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What makes the California Lighthouse special?
The California Lighthouse stands on the northwest tip of Aruba, at an elevation where you can look out over the calm west coast on one side and the rugged north coast on the other. This contrast in a single glance makes the spot one of the island's most famous viewpoints.
The lighthouse owes its name to a ship that sank in these waters, and it has been standing there since the beginning of the last century. Surrounding it are sand dunes and barren rocky ground, which presents a very different picture from the hotel strip a few kilometers away.
It's a short stop of half an hour to an hour, but one that most visitors remember. Especially towards the end of the afternoon, it gets busy with people who want to see the sunset.
The California Lighthouse, in brief
| Topic | What to expect | Read more |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Northwest point, near Arashi Beach | Route through the north |
| View | Over the calm west coast and the rugged north coast simultaneously | What to do in Aruba |
| Climb | Sometimes possible; check current opening hours | How much does a vacation cost |
| Best moment | Early morning or around sunset | Aruba for couples |
| Nearby | Arashi Beach, the dunes, and the snorkeling spots at Malmok | Boca Catalina and Malmok |
| Accessible | On paved road with a regular car | Rental car or excursions |
Swipe the table sideways to see all columns.
How do you get to the lighthouse?
From the hotels at Palm Beach, you can drive north for about fifteen minutes on a paved road. The route passes Malmok and Arashi Beach, so you can easily stop along the way to snorkel or swim.
There is parking at the lighthouse, although it can get crowded around sunset. Those who come then would be better off arriving a little earlier.
Without your own car, you can get there by taxi or on a tour, as there is no direct bus connection. More about this can be found in Aruba without a rental car.
Can you climb the lighthouse?
The lighthouse has been temporarily open to visitors in recent years, but whether that is the case at the time of your visit may vary. Openings, prices, and times are subject to change.
So check that on-site or in advance, and don't blindly assume you can go up. Even without the climb, the view from the plateau around it is more than enough.
Around the lighthouse you can walk freely over the grounds and the rocks, and that’s where most photos are taken.
The dunes around the lighthouse
Around the lighthouse lie light sand dunes formed by the constant wind. They give the area an almost desert-like character, with scattered low vegetation that has adapted to the wind.
You can walk around, but stay on the paths, as the vegetation holds the sand and recovers slowly. In some places, there are signs indicating where you can and cannot go.
Take sturdy shoes with you, as loose sand and sharp rocks alternate. And as everywhere on this part of the island: there is no shade.
Arashi Beach is around the corner
At the foot of the area lies Arashi Beach, the northernmost sandy beach on Aruba. The water is calm, there are palapas and you can snorkel at the edges of the bay.
It's a pleasant combination: first the view at the lighthouse, then an hour of swimming on the beach. That's how you turn a short stop into half a day.
Read more about the nearby snorkeling spots in our article about Boca Catalina and Malmok.
The rugged north coast behind the lighthouse
If you drive east from the lighthouse along the north coast, the landscape changes again. The sea crashes hard against the rocks there, there's almost always a strong wind, and swimming is not recommended.
Along this route are the Alto Vista Chapel, a small white church on a hill, and the ruins of an old gold mill on the coast. Both are short stops that complement the landscape well.
The well-known natural bridge in this area collapsed years ago, but there's still a smaller bridge next to it that you can see. We describe the full route in The North Aruba Route.
Sunset at the lighthouse
The northwestern tip is one of the most famous spots in Aruba to watch the sun sink into the sea. Because you are higher up than the beach, you get a view of a large part of the coastline as the light changes.
It will be busy then, so come half an hour early if you want a good spot. Bring something warmer, because as soon as the sun is gone, the wind here feels cooler than on the beach.
For those who want to make it romantic, you'll find more ideas in Aruba for couples.
With a tour of the north
The lighthouse is featured on almost every island tour, along with the chapel, the gold mill, and the inland rock formations. This way, you can see the most famous spots in one day without driving yourself.
Along the way, you'll receive explanations about what you're seeing, which makes the stops more interesting than just getting off for a photo. For many visitors, it's a good way to get an overview at the beginning of their trip.
