Our trip to San Diego was almost a whole month ago, but with the whirlwind of the past few weeks — jetting off to SLC, Scott starting a new job, and simply being busy and just resting in our down time — not all of our seaside getaway photos have made it up to this ‘ol blog. However, it’s a new week and I’m changing that starting now — with a few snaps from the Old Point Lola Lighthouse.
After a windy drive from Sunset Cliffs, we parked the car and made the short walk up to see our first lighthouse. Being the desert rats we are, neither of us had ever seen a “real” lighthouse. My sweet friend, Tieka, has an affinity for lighthouses and has visited more than anyone I know (for reals, take a peek at her lighthouse adventures here!). So when I heard that this one was open to the public, I knew we had to make the drive up and walk through our very first lighthouse together.
The Old Point Loma Lighthouse kept a watchful eye over the entrance to the San Diego Bay for 36 years. At dusk on November 15, 1855, the light keeper is said to have climbed up the winding stairs and lit the light for the very first time. While the lighthouse seemed to be in a good location at 422 feet above sea level, it had one serious flaw — fog and low clouds often obscured the light that so many relied on to lead their way through the ocean waves, and often foggy days. On March 23, 1891, the light was extinguished and the keeper moved to a new lighthouse location closer to the water at the tip of the Point, leaving the Old Point Loma Lighthouse abandonded and no longer needed.
Today, the lighthouse still stands watch over San Diego, standing sentinel to a vanished past. The interior of the lighthouse has been completely refurbished to resemble the way it looked when it was still in use in the 1800’s, complete with multiple bedrooms, a kitchen and a tiny hideaway spot up on the second story. Many visitors have claimed over the years that the lighthouse is haunted, noting that they’ve heard the sounds of heavy foot steps coming from the upper rooms, have experienced cold spots at the entry landing to the spiral staircase, and have heard a moaning sound coming from both bedrooms. The final lighthouse keeper, Captain Robert Decatur Israel, is said to be the ghost of Old Point Loma Lighthouse, where he remains on-duty — even in death.
Outfit Details:
Madewell Spring-Weight Cardigan Sweater (on sale!)
Loft Quilted Chambray Top (sold out – similar!)
Madewell Necklace (similar!)
I’ll be back with another adventure soon! Until then, have a great week, sweet friends. Here’s to being productive, staying cool and drinking ALL the iced coffee because it’s summer! 😉
-Chelsea xo
