Many of California’s lighthouses still keep passing ships safe, but they’re also wonderful historic gems on our coastline. Along the entire California coast, 30 lighthouses stand watch, but only 16 of them are open to the public. There’s one right here in Southern California that’s also one of our state’s most unique. Check out the Point Fermin Lighthouse.

The Point Fermin Lighthouse was completed in 1874 and it's one of the most unique lighthouses in the country.
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Address: 807 West Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro, CA 90731
The lighthouse is one of three remaining Stick Style Victorian lighthouses in the United States. This style of lighthouse integrated the keeper's cottage with the lighthouse's tower.
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Six were built across the country between 1873 and 1874; three remain standing. You'll find the other two in San Francisco Bay and New Jersey.
Visit the Point Fermin Lighthouse to learn all about its history and former keepers and see the rooms where they and their families lived.
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The first lighthouse keepers were as unique as the lighthouse. Mary and Ella Smith served as keepers here for eight years. The Smith sisters came from a family with a long history of lighthouse keeping, but it was rare to have female keepers.
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You'll learn more about the Smith Sisters, as well as subsequent keepers during your tour and you'll see many antique furnishings that graced this home while it served as a keepers cottage.
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After your tour of the home, you'll climb the winding staircase up to the lantern room to get an eagle's eye view of the coastline below.
Alex Paykov/Google
The windows up here provide you with an incredible view of the ocean and coastline. The tower stands 30 feet high and 120 feet above the sea.
Tanya Lawrence/Google
The Fresnel lens that once warned ships away from the coast's shallow waters was turned off during World War II and never again shone.
Point Fermin Lighthouse/Facebook
The light was extinguished to prevent enemy planes and ships from using it to navigate. It was removed shortly thereafter, and was missing for decades. In 2006, it was located and returned to the lighthouse. You'll find it on display in the living quarters below.
The Point Fermin Lighthouse was decommissioned decades ago, but it's still a treasured gem along Southern California's coast. Plan your visit to tour it soon!
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The lighthouse is open Tuesday through Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Guided tours are offered every hour at 1 p.m., 2 p.m, and 3 p.m. Admission is free, but small donations are welcomed and encouraged.

Learn more about the Point Fermin Lighthouse on its website.

Looking for more historic gems in Southern California? Check out this tiny town along Route 66. It’s a strange blend of quirky and historic.

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