An 1874 Victorian stick-style lighthouse on the bluffs of Point Fermin Park, with free guided tours of the keeper's quarters and tower Tuesday through Sunday afternoons.
Point Fermin Lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses on the West Coast and San Pedro’s best-loved landmark. It stands in Point Fermin Park at the southern tip of San Pedro, and the City of Los Angeles runs it as a free historic site and museum.
Visiting the lighthouse
- Open: Tuesday through Sunday, 1 to 4 pm. Closed Mondays, and it may close on major holidays or for park events, so call ahead on those days.
- Tours: Guided tours start at 1, 2 and 3 pm, first come, first served. Groups are small, so arrive early on weekends.
- Cost: Free. Donations support the exhibits and programs.
- Families: Children under 18 must be with an adult, and children under 48 inches tall can’t go up the tower.
- Groups: School, large-group and private tours are by appointment at 310-241-0684.
History
The Point Fermin Lighthouse was first lit in 1874. It was built in the Victorian stick style from redwood, and its Fresnel lens was shipped around Cape Horn. Mary and Ella Smith were its first keepers, and for most of the next seven decades it guided ships between the Channel Islands and San Pedro Bay.
The light went dark in 1941, when coastal lights were turned off after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and the lantern room was replaced by a lookout shack during the war. Volunteers rebuilt a replica lantern and gallery in time for the lighthouse’s centennial in 1974, and a later restoration returned the keeper’s quarters to their period look.
Make a day of it
The lighthouse sits inside Point Fermin Park, with lawns, picnic tables, ocean views and Walker’s Cafe nearby. From the bluffs you can often spot whales in winter and spring. The Korean Bell of Friendship, Fort MacArthur Museum and Cabrillo Beach are all a few minutes’ drive away.
Getting there: Paseo del Mar doesn’t go through from the west because of the 2011 landslide, so come in from Gaffey Street or Pacific Avenue. Street parking is free around the park.
Frequently asked questions
Is Point Fermin Lighthouse free?
Yes. Admission and tours are free, and donations are welcome.
When is Point Fermin Lighthouse open?
Tuesday through Sunday, 1 to 4 pm, with guided tours at 1, 2 and 3 pm. It is closed on Mondays and may close on major holidays.
Can you go up the tower?
Yes, on a guided tour. Children must be at least 48 inches tall to go up the tower.
How old is Point Fermin Lighthouse?
It was first lit in 1874, which makes it one of the oldest lighthouses on the West Coast.