Point Vicente Lighthouse

Point Vicente Lighthouse, 31550 Palos Verdes Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes,  California. Call (310) 541-0334.

California lighthouses

Point Vicente is one of the prettiest lighthouses to grace the Southern California coastline. Although there are only a few light stations in the populated region of more than 10 million inhabitants, this lighthouse shares stunning hilltop views with the homes and parks of Los Angeles Countyy's Palos Verdes neighborhoods or Rancho Palos Verdes and Rolling Hills Estates. On a clear day, migrating whales can be seen traveling north or south, a view enjoyed also by residents of homes situated on the brown cliffs of this south L.A. county region.

A stunning drive along Highway 1 with its windy roads that drop into multi-million dollar housing tracts or to beaches and parks offers an enjoyable view of the topography of land visible south of here at Sunset Beach, Belmont Shore and Long Beach. Turn west onto Palos Verdes Drive in Rancho Palos Verdes to find the lighthouse treasure, located around the bend from Portuguese Bend.

Point Vicente is located 10 miles north of San Pedro's Point Fermin lighthouse. It features a third order fresnel lens mounted in a reinforced concrete tower that stands 55' tall and 185' above the water. First opened in 1926, Point Vicente was named after an 18th century Spanish friar.

The lighthouse tower is open for tours on the second Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (except March.) Admission is free.  Call (310) 541-0334 or check web: vicentelight.org. Adults 19 years and older need to provide a photo ID.  An interpretive center located in a trailer north of the lighthouse features brochures and information. Several picnic tables near the trailer are available for view dining. From the location, guests can look south to the lighthouse or west to the Pacific Ocean.

There are no hotels located in this mostly residential area but travelers can enjoy oceanfront accommodations in Redondo Beach to the north or slightly inland in Torrance.

Nearby destinations include:

Catalina Island - accessible by Catalina Express departing nearby San Pedro or Long Beach.
Dockweiler Beach - LA's favorite camping beach
Hermosa Beach - home to surfing and events
Long Beach - The Aquarium of the Pacific, Queen Mary and more!
Los Angeles - Hollywood, Universal Studios, Tours, Entertainment!
Manhattan Beach - quaint, popular beach with lots to see and do
Marina del Rey - cruises, beaches and bay
Playa del Rey - beautiful beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean
Rancho Palos Verdes - luxurious coastline with stunning views from cliffs
Redondo Beach - fantastic pier with entertainment galore, plus great beaches and shore
San Pedro - Cruiseline port, Fanfare, Red Car Trolley ride, historic downtown, aquarium
Santa Monica - celebrities, beaches, shopping, markets, entertainment,dining
Torrance - special beach with quaint neighborhood appeal
Venice Beach - arts, entertainment, pier, and pure beach!