The lighthouse lens was originally a kerosene-powered Fresnel lens produced in France.
During World War II, the lighthouse lantern room was removed to prevent it from serving as a landmark for enemy aircraft.
The structure was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
The park grounds feature a replica of the original lighthouse foundation and remnants of a sunken garden.
It is the first navigational light constructed on the Southern California coast.
Point Fermin Lighthouse is a Victorian-style wooden structure built in 1874 using California redwood. It features a unique stick-style architecture and served as a navigational aid for ships entering the Port of Los Angeles until its decommissioning in 1941. The lighthouse is situated on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the San Pedro Channel. The surrounding 37-acre Point Fermin Park contains heritage trees and expansive ocean-view lawns. It remains one of the few surviving lighthouses of its original design on the West Coast. The structure underwent extensive restoration to repair earthquake damage and return it to its original 19th-century appearance. It is currently managed by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks. Visitors can explore the grounds and view the exterior architecture year-round.
The grassy vantage point directly in front of the lighthouse tower looking toward the ocean.
Bring layers, as the cliffside location is frequently windy and significantly cooler than inland areas.
Explore the tide pools located at the base of the cliffs during low tide.
Use the park’s walking paths to access the adjacent Korean Bell of Friendship.
Do not attempt to scramble down the steep, unstable cliffs to reach the beach, as this is dangerous and prohibited.
Closed on Mondays and major holidays.
Stay on marked trails to protect the sensitive bluff ecosystem and observe posted signs regarding cliff access.
