Battery Point Lighthouse

Battery Point Lighthouse and its museum are located at the foot of Lighthouse Way in Crescent City, California. This is an active lighthouse that serves as a private aid to navigation. Its oil lamps were first lit on December 10, 1856. Lighthouse keepers still reside there. The Battery Point Lighthouse is open to the public for tours which include the opportunity to look into the personal quarters of keepers and their families and at the furniture and artifacts left behind since the 1850’s. Tours include a climb into the light tower. There are displays of many maritime artifacts, photographs, and documents that chronicle its history.

In its 160-year history, many keepers and their families have tended the light. Also known as the Crescent City Light Station, the lighthouse was operated by the U.S. Lighthouse Service until 1936 when the U.S. Coast Guard took over operation and maintenance. The light was automated in 1953, but the Coast Guard continued to maintain the Fifth Order Drumm lens until 1965 when it was decommissioned. The light was then reactivated as a private aid to navigation in 1982.

During the 1964 tsunami, the resident keepers were stranded in the lighthouse. Although there was no damage to the lighthouse itself, the trapped keepers were helpless as they watched in horror throughout the night as the series of waves wreaked havoc on the mainland and swirled around the base of the lighthouse. The keepers provided a terrifying eyewitness account of the destruction caused to Crescent City.

Many great stories about Battery Point Lighthouse’s history and Native American legends about the island have been crafted over time, including tales of its resident ghost. Photographers and artists have captured the beauty of the Lighthouse thousands of times making it one of the most vivid images in all of Del Norte County. The scenic beauty has made Battery Point Lighthouse the subject of film companies for movies, television programs, commercials and music videos.

Visits to the Battery Point Lighthouse and island are only possible at low tide. Extreme care and caution should be used when crossing the two hundred feet between the mainland and island anytime wave action may cover the crossing area. Sneaker waves are a threat to visitors standing on or near the rocks and the shore of the island. Care by visitors should be taken to protect all natural wildlife and plant life on the island.

Fall/Winter Season
October – March
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
TIDE PERMITTING

Although business hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., please remember that Battery Point Lighthouse sits on a tidal island and is only accessible at low tide. Although tour schedules are made with the tide log, times are not always accurate. All tours are scheduled TIDE PERMITTING. It is still staffed by volunteer keepers.

Our partner, Village Camper Inn, hosts our volunteer keepers. villagecamperinn.com

See Battery Point on Facebook 

The wedding policy for the lighthouse is available online here.