A national spotlight just landed on one of Avila Beach’s most beloved landmarks, and it couldn’t be more deserved!
A National Honor for an Avila Beach Icon
The Point San Luis Lighthouse has been named the National Lighthouse Museum’s Lighthouse of the Month for September 2026, a prestigious national recognition honoring outstanding preservation of historic lighthouse structures across the country.
What makes this honor even more special is that the Point San Luis Lighthouse Keepers didn’t apply for it. Selected from 17 nominees by the National Lighthouse Museum, the recognition came as a complete surprise to the organization — a genuine, unsolicited acknowledgment of the extraordinary work being done to preserve this Avila Beach landmark.
Linda Dianto, executive director of the National Lighthouse Museum in Staten Island, New York, will travel to Point San Luis in person to present the award and tour the historic lighthouse, underscoring just how significant this recognition truly is.
“To be selected as Lighthouse of the Month is a tremendous honor and a wonderful acknowledgment of the dedication that goes into preserving the Point San Luis Lighthouse!”
— Deborah Foughty, executive director of the Point San Luis Lighthouse Keepers
Why This Recognition Matters
The National Lighthouse Museum’s Lighthouse of the Month program shines a light on historic lighthouse structures across the United States that are being preserved with exceptional care and dedication. To be selected from 17 nominees, without even submitting an application, is a testament to the passion and commitment of the volunteers and staff who have devoted themselves to keeping Point San Luis alive.
Perched on the dramatic headlands above San Luis Bay, the Point San Luis Lighthouse has been a fixture of the Central Coast since 1890. Its preservation is not just the work of an organization; it’s a community effort, sustained by people who understand that this lighthouse is not just a building, but a living piece of California’s maritime history.
This national recognition puts Point San Luis alongside some of the most celebrated lighthouse preservation efforts in the country. For Avila Beach, it’s a moment of genuine pride.
About Point San Luis Lighthouse
Standing on the rugged headlands above Avila Beach, the Point San Luis Lighthouse is one of the most dramatically situated historic structures on the California coast. Built in 1890, it has guided mariners safely through the waters of San Luis Bay for over a century, and today it stands as one of the best-preserved Victorian-era lighthouses in the western United States.
The lighthouse sits at the end of the Pecho Coast Trail, widely considered one of the most scenic hikes in all of San Luis Obispo County. The trail winds from Port San Luis along the bluffs above San Luis Bay, with sweeping views of the working harbor, Avila Beach, and the Pacific stretching out in every direction, before delivering you to the lighthouse at the end.
The Point San Luis Lighthouse Keepers offer guided hikes every Wednesday and Saturday, departing from Port San Luis at 9 am. An optional docent-led tour of the historic lighthouse interior is available for an additional $10 and is one of the more memorable experiences on the Central Coast. Spots fill up, so booking in advance is strongly recommended at pointsanluislighthouse.org/hiking.
Two Ways to Arrive: Land or Sea
Half the magic of Point San Luis is getting there.
By Land
The Pecho Coast Trail is the classic approach, a guided hike along the bluffs with some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in California. Lace up and give yourself a full morning.
By Sea
For a truly unforgettable perspective, paddle out with Avila Beach Paddlesports and approach the lighthouse from the water. Seeing those historic walls rising from the headlands above the Pacific from a kayak is something that stays with you. Avila Beach Paddlesports offers rentals right on the water in Avila Beach.
Either way, arriving at Point San Luis feels like discovering something the rest of California hasn’t found yet, even after 136 years.
Plan Your Visit
The lighthouse is accessible via guided hike on Wednesdays and Saturdays, departing 9 am sharp from Port San Luis. Arrive by 8:45 am to check in.
- Guided hike: Free with registration
- Docent-led lighthouse tour: Additional $10
- Book your spot: pointsanluislighthouse.org/hiking
- Kayak to the lighthouse: Avila Beach Paddlesports
Fall is a beautiful time to visit; the summer crowds have thinned, the light is golden, and the headlands are at their most dramatic. This is a landmark in the national spotlight right now. Come see why.
Make a Full Trip of It
Point San Luis is just one of the reasons Avila Beach rewards an overnight stay. After your hike or paddle, the town is right there waiting… the pier, the promenade, the Bob Jones Trail, great food, and a sheltered sunny cove that makes every other California beach town feel a little overrated.
Avila Beach has lodging for every kind of traveler: luxurious oceanfront hotels, hillside retreats, and vacation rentals perfect for families and groups. Midweek lodging specials make it even easier to stay longer.
Browse current deals and book your stay on our Avila Beach lodging specials page.
Your Privacy Choices