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Walton Lighthouse

4.7
·58 reviews·Santa Cruz, United States

Iconic beacon at Santa Cruz Harbor, offering stunning sunset views and a scenic jetty walk.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Golden Hour

Unforgettable sunset views

CrowdMedium
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Vista del fare

Walton Lighthouse

Best Time

Golden Hour

Unforgettable sunset views

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic beacon at Santa Cruz Harbor, offering stunning sunset views and a scenic jetty walk.

4.7
(58 reviews)

"A serene and picturesque spot for a peaceful walk and enjoying the beauty of the coastline."

Vertical photo
TIP

🌅 Catch the Golden Hour

Arrive before sunset for the best light and photo opportunities.

🚗 Parking Patience

Parking can be limited, especially during peak times. Consider arriving early or walking from nearby.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Walton Lighthouse

Walton Lighthouse

Seabright Beach, Santa Cruz

Iconic coastal beacon offering stunning sunset views and a picturesque backdrop for photos.

Santa Cruz Harbor Jetty

Santa Cruz Harbor Jetty

Adjacent to Seabright Beach

A scenic walk with great views of Monterey Bay and boats entering/leaving the harbor.

Seabright Beach

Seabright Beach

Santa Cruz

A family-friendly beach perfect for relaxing, playing, and enjoying the coastal atmosphere.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Sunsets

Walton Lighthouse is a prime spot for sunset photography and viewing. Aim for the golden hour to capture the best light. Check sunset times and arrive early, as parking can be limited, especially on weekends. TikTokInstagram

Beach Access & Jetty Stroll

The lighthouse is located at the end of a jetty, offering a scenic walk. Seabright Beach is adjacent, making it a great spot for families. Be aware of tide times if you're interested in beachcombing or skimboarding. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Golden Hour
Why
Unforgettable sunset views
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Peaceful beach strolls
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Are you a lighthouse chaser or a sunset chaser? Today, I got to be both at the Walton Lighthouse in Santa Cruz. 🌅 #LighthouseChaser #SunsetChaser #Lighthouse #California #SantaCruz #FleetwoodMac #Sunset #DJI
@joshua_fierro
1K likes • 60.8K views

🌅 Catch the Golden Hour

Arrive before sunset for the best light and photo opportunities. TikTokInstagram+1

🚗 Parking Patience

Parking can be limited, especially during peak times. Consider arriving early or walking from nearby. Reddit

Drone shots of California sunsets are the ultimate travel therapy. 🌊✨ Capturing the Walton Lighthouse and Santa Cruz at its most peaceful. #tiktoktravel #FYP #SantaCruz #Lighthouse #DroneViews #GoldenHourMagic #californiadreaming
@joshua_fierro
576 likes • 50.7K views
On the side of the Minas Basin, the Walton Lighthouse was built around 1872. It welcomed ships into the Walton Dock, where they would be loaded with gypsum from the mine that had started in the area in the 1820s. At one point, this area was known as Petite Rivière. The Acadians lived here before the Deportation in 1755. Today, it is the only surviving lighthouse in Hants County. From May 15th ...
annapolisvalleyviews
67 likes • 1.1K views

🚶‍♀️ Jetty Walk Essential

Stroll the jetty for harbor views and a closer look at the lighthouse. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun

A great spot for a dog-friendly walk along the jetty and beach. Reddit

Have you ever visited Walton Lighthouse? Only about 20 minutes from Burntcoat Head Park or 1 hour 15 minutes from Halifax, this is the last original lighthouse in #EastHantsNS! Did we miss any fun facts about #Walton? Share below 👇🏽 #novascotia #lighthouse #bayoffundy #explore #explorecanada #eastcoastlifestyle #maritimes #hfx #yhz #rediscovernovascotia
burntcoatheadpark
27 likes • 597 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🌅 Catch the Golden Hour

Arrive before sunset for the best light and photo opportunities. TikTokInstagram+1

🚗 Parking Patience

Parking can be limited, especially during peak times. Consider arriving early or walking from nearby. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Jetty Walk Essential

Stroll the jetty for harbor views and a closer look at the lighthouse. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun

A great spot for a dog-friendly walk along the jetty and beach. Reddit

📸 Drone Views Welcome

Capture breathtaking aerial shots of the lighthouse and coastline. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.7
(58 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Walton Lighthouse as a serene and picturesque spot, perfect for sunset views and relaxing walks along the harbor jetty. The dog-friendly nature and family-friendly beach add to its appeal, though parking can be a challenge during peak times.

"Come for the lighthouse, stay for the tetrapods! A nice dog friendly stroll out to the end of the jetty protecting the harbor.
Great views along Monterey Bay as well as a point to see the boats coming and going from the harbor.
If you’re out this way and feeling peckish, Aldo’s is a great outdoor lunch spot."

Jeff Meyer

"Beautiful place to walk and relax, we came walking since Santa Cruz Broadway by the beach and was very cool, once there, sit, relax and enjoy =)"

Jeff Walker

"Walton Lighthouse in Santa Cruz is a serene and picturesque spot located at the end of the Santa Cruz Harbor jetty. My family and I enjoyed a peaceful walk along the jetty, taking in the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding harbor. The lighthouse itself, though modest in size, adds a charming touch to the coastal scenery. It’s a great place to relax, watch the waves crash against the rocks, and enjoy the fresh sea breeze.

The area is well-maintained, with clear pathways and plenty of opportunities for photography. Whether you’re visiting for a quiet moment of reflection or simply to admire the beauty of the coastline, Walton Lighthouse offers a tranquil escape from the busier parts of Santa Cruz. Parking can be a bit limited, especially during peak times, but the short walk to the lighthouse is well worth the effort."

Jonathan Phan

What People Like

Beautiful sunset views
Scenic jetty walk
Dog-friendly atmosphere

What People Dislike

Limited parking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Walton Lighthouse is located at the end of the Santa Cruz Harbor jetty, accessible from Seabright Beach. You can drive and park nearby, though parking can be limited. Many visitors enjoy walking along the beach or from the Santa Cruz Boardwalk area. InstagramReddit

Yes, there is parking available near Seabright Beach and the Santa Cruz Harbor. However, it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during popular sunset times. Arriving early is recommended. Reddit

Absolutely! Many visitors enjoy a scenic walk along Seabright Beach or down the harbor jetty to reach the lighthouse. It's a pleasant stroll with great coastal views. InstagramReddit

While direct public transport to the lighthouse itself might be limited, you can take buses to Santa Cruz and then walk or take a short taxi/rideshare to Seabright Beach or the harbor area. Check local Santa Cruz transit schedules for routes. Instagram

For photography, consider walking along the jetty during the golden hour for stunning sunset shots. Drone photography is also popular here for unique perspectives. TikTokInstagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Walton Lighthouse and the surrounding beach and jetty areas are publicly accessible and do not require an entrance fee or ticket. Instagram

The lighthouse and surrounding public areas are generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. There are no specific 'opening hours' as it's an outdoor public space. Instagram

Seabright Beach is a public beach and does not have an admission fee. You can enjoy the beach and walk to the lighthouse freely. Instagram

The Walton Lighthouse is an active aid to navigation and is typically not open to the public for interior tours. Visitors can admire it from the outside and the surrounding jetty. Instagram

General public access rules apply. Be mindful of the environment, pack out what you pack in, and respect any posted signage. It's a popular spot, so be considerate of other visitors. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The golden hour, just before and during sunset, offers the most spectacular lighting for photos of Walton Lighthouse. Sunrise is also a beautiful, less crowded option. TikTokInstagram+3

You can capture stunning landscape shots of the lighthouse against the ocean, dramatic sunset and sunrise scenes, views of boats in the harbor, and candid shots of people enjoying the beach. Drone photography offers unique aerial perspectives. TikTokInstagram

The end of the harbor jetty provides a classic viewpoint looking back at the lighthouse. Seabright Beach offers wider beach shots, and walking along the jetty provides varied angles. Instagram

While the lighthouse itself is lit, night photography might be challenging due to ambient light and safety on the jetty. However, capturing moonrises behind the lighthouse can be spectacular. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the lighthouse and its surroundings. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant shots of boats or wildlife. A tripod is essential for low-light sunset/sunrise photography. TikTok

🎫 🏖️ Beach & Activities

Seabright Beach is great for relaxing, sunbathing, building sandcastles, and enjoying the ocean. The adjacent jetty is perfect for a leisurely walk. Skimboarding is also popular, especially during certain tide conditions. InstagramReddit

Yes, Seabright Beach is very family-friendly, offering a safe environment for children to play on the sand and in the shallow waters. The nearby lighthouse and jetty add to the adventure. Instagram

Swimming is generally permitted at Seabright Beach, but always be aware of ocean conditions, currents, and any posted advisories. Lifeguard presence may vary by season. Instagram

Yes, Walton Lighthouse and the surrounding jetty are dog-friendly, allowing for enjoyable walks with your pets. Seabright Beach also generally allows dogs, though specific leash rules may apply. Reddit

Tetrapods are concrete structures used to protect shorelines from erosion and wave action. They can be found along the jetty near Walton Lighthouse, adding an interesting element to the coastal landscape. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Walton Lighthouse and Seabright Beach are ideal for families. The beach offers plenty of space for kids to play, build sandcastles, and paddle in the gentle waves. Instagram The walk along the jetty is an adventure in itself, with opportunities to spot boats and enjoy the ocean breeze. It's a safe and engaging environment for children to explore the coast. Instagram

🐶 Pet Owners

Bring your furry friends along! Walton Lighthouse and the adjacent jetty are dog-friendly, making it a perfect spot for a scenic walk with your canine companion. Reddit Enjoy the fresh sea air and beautiful views together. Remember to keep your pets leashed and clean up after them. Reddit

📸 Photographers & Sunset Enthusiasts

This is your spot! Walton Lighthouse is renowned for its stunning sunset views. Aim to arrive during the golden hour to capture the magical light. TikTokInstagram+2 The jetty offers excellent vantage points, and drone photography can provide unique perspectives. TikTok Sunrise is also a beautiful, less crowded alternative. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Charm of Walton Lighthouse

Walton Lighthouse, located at the end of the Santa Cruz Harbor jetty, is a beloved local landmark. While not as grand as some historic lighthouses, its charm lies in its picturesque setting and role as a beacon for boats entering the harbor. Built in 2001, it stands at 42 feet tall and offers a beautiful focal point against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. Instagram It's a popular spot for photographers, especially during the 'golden hour' when the setting sun casts a warm glow over the scene. TikTokInstagram

Many visitors find the walk along the jetty to be a highlight, offering expansive views of Monterey Bay and the bustling harbor activity. It's a place where you can relax, feel the sea breeze, and watch the waves crash against the protective tetrapods. Reddit The lighthouse provides a sense of place and a touch of maritime history to the Santa Cruz coastline, making it a must-visit for those exploring the area. Instagram

Experiencing Seabright Beach and the Jetty

Seabright Beach, adjacent to Walton Lighthouse, is a fantastic public beach known for its family-friendly atmosphere and accessibility. It's a great spot for a leisurely day, whether you're building sandcastles, sunbathing, or simply enjoying the coastal scenery. Instagram The beach is also a popular location for skimboarding, particularly when the tide conditions are right. Reddit

The jetty extending out to the lighthouse is more than just a path; it's an experience in itself. Walking along it offers panoramic views of the Monterey Bay, the Santa Cruz coastline, and the boats navigating in and out of the harbor. Reddit It's a dog-friendly area, making it a perfect outing for pet owners. Reddit The presence of tetrapods along the jetty adds a unique, rugged element to the landscape, providing interesting textures and shapes for photography. Reddit

Photography Tips for Walton Lighthouse

Walton Lighthouse is a photographer's dream, especially during sunrise and sunset. The 'golden hour' provides soft, warm light that enhances the colors of the sky and sea, creating dramatic and memorable images. TikTokInstagram+2 Consider using a wide-angle lens to capture the lighthouse in its expansive coastal setting, or a telephoto lens to focus on details or distant views of the bay. TikTok

For those with drones, the aerial perspective offers breathtaking views of the lighthouse, the harbor, and the coastline, showcasing the unique layout of the area. TikTok Don't forget to experiment with different angles from the jetty and the beach. Capturing the moonrise behind the lighthouse can also yield stunning, unique shots. Instagram Remember to check the tide charts if you're interested in beachcombing or capturing specific tidal conditions. Reddit

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