Perched on the northwestern tip of Aruba is a gorgeous stone structure called the California Lighthouse. This majestic lighthouse offers the absolute best 360-degree views of the rugged island of Aruba and the stunning waters that surround it.
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The History of California Lighthouse
The lighthouse was named after the S.S. California, a wooden British steamship. The ship was sailing from Liverpool to Central America carrying passengers, merchandise, furniture, and provisions. On a dark September evening in 1891, the ship wrecked.
According to local lore, the cargo that the ship was carrying was thrown overboard and later sold in Oranjestad.
Today, the wreckage is covered with coral, sponges, and is home to heaps of reef fish. It is one of the most popular diving sites in Aruba. The area is known for strong currents, hammerheads, and bull sharks and is recommended only for experienced divers.
The lighthouse was designed by a French dude and construction began in 1914. It took two years to complete the project. Since then, the lighthouse has remained active.
The lighthouse received a complete restoration in honor of its 100th anniversary.
What’s so cool about it?
Not only is this lighthouse absolutely stunning, but it also offers the best 360-degree view of the island. What’s even cooler is visitors can climb all the way to the top of Aruba’s most iconic building!
The lighthouse is open every day from 9:00 AM until 7 PM. The admission is $5 for one of the best cardio workouts of your life! We strongly suggest visiting during sunset!
Aruba has a couple of other lighthouses, if lighthouses are your jam.
- Fort Zoutman Lighthouse
- Seroe Colorado “Lighthouse”
In modern times, the lighthouse keeper’s house has been expanded and rebuilt into a top-notch, highly recommended Italian restaurant called La Trattoria el Faro Blanco.
Where is California Lighthouse located?
The lighthouse is located in an area known as “Hudishibana” on the northwestern tip of the island.
Our Review
Firstly, we visited the California Lighthouse as part of a tour that showed us all around the island. Since this is one of the most famous buildings on the island, it was added to our itinerary along with the Natural Bridge, Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, the Ostrich Farm, the Ayo Rock Formations, and a handful of other sites.
Honestly, while the building is beautiful (and photographs well), if you aren’t planning on climbing to the top then it really isn’t worth the trip. The area around the lighthouse is rather rugged and may be difficult to get around for some. I definitely suggest wearing comfortable shoes!
If you’re cramped for time and trying to figure out how to get the most bang for your buck, you could easily skip the lighthouse and not have any regrets. If you are staying at the resorts and hotels near Eagle Beach, the lighthouse is only a 10-minute drive so it may be worth a visit.
Our Aruba Essentials
Neutrogena Beach Defense Water Resistant Sunscreen
UV Protection Sun Shirt
Hydro Cell Stainless Steel Water Bottles
Hands-free Neck Fan
Aruba is located just over 850 miles north of the equator which means the sun here is super intense. Even as a Florida girl I managed to get a horrible sunburn while in Aruba. It is extremely important that no matter how tough you think you are, you better lather up with some sunscreen.
2 replies on “Aruba’s Picturesque California Lighthouse”
[…] The Aruba Natural Bridge is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island. Each year 2 million tourists flock to One Happy Island. During their stays, they migrate to attractions such as Aruba Ostrich Farm, Seven Mile Beach, Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, Ayo Rock Formations, and the California Lighthouse. […]
[…] things to do. There’s a rad ostrich farm (yes… you read that right), a gorgeous lighthouse, some super cool rock formations with prehistoric carvings, a rocky desert, and of course the […]