Watch for whales, step inside a historical home, and learn about a lighthouse that’s been guiding ships since 1909. It’s all at the Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park (pointcabrillo.org; suggested $5 donation). Built in 1909, this stout lighthouse stands on a 300-acre wildlife preserve north of town, between Russian Gulch and Caspar Beach. The grounds also contain a collection of restored 1900s-era houses and a large seawater aquarium within a former blacksmith and carpenter shop. Because the land here juts out into the sea, it's a great spot for whale-watching.
The adventure begins on the half-mile stroll from the parking lot to the lighthouse (handicapped parking is available closer to the Light Station in front of the residences). The paved path is lined with whale trivia to get you hyped for the plumes of mist you might see offshore, especially between December and April. Eventually, you’ll pass a residence on your right that once served as housing for first assistant lighthouse keepers. Today, it’s a museum (open 11am-4pm) with interiors restored to their 1930s glory, so head in for a self-guided tour. You’ll also pass the homes for the head lightkeeper and the second assistant lightkeeper plus a couple cottages – all of these are available for overnight stays from $158 per night.
Past the residences is the Marine Science Exhibit, a kid-friendly pitstop with aquariums of tiny marine organisms. Next, you’ll reach the lighthouse, which triples as a museum and gift shop. After you’ve learned about the point’s original keepers – the Native Pomo people – head out to the trails along the bluffs and keep your eyes peeled for marine wildlife.
