Point Fermin Lighthouse

About

Introduction:

Located on the southernmost point of Los Angeles, Point Fermin was chosen in1872 as the site for construction of a lighthouse to aid in navigation for the rapidly growing commercial port in San Pedro Bay.

The lighthouse is unique in that is has a distinctive Victorian design and charm about it. Still active today, the lighthouse is part of Point Fermin Park.

History:

Construction on the lighthouse began in 1872, and in December 1874, the lighthouse shone its first beam of light out into the San Pedro Channel. After the events of Pearl Harbor, the light was extinguished, and the tower was used for military lookout purposes. The Point Fermin Chapter of the United States Lighthouse Society now cares for the lighthouse.

Navigating in and Around the Lighthouse:

Use NOAA Chart 18740.

Characteristics: Flashing white every ten seconds with 120-foot focal plane height.

Located on the west end of the busy Port of Los Angeles, Point Fermin light stands as a secondary beacon into the harbor, with the Los Angeles Harbor Lighthouse being the primary light for the bay. Observing the lighthouse from the water is perfectly safe, although you will want to keep an eye out for commercial traffic and mind the flashing red buoy “6PF” marking the shallower depths off of the point.

Local Notices to Mariners:

Local Notices to Mariners are available online from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Tour Schedule:

The lighthouse grounds and building are open for tours Tuesday through Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m.