Take in the Views and Learn the History of the Historic Avila Beach Lighthouse

 

While most tourists know Avila Beach for its miles of beautiful coastline, ideal year-round weather, and eclectic restaurants, shops and tasting rooms, the area has even more to offer. The Central Coast has a long and storied history, none of which is more interesting or breathtaking than that of the Avila Beach Lighthouse.

The next time you visit the area, carve out an afternoon to visit this iconic, interesting and incredibly picturesque landmark.

The History

For more than 130 years, the Point San Luis Light Station has been a beacon over San Luis Bay. Founded in 1890, the lighthouse was lit for the first time on June 30, 1890, followed by its steam powered fog whistle in 1891. Its Fresnel lens would generate alternating red and white flashes of light every 30 seconds that were visible for 17 nautical miles out to sea. The Fresnel lens was retired in 1969, (and is currently on display) and was replaced by an automated electric light before the Coast Guard decommissioned the light house in 1974.

The lighthouse structure is considered Victorian in its design and is believed to have been designed by architect Paul J. Pelz, a prominent designer of lighthouses in the 1800’s. Two other identical lighthouses in California were built, but the structure at Point SLO is the only one of its kind still remaining.

Current Operations

The Federal Government handed off the site, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991, to the Port San Luis District in 1992. Since then, the light station has existed as a historical, educational and recreational site for the enjoyment of the public.

Interestingly, the Coast Guard still maintains a light at the station, which blinks one second on/four seconds off, every night, and can be seen up to 17 miles away. The rest of the station remains a historic site open to visitors and can be reached by the facility’s van, hiking with the Pecho Coast Trail Guides or by kayaking to Whalers Beach. Guests can enjoy the property from sunup to sundown.

Tours

The next time you’re in Avila, visit the lighthouse and experience its rich history. The Point San Luis Lighthouse Keepers offer docent-led tours, giving visitors a chance to explore the restored Lighthouse, the Hornhouse and other structures. Guests will get a glimpse into the lives of the Lighthouse keepers and their families as they experience the breathtaking scenery.

Weekly van tours are offered on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Tickets range from $15-25. All proceeds go to continued restoration efforts.

Guided hikes are also offered weekly by the Pecho Coast Trail Guides. The scenic Pecho Coast Trail takes hikers through the Diablo Canyon Power Plant and onto the bluffs overlooking San Luis Bay.

For more information about tours visit the Port San Luis Lighthouse website: Point San Luis Lighthouse. Visit Cobbo’s Beach House for lodging information.