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Visit the Point San Luis Lighthouse in San Luis Obispo

09.11.2024

One of the most historic places on the Central Coast is still a bit of a California secret. Perched high upon windswept bluffs, the Point San Luis Lighthouse is the only remaining Victorian-style lighthouse on the West Coast. And you can’t simply drive up to it in your car. But you can book a van tour or do a guided hike to see the lighthouse, learn about its history, and enjoy beautiful coastal views from Avila Beach to Vandenberg.

Guides are encyclopedias of knowledge about the flora, points of interest, and tales of local lore. Tour inside the lighthouse, staged to look like it did long ago.

For a little paranormal drama, the lighthouse is said to be haunted … dare you go there to see about the Ghost of 1890 San Luis Lighthouse?

BONUS 2024 CONCERT SERIES: Take in a Saturday afternoon above the Pacific with a concert at Point San Luis Lighthouse. The Lighthouse Concert Series goes through October 12, with food and drinks available.

BONUS HIKE: Bag a Morro! For summit views of the Central Coast, hike 4.5 miles (round-trip) to the highest of nine morros (a chain of ancient volcanoes) in San Luis Obispo. Bishop Peak is right across from Cal Poly’s campus and is a SLOcal favorite.

Directions to Bishop Peak: From downtown San Luis Obispo, head north on Santa Rosa St. (Hwy. 1). Turn left onto Highland Dr. and drive about 1 mile to the end of the road, where the trail starts. Dog-friendly!

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