View the current route, duration, and conditions on the tour page itself, as that information can vary per period.
Exploring the North Actively
Those who prefer to explore the surroundings on their own can do so by mountain bike in the north. The roads there are open, the landscape is flat to gently rolling, and you'll pass by places you'd miss in a car.
Keep the wind in mind, as it is strong on this side of the island and can make the ride back considerably more difficult. Go early, bring plenty of water, and protect your skin well.
Check the tour page itself for the current route, duration, and conditions, as this information can vary by period.
Food and Drink in the Area
By the lighthouse, there's a restaurant with a view of the coast, and it's a popular spot around sunset. Reservations are advisable during high season, especially for tables by the sea.
Further north, the options are limited, so bring your own water and snacks if you plan to stay longer. There are sometimes food trucks at Arashi Beach, but this varies by season.
Prices and opening hours vary per establishment and per period, so check them on-site or in advance with the establishment itself.
What to bring
A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are more important here than at the beach, as there is no shade at all and the wind masks how strong the sun is. Also, bring enough water.
Sturdy shoes are comfortable if you want to walk over rocks and through sand dunes. Flip-flops do not work well on loose sand and sharp rocks.
Our complete island packing list is in what to bring to Aruba.
That's how the north fits into your week
A morning along Malmok, Boca Catalina, and Arashi, with the lighthouse as a closing act, fills half a day without rushing. Those who prefer to catch the sunset can reverse the order and go at the end of the afternoon.
You can also combine the lighthouse with the inland rock formations, as they are a short distance away. This way, you can see both the coast and the landscape behind it in one day.
A detailed weekly schedule is in Aruba in 7 days, and more stops to the north can be found in Casibari and Ayo.
The history behind the name
The lighthouse is named after a ship that sank in the waters off this coast early last century. The name stuck and was later also used for the surrounding area, including the dunes.
The tower itself was built in the years that followed to warn ships of the shallows and rocks at the northwestern tip. That the sea is dangerous here is evident from the surf that crashes against the coast almost continuously.
Anyone who wants to know more about the island's history will often learn the most about it on an island tour, because guides tell those stories along the way.
Photographing at the lighthouse
The light is most beautiful in the early morning and in the last hour before sunset, when the sun comes from the side and the dunes gain relief. In the middle of the day, the light is harsh and flat.
From the higher areas, you get both the lighthouse and the coastline in view, and from the seaside rocks, you have the surf in the foreground. Take your time walking around, as every angle offers a different perspective.
Be mindful of the wind when photographing, as it is strong here and carries sand. Protect your camera or phone and avoid changing lenses outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions about the California Lighthouse
Can you climb the California Lighthouse?
The lighthouse has been open to visitors periodically, but opening times, admission fees, and hours may change. Please check in advance or on-site, and do not assume you can go to the top. The view from the surrounding grounds is also good without the climb.
How do you get to the lighthouse?
From the hotel strip, it's about a fifteen-minute drive on a paved road, so a regular rental car is sufficient. Without a car, you can go by taxi or an island tour, as there is no direct bus connection.
Is it crowded there?
During the day it's fine, but around sunset many people come, and the parking lot can be full. In that case, come half an hour earlier, or go early in the morning if you're looking for peace and quiet.
Can you swim at the lighthouse?
Not at the lighthouse itself, because it's rocky and very windy there. The nearest beach is Arashi Beach at the foot of the area, where the water is calm and you can also snorkel.
What else can you do nearby?
Arashi Beach and the snorkeling spots at Malmok and Boca Catalina are just around the corner, and further east are the Alto Vista Chapel and the ruins of an old gold mill. That route is in The North Aruba Route.
Does the natural bridge still exist?
Aruba's most famous natural bridge collapsed years ago. There is still a smaller bridge next to it that you can see, and the spot itself remains impressive due to the rough sea and rocky coast.
Do you want to see the north of Aruba without finding your own way? Then check out which tours and excursions suit your trip.
Baby Beach: Shallow Water and Calmness in the South of Aruba
Mangel Halto: snorkeling among the mangroves on Aruba
Tres Trapi: snorkeling with a chance of turtles and starfish
Best snorkeling spots on Aruba