A Point Cabrillo Christmas
Posted by Jody on December 20, 2012

Point Cabrillo Light Station, Mendocino County, California
Years ago Greg and I spent a few days immersed in the rich history and natural beauty of the Point Cabrillo Light Station in Northern California’s scenic Mendocino County. At that time, the head light keeper’s house was a charming little bed and breakfast with just a few guest rooms upstairs. We were fortunate enough to visit during the Christmas season when the whole house was decorated in a very tasteful holiday style. In the evenings, it was as if we had the entire coastline to ourselves. We could wander the property and enjoy the serenity that seems to encompass this portion of Northern California’s rugged coast.

Head Light Keeper’s House, Point Cabrillo Light Station
We were told by the inn keeper that if you stood in a specific spot near the lighthouse during the dark of night you could catch sight of the four beacons of its rotating light heading out in all the different directions at the same time. He was absolutely right, of course. It was a pretty amazing perspective!
Greg and I had the opportunity to explore the historic light house on a personal tour for the inn’s guests one evening, and in the daytime, we headed to the tiny, sheltered beach at Frolic Cove (aka: Pottery Cove), named for the clipper brig that lies shipwrecked just off shore. Our entire stay was one unique and fascinating experience after another!

Christmastime at the Head Light Keeper’s House

Lighthouse View from the Sitting Room, Head Light Keeper’s House

View of the Keepers’ Quarters from the Lane

Sunset at Point Cabrillo
Does the scenery look familiar to you? The point on which the lighthouse stands sentinel is the sight of the fictional town of