Santa Cruz Lighthouse and Surf Museum

The original lighthouse was built in 1869 by the U.S. Government in what is now Lighthouse Field. In 1965, the current lighthouse was built by Chuck and Esther Abbott in memory of their son, Mark Abbott who was killed in a surfing accident. The building was dedicated to "all youth whose ideals are beacons to the future" and is now home to the Santa Cruz Surf Museum.

The point is the headland to the Monterey Bay and provides a good place to watch sea otters in the kelp beds, brown pelicans, California sea lions who frequently haul out on the large rock just off shore, and several species of whales.

Parking and restrooms are available. For more information, call (831) 429-3773.

Santa Cruz Lighthouse and Surf Museum

Directions:

• From Hwy. 1 (Mission Blvd.) in Santa Cruz, turn on Bay Ave. towards the ocean
• Follow Bay Ave., until it deadends at the ocean and West Cliff Blvd.
• Turn left onto West Cliff Blvd. and follow it until you see the Surf Museum on your left.