New Point Loma Lighthouse

San Diego, California - 1891 (1855**)

 
Photo of the New Point Loma Lighthouse.
 
 
   

History of the New Point Loma Lighthouse

Given the problems with the Old Point Loma Lighthouse (a focal plane that was much too high, this caused visibilty problems when mariners needed it the most), a new tower was to be created. This new tower would be built at a lower point on the same bluff (approximately 88 feet above sea level) and would feature a 600,000 candlepower light which is visible up to 15 miles at sea. For the times when the fog rolls in, the station also features a two-tone diaphone fog signal as well as a radio beacon. The tower is still in use today.

Directions: From Downtown San Diego, take Harbor Drive past the airport, and then turn left onto Rosecrans Street (Route 209). Follow this to Canon Street, and make a right. Once at Catalina Blvd. (also know as Cabrillo Memorial Drive), turn left. Follow Catalina Blvd. all the way to the end. From the Cabrillo Monument, you will be able to see the lighthouse.

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Tower Information
Tower Height: 70.00'
Focal Plane: 88'
Active Aid to Navigation: Yes
*Latitude: 32.66508 N
*Longitude: -117.24266 W
See this lighthouse on Google Maps.

 


* Please note that all GPS coordinates are approximated and are meant to put you in the vicinity of the lighthouse, not for navigation purposes.

** This year denotes a station date. This is the year that a lighthouse was first reported in the vicinity or at that location.

All photographs and information on this site is copyright © 2016 Bryan Penberthy unless otherwise specified. No content may be used without written permission. Any questions or comments, please email me.