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Point San Luis Lighthouse

1 Headland of Point San Luis · Avila Beach, CA

Why you should go…

Point San Luis Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse built in 1890 on the headland above San Luis Obispo Bay near Avila Beach. It operated as a working aid to navigation until the mid 1970s and was restored to museum quality in 1995. Since there is no public road access, visitors reach the site by a docent led van tour departing from Avila Beach, or by a longer guided kayak tour.

  • #history
  • #lighthouse
  • #views
  • #tours

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Point San Luis Lighthouse, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Local Gem

    Pirate's Cove Beach

    Free

    A small cove beach reached by a coastal bluff trail near Avila Beach on California's Central Coast.

    2.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Attractions
    Quirky Fun

    Puzzle Effect

    $25–$50

    An hour-long escape room in downtown San Luis Obispo with immersive, puzzle-filled themed rooms for groups.

    9.7 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Shopping
    Family Favorite

    Bricks & Minifigs San Luis Obispo

    Free

    A LEGO resale shop buying, selling and trading new, used and retired sets, minifigures and bulk bricks.

    9.9 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    San Luis Obispo

    Free

    The City of San Luis Obispo's official visitor site for California's Central Coast.

    10 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Santa Maria Valley

    Free

    Central Coast California wine and barbecue region between Santa Barbara and Pismo Beach.

    24 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    California Central Coast

    Free

    A 350-mile stretch of California coastline and inland valleys between Ventura and Santa Clara counties, covering wine country, beaches and small coastal towns.

    26 mi awayMore like this