. Remember to book tours in advance, as they are the only way to access the site.
🚶♀️ Active Adventurers & Hikers
Consider kayaking or paddleboarding from Avila Beach for a water-based adventure. It's a rewarding journey that takes about 30 minutes and offers unique perspectives of the coastline and potential wildlife sightings.
🎶 Music Lovers & Event Goers
+2Be aware that these concerts are extremely popular and tickets sell out well in advance. Planning and booking early are essential to secure your spot for this memorable experience.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Accessing the Lighthouse: Tours, Hikes, and Kayaks
For the more active visitor, hiking is a popular option. Trails like the Pecho Coast Trail offer a more immersive experience of the coastal landscape on your way to the lighthouse. Kayaking or paddleboarding from Avila Beach is another fantastic way to arrive, offering unique perspectives and the chance to see marine life up close.
Regardless of your chosen method, booking in advance is crucial, especially for tours and during peak seasons or special events like the 'Live at the Lighthouse' concert series, which frequently sells out.
+1Wildlife Encounters at Point San Luis
During migration seasons, the area also becomes a prime location for whale watching. Keep your eyes on the horizon for the tell-tale signs of these magnificent creatures. The experience of seeing wildlife in its natural habitat adds an unforgettable dimension to a visit to the lighthouse.
Whether you arrive by van, hike, or kayak, be sure to take a moment to scan the ocean. The abundance of wildlife is a significant draw for many visitors and a testament to the healthy coastal ecosystem.
Events and Experiences at the Lighthouse
+2The lighthouse also serves as a breathtaking location for private events, including weddings. Its picturesque views and historic charm create a truly memorable setting for special occasions.
Beyond concerts and weddings, the lighthouse offers regular guided tours that delve into its rich history, explaining how the lighthouse and foghorns operated in the late 1800s. These tours provide an intimate look at a bygone era.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit