Santa Cruz Breakwater Light

Standing at the tip of the Santa Cruz Harbor breakwater, this compact lighthouse has guided vessels into the harbor since 1964. The white cylindrical tower replaced earlier navigational aids as the harbor was developed for recreational and commercial use. While modest in size compared to California’s historic coastal lights, its location makes it one of the most photographed structures in Santa Cruz.

The lighthouse is not open to the public, but visitors can walk the breakwater for close-up views. Golden hour and foggy mornings offer the best photography conditions, with Monterey Bay as a backdrop. Nearby, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Walton Lighthouse, and the Municipal Wharf provide plenty to explore.

Explore Nearby

• Twin Lakes State Beach — State Park in California
• Lighthouse Field State Beach — State Park in California
• California Powder Works Bridge — Covered Bridge in California
• Felton Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in California
• in the scenic Turtle Mountain Wilderness area — Public Land in California