California Lighthouse || Aruba Travel Guide

 

The California Lighthouse is found on the northern point of the island.  Its name comes from the S.S. California, a ship that wrecked off of the coast of Aruba in 1910. [Side note: this is not the same ship that is infamous for its inaction when the Titanic sank.]

The lighthouse is open to the public for a small fee and the panoramic views from the top are spectacular.  It is a small (and narrow) climb to the top through the internal staircase, but it is easily scaled in less than 5 minutes.  Even if you are unable to visit the top of the lighthouse, you are still treated to beautiful 360 degree views of the island.  To the north of the California Lighthouse are the sand dunes. Looking south, you get views of both coasts: the rocky and rough northern coast contrasts the calm southern coast with the famous white sand beaches.  

For a view of the island from an even higher elevation (and more central location), I recommend hiking to the top of the Hooiberg.  

For the best views and photos, visiting right after sunrise or right before sunset is amazing.  I find that visiting early in the morning was the least crowded time of day, and I was able to get photos without other tourists or vehicles in the way.  Late morning and early afternoon are the busiest times and you'll see many tour groups taking quick stops at the lighthouse. 

Along the winding ride up to the California Lighthouse, there are small areas to pull off and take photos.  I also like to stop at Arashi Beach to get a view of the monument in the distance. 

One of the island's two golf courses, Tierra del Sol, is located close to the California Lighthouse.  If you are a golfer, I highly recommend trying out this course!  You get spectacular desert views during your round.  

There is also a restaurant located adjacent to the lighthouse called La Trattoria el Faro Blanco (The White Lighthouse Restaurant).