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Point Conception Lighthouse

Fl W 30s🇺🇸Central and Southern California, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Point Conception Lighthouse

The Point Conception Lighthouse, established in 1856, stands 16 meters tall with a focal height of 40.5 meters. Its white tower guides mariners with a geographic range of 20 nautical miles. The light emits a single white flash, providing a key navigational aid at the western entrance to the Santa Barbara Channel. This structure has been a consistent presence for mariners navigating this part of Central and Southern California since its initial illumination.

Why it matters: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this lighthouse is recognized as one of California's earliest lighthouses.

Background
Point Conception Light is a lighthouse in Santa Barbara County, California, on Point Conception at the west entrance of the Santa Barbara Channel, California. One of the earliest California lighthouses, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places on the Gaviota Coast.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 30s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
30s
Raw Code
Fl
Focal Height
40.5m
Geographic Range
20NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1856
Heritage Status
National Register of Historic Places listed place

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q7207992 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
16m
Tower Color
white

Location

City
Central and Southern California
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
34.4487°
Longitude
-120.4707°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Point Conception Lighthouse at night?+
Point Conception displays the characteristic Fl W 30s — 1 white flash every 30 seconds. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area.
Which ports and harbors does Point Conception Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Point Conception Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Point Conception at 0.2 NM to the ENE. Other ports served include HERMOSA (8.8 NM W), HARMONY (15.6 NM ESE), HONDO (17.7 NM ESE), Capitan (21.7 NM E). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Point Conception Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Point Conception Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
What shipping routes pass near Point Conception Lighthouse?+
Point Conception Lighthouse is located within the US West Coast shipping lane — a major trans-Pacific trade route serving West Coast ports of the United States. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Point Conception Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Point Conception Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.