Battery Point Lighthouse Crescent City California
Historic 1850s lighthouse on an island, accessible only at low tide. Offers tours and stunning Pacific views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
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Battery Point Lighthouse Crescent City California
Best Time
Essential for access
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic 1850s lighthouse on an island, accessible only at low tide. Offers tours and stunning Pacific views.
"A seaside treasure with a kind of magic that sticks with you."
Check the Tides First! :world_map:
Crucial for access! Visit during low tide to walk to the island. Don't get caught out when the tide rolls in.
Wear Sturdy Shoes :athletic_shoe:
The walk involves rocks and sand. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for safe exploration.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Battery Point Lighthouse Tower
The lighthouse itself
Climb to the top of this historic 1850s lighthouse for breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Low Tide Island Walk
Causeway to the lighthouse
Experience the unique thrill of walking across the seabed to reach the lighthouse when the tide is out.
Lighthouse Keeper's Quarters
Inside the lighthouse
Tour the charming living quarters and learn about the lives of the lighthouse keepers who once resided here.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything: Low Tide Access
Dress for the Coast
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check the Tides First! :world_map:
Crucial for access! Visit during low tide to walk to the island. Don't get caught out when the tide rolls in.
Wear Sturdy Shoes :athletic_shoe:
The walk involves rocks and sand. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for safe exploration.
Dress in Layers :cloud:
Coastal weather is unpredictable. Be prepared for wind and cooler temperatures, even on sunny days.
Tour the Inside :ticket:
The guided tours are highly recommended and offer great historical insights. Worth the small fee!
Tips
from all over the internet
Check the Tides First! :world_map:
Crucial for access! Visit during low tide to walk to the island. Don't get caught out when the tide rolls in.
Wear Sturdy Shoes :athletic_shoe:
The walk involves rocks and sand. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for safe exploration.
Dress in Layers :cloud:
Coastal weather is unpredictable. Be prepared for wind and cooler temperatures, even on sunny days.
Tour the Inside :ticket:
The guided tours are highly recommended and offer great historical insights. Worth the small fee!
Haunted History? :ghost:
Some visitors report a spooky atmosphere and even claim the lighthouse is haunted. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Battery Point Lighthouse for its historical charm and stunning coastal location. The guided tours are a highlight, with friendly and knowledgeable staff making the experience engaging for all ages. The unique opportunity to walk to the lighthouse at low tide is a memorable adventure, though accessibility and weather considerations are important for planning.
"Best lighthouse visit, We did the tour and it was great. The staff was very friendly and very knowledgeable and seemed like they love what they do. They Kept it interesting for all ages. Even my 6 year old had fun. The wait to get in might take a while but worth the wait. 10/10 good history lesson. I would also say it's not handicap friendly the stairs are very steep. And There is a ladder to climb to get to top."
nichole Sligar
"My parents were the lighthouse keeper in October of 2024. I stayed with them for a week. What a glorious experience. I arrived in sun and left in surging storms.
There is so much to explore, watch, and see.
The island is only reachable at low tide and tours are only during the day in the summer and the weekends for the rest of the year."
Rain Dog
"The tour was full of great information and friendly and knowledgeable staff!
They were welcoming to my kids but as a parent I definitely wouldn't take super young kids again (2 years and under). The gave 'treasure' to my kids so the place is pro-kid, but there's also a lot of historical items in small rooms that are breakable, so having my young kids there made me nervous. Kids that can follow directions and can hold still for a bit would absolutely love this experience though! We got to go up into the lighthouse and see how everything worked which was really cool but my husband who is claustrophobic got overheated, so if you suffer from that you might want to skip that portion of the tour lol.
Not wheelchair accessible unfortunately either but totally understandable as to why.
Overall 11 out of 10 for the experience! Very enjoyable and educational! Thank you guys for sharing this with my family!"
Challis Hopwood
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Battery Point Lighthouse is located at the end of Lighthouse Road in Crescent City, CA. There is free parking available nearby. The lighthouse is situated on a small island, accessible by a causeway only during low tide. Always check the tide charts before your visit to ensure you can reach it on foot.
Yes, free parking is available near the lighthouse, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
The walk to the lighthouse involves uneven terrain, rocks, and sand. The lighthouse tower itself has steep stairs and a ladder to the top, making it not ideal for those with significant mobility challenges.
Combine your visit to Battery Point Lighthouse with exploring the rugged beaches and redwood forests nearby. Crescent City offers a mix of coastal beauty and natural wonders. +1
Restrooms may not be available if you visit after the lighthouse has closed for interior tours, especially during off-season. It's best to use facilities before heading to the lighthouse.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While walking to the island is free, there is a small fee for guided tours of the lighthouse interior and museum. These tours are highly recommended for a complete experience.
Tours are typically available during low tide hours and are often conducted by resident keepers or volunteers. It's advisable to check the official hours or local listings before your visit, as they can vary.
The best time to visit for tours is during low tide, as this is the only time you can access the lighthouse. Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded than weekends.
While the lighthouse is still operational and its light guides ships, interior tours are typically held during daylight hours. The grounds can be visited at other times, but check for any specific access restrictions.
Yes, the lighthouse serves as a museum, showcasing its history and the lives of its keepers. The tours offer a glimpse into its past.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
The lighthouse itself, especially with the dramatic coastal backdrop, is a prime photo spot. Capture the walk across the causeway at low tide, the rugged rock formations, and the expansive ocean views. 
Yes, aerial photography can offer stunning perspectives of the lighthouse and its island setting. Ensure you are aware of and comply with all local drone regulations.
Expect dramatic coastal scenery with crashing waves, rocky shores, driftwood, and the iconic lighthouse standing tall against the Pacific.
While not guaranteed, sea lions can sometimes be spotted along the Northern California coast, adding to the wildlife viewing opportunities.
Sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful light for photography, but always ensure you can access the lighthouse during low tide. Midday can also provide clear views.
🎫 👻 History & Legends
Battery Point Lighthouse was first lit in December 1856, making it one of the oldest lighthouses on the California coast.
Many visitors and local lore suggest the lighthouse has a haunted reputation, with some reporting paranormal experiences.
Built in the mid-19th century, it served as a crucial aid to navigation for ships along the rugged Northern California coastline. It's a National Historic Landmark.
The lighthouse is often staffed by live-in caretakers or docents who conduct tours and maintain the property.
The lighthouse features an original fourth-order Fresnel lens, a marvel of 19th-century optical engineering that was crucial for its powerful beam.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
+1 You can easily combine a visit with exploring the nearby redwood parks or other coastal attractions in Crescent City. 👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts
+1 Many visitors report feeling an eerie atmosphere, and some claim to have experienced paranormal phenomena. The isolated island setting, the history of maritime tragedies, and the stories of past keepers contribute to its ghostly allure. Take a tour and see if you can sense any spectral residents! Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Tides: Your Key to Battery Point
+1 Visitors must consult local tide charts before planning their trip. Websites and apps dedicated to tide forecasting are invaluable resources. Aim to arrive a couple of hours before the lowest point of the tide to allow ample time for exploration and a safe return before the water rises again. Be prepared for the walk itself. The causeway is not a paved path; it consists of rocks, sand, and sometimes seaweed. Sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip are essential.
Remember that the weather on the Northern California coast can change rapidly. Even on a sunny day, the wind can make it feel much cooler. Dressing in layers is highly recommended, and bringing a windbreaker or jacket is a wise precaution.
This ensures you can comfortably enjoy your visit, regardless of the conditions.A Glimpse into Maritime History: The Lighthouse Tour
+1 They share fascinating stories about the lighthouse's construction, its operational history, and the daily lives of the keepers and their families who lived in the tower and adjacent keeper's house. Visitors get to explore the interior of the lighthouse, including the living quarters which have been preserved to reflect their historical appearance.
The highlight for many is climbing the steep stairs to the lantern room at the top of the tower. From this vantage point, you're rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Crescent City, and the surrounding coastline. While the tours are highly engaging for all ages, it's worth noting that the steep stairs and ladder to the top may pose a challenge for individuals with significant mobility issues.
Beyond the Lighthouse: Exploring Crescent City's Charm
The coastline around Crescent City is rugged and beautiful, featuring numerous beaches and viewpoints. Pebble Beach offers scenic vistas, and the area is known for its dramatic cliffs and rock formations.
Visitors can also explore other natural wonders like Fern Canyon, famous for its 'Jurassic Park' like scenery, and enjoy the general outdoor adventure opportunities that the North Coast is famous for. For those interested in local lore, Crescent City is also famously associated with Bigfoot sightings, adding a touch of mystery and intrigue to the region.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit