California Lighthouse

L.G. Smith Blvd, Noord, Aruba

+297 586 0787

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Sun - Sat 8:30am - 11:30pm

California Lighthouse

Built between 1914 and 1916 on an octagonal base, this stone, double-lens lighthouse is Aruba’s marquee landmark. Standing tall at 98 feet, it’s the highest structure on the island and offers the best views in its respective area. It gets its name from the SS California, a British steamship that sank in nearby waters in 1891 and now functions as a fantastic dive site. Adjacent to the lighthouse, visitors will find a beloved Italian restaurant and the California White Sand Dunes, a hot spot for dune surfing.

By Jenna Mahoney , AFAR Local Expert

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Matt Long

AFAR Local Expert

over 7 years ago

California Lighthouse on Aruba

Almost as soon as you venture away from the main tourist strip on Aruba, you start to discover an unusual and incredibly interesting history to this Caribbean island. One of the focal points of this local history is the California Lighthouse, found on Aruba’s northwest tip. The lighthouse was originally named for the steamship California, which wrecked nearby in 1891. After that wreck the lighthouse was constructed in order to prevent future wrecks from occurring. Today you can visit the lighthouse and even eat lunch at an adjacent restaurant.