If you have just an hour to spend in San Pedro, California, use it to visit the Point Fermin Lighthouse.
Last updated: July 15, 2025
Visit Point Fermin Lighthouse in San Pedro, California
“A lighthouse doesn’t save the ships; it doesn’t go out and rescue them, it’s just this pillar that helps to guide people home” (Lea Michele).
The Point Fermin Lighthouse is one of those pillars that guided ships home for nearly 70 years. Built in 1874, this Victorian-style structure is one of the oldest lighthouses on the West Coast of the USA. A visit to the Point Fermin Lighthouse has been one of the top activities in San Pedro since the early 1900s.
History
Even though first visitors of the Point Fermin Lighthouse were chanted by its beautiful architecture, they couldn’t enjoy the surrounding areas as much as we can now. In the late 1800s – early 1900s, the place with naturally desert climate was barren and remote. Despite the hard work of Mary and Ella Smith, first keepers of the lighthouse, the area continued its nondescript existence for quite a while.
The Smith sisters lived and worked at the lighthouse for eight year. In 1882, not being able to endure loneliness and isolation any longer, Mary and Ella resigned. George Shaw, a retired sea captain, took over the position of the lighthouse keeper. During his time, the lighthouse witnessed the first and the only ship crash in its history. Shaw, however, speculated that the shipwreck was preplanned. No evidence was presented to support his theory.
In 1917, the Austin family moved into the lighthouse and became its last keepers. After the devastating death of both of the parents in 1925, Thelma and Juanita Austin felt compelled to continue their father’s job as a lighthouse keeper. The sisters kept the lighthouse for another two years until the Los Angeles Park Department took over. With the now-electrified light, the lighthouse keeper’s job was done by park supervisors who were permitted to live on the premises.
A New Chapter in the Life of the Lighthouse
The Point Fermin Lighthouse continued to serve until December 9, 1941. Two days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Oahu, in order to avoid detection of the shore by Japanese submarines, the lighthouse ceased its main duties and was used by the US Navy as a lookout tower.
After the war, the Point Fermin Lighthouse never resumed its duties and eventually became almost completely abandoned. Some twenty years later, just in time for a centennial celebration in 1974, the structure was restored by volunteers.
How to Visit Point Fermin Lighthouse
Visit: Today, the Point Fermin Lighthouse is a city museum, recounting a very long history of the building and its surroundings. The Point Fermin Lighthouse is open six days a week, Tuesday through Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 4 p.m. Guided tours conducted by volunteers and lasting approximately 45 minutes are offered every hour (at 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 pm).
Reservation: No reservation is required. The tours, however, are limited to 8 people. Large groups are welcome by advanced reservation only.
Admission: You can visit the Point Fermin Lighthouse free of charge, but donations are always appreciated.
Address: 807 W Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro, CA 90731
