Lighthouse ZZZs

Overnight Cottage at Point Arena Lighthouse Mendocino Coast

11.10.2016

It’s the closest point of land to the Hawaiian Islands in the continental United States and it might well be the best view on the coast. The historic 115-foot lighthouse tower at Point Arena Lighthouse in Mendocino County sits on a spit of land jutting two miles into the ocean. It’s also one of the few lighthouses you can climb to the top of for a brilliant balcony panorama of the Pacific Coast. Daytime visitors come and go, but for a truly magical experience surrounded by the sea, spend the night here! Point Arena has six ocean-facing cottages, including a brand-new one with a gourmet chef’s kitchen (Assistant Keeper’s House 4).

All but one of the cottages are equipped with full kitchens and back patios with picnic tables. Wood-burning or gas fireplaces keep things warm and cozy. Bring your favorite people: The setting is pure Pacific Coast and a great hopping-off point to nearby Manchester State Beach and Bowling Ball Beach. The lighthouse and the surrounding Point Arena–Stornetta Public Lands, a California national monument, are a prime place for a hike along the bluffs.

BONUS: Your stay includes lighthouse tour admission. Night tours are also offered some weekends—you’ll climb the tower in the dark to reach the lantern room, the way that lighthouse keepers used to do it!

Point Arena Lighthouse is at 45500 Lighthouse Rd. in Point Arena. Assistant Keeper’s houses 2 & 3 are dog-friendly! No dogs in the other units.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Two hikers at Bear Creek Redwoods Regional Preserve on a new trail.

    New Trails at Bear Creek

    Looking for new trails? Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve has added 170 acres of forest, grassland, and historical sites. Hike this 3.5-mile loop through the new addition.

    View
  2. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

    View
  3. Man hiking up a trail at Montara Mountain, with a view of the Pacific and Grey Whale sand beach in the background

    From Beach to Summit

    No need to decide between a beach and a mountaintop—this hike includes both! Explore the stunning coastal scenery on this 6-mile out-and-back up Montara Mountain and into Rancho Corral de Tierra.

    View

  4. Drake Awakening

    Part salt water, part fresh water, Drake’s Estero is smack in the middle of Point Reyes, and one of only two marine wilderness areas in the entire nation. Yeah, it’s worth a look. Get the extended version by hiking right alongside it.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Legendary Deals!

    There are outlet malls … and then there’s The Outlets at Legends! Located just east of Reno in the neighboring city of Sparks, this open-air entertainment, dining, and shopping destination isn’t just a visit, it’s an experience.

    View

  2. How Do You Après?

    Après all day? Hey, in Reno Tahoe, anything goes! But if you insist on skiing, skating, or snow tubing first—well, of course you do! Reno Tahoe is one of the best places on the planet for snow adventures of all kinds, followed by outdoor firepit gatherings and cozy indoor hideaway respites like these...

    View
  3. Woman walking in the Venice Canals of Los Angeles County

    Canal Contemplations

    With its incense-scented boardwalk, bohemian shops, skateparks, and abundance of body builders, Venice is happily eccentric, and artistic. Exhibit A: Its network of European-style canals with charming bridges, offering a tranquil tour of the town’s history.

    View

  4. Hike A Fall Classic

    Reno hit the jackpot with its well-planned urban trail system, including the Tom Cooke Trail adjacent to the Truckee River, and brilliant in fall.

    View