All these pictures are from my Instagram account. You can follow me @paulagaston.
Did you know, that there is a day dedicated to lighthouses? Here in the US, National Lighthouse Day is celebrated on August 7th. Since I have always lived on the coast in Finland and here in California, I am used to seeing and visiting lighthouses on my trips.
Point Reyes National Seashore is pretty close to where we live, so we have visited there multiple times. The lighthouse was first opened in 1870 and it served for 105 years. Now it is one of the most visited places in this national park. You can visit inside the lighthouse, but not before you walk down the 308 stairs to it. Next to the lighthouse there is a little museum. It is absolutely worth it to go down to the lighthouse, but just remember that you also must climb the stairs back up. If you are lucky, you might see some whales or sea lions from the lighthouse.
These two lighthouses above, we visited on our road trip up the Northern California coast. The one on the left, Point Cabrillo Light Station, is still in use, and is located in Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park on the Pacific Coast Highway. Inside the lighthouse they have a little museum and a gift shop. The lighthouse on the right is on the same road and has been seen in many movies. Point Arena Lighthouse is also open for visitors but you have to purchase a ticket to get on the tour.
Cape Disappointment Lighthouse was opened in 1856 and it is located in Washington state. The lighthouse is in a state park with some beautiful views and hiking trails around it. I think I still have some stories from this particular trip to be written. On the right is the Point Bonita Lighthouse in the Marin Headlands. It is a great destination if you are visiting San Francisco, but you should check the opening hours before going. It can only be accessed through a tunnel which is only open for certain hours.
In May I visited San Diego, California and of course stopped at some lighthouses as well. At Cabrillo National Monument (left) one can visit Old Point Loma Lighthouse. One can visit the lighthouse inside and even climb up to the light tower. The picture on the right is from the New Point Loma Lighthouse which is not open to visitors. The lighthouse was featured in the Top Gun movie.
I’m sure we will visit many other lighthouses in the future, since we love to drive on the California coast. I hope that next summer we can visit some lighthouses on our trip to Finland as well, and maybe even stay the night at one of them!
I have a fascination for light houses and find they have an aura of romance and mystery. Probably the fascination stems from the various Enid Blyton books that I have read as a kid. A National day for Lighthouses sounds really interesting, definitely a tribute to these wonderful structures.
I agree, there is definitely something romantic and special about them. Thanks for your comment.
My mum has such a fascination with lighthouses. So much so that I think she passed it on to me. I don’t go out looking for there, but if I know there is one close by, I’ll go check it out. They are always just so beautiful! I had no idea there was a National Day dedicated just for them !
Thank you for the comment Chiera! It’s a cool little hobby to have.
I had no idea there was a National Lighthouse Day! I also always go to a lighthouse on my trips if I find one interesting. Don’t really know why though, haha. I think it’s the history that fascinates me. I want to visit California one day and now I know which lighthouses I need to visit 🙂 Nice photos btw!
Thank you Marlies! I don’t know either why I visit lighthouses… there must be something to it.
Those pictures of lighthouses are amazing. Wasn’t knowing there is a national day for lighthouse.. love learning new things 🙂
Thank you Anushka!
National Lighthouse Day????
Why not National Lighthouse Night?
Just kidding. Hey, great photographs.
Did you ever see "South Solitary", an Australian lighthouse movie?
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1587278/
Thanks Pete! No, I have not seen it, maybe I should check it out.
I had no idea national lighthouse day is a thing, but I totally love that. I’ve always been a fan of lighthouses, they’re so beautiful, have great views from them, and are amazing photo ops. I love yours btw.
Thank you Ania! I didn’t know about this day either before this year.
That’s interesting, I’ve never heard of National Lighthouse Day. Your pictures are amazing… Especially the one of Point Reyes National Seashore.
Thanks you Milena! Point Reyes is an amazing place!
Hahah There is a day for EVERYTHING. I have seen a few lighthouses in my day – these are lovely and probably have guided many an adventurer.
Yes, I think so, at least in the US we have a day for everything.
never knew there was a lighthouse day 🙂 I love Lighthouses! You first shot is absolutely stunning!
Thank you Julz! I just learned this myself a while ago.
The lighthouse looks stunning! Your photos were great! I have never really visited a lighthouse. I have just seen them while we were travelling. The first time I saw a lighthouse was when we had our out of town. I am looking forward to visiting a lighthouse in our next trip.
Thanks Ana Rose! If you get a chance to visit inside a lighthouse, you should go check it out.