Among the oldest lighthouses in California, the Old Point Loma Lighthouse (1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr., daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m.) began its watch over the San Diego Bay in 1855. Unfortunately, the light was often dimmed by pernicious fog, and a new lighthouse went into operation in a better location in 1891.

Luckily for visitors today, the old lighthouse remained unmolested. Come in to peruse the exhibits, or sign up for a ranger-led tour and talk that goes into detail about the history of the lighthouse. You’ll see the restoration of the lighthouse by the National Park Service to its original mid-19th-century glory.

Perhaps the most interesting stories you’ll hear during your visit are of the lighthouse-keepers and their families. Several descendents of the original keepers have provided family stories to round out the human history of the lighthouse.

Old Point Loma Lighthouse is part of the Cabrillo National Monument, perfectly located for a day out exploring the early history of California’s statehood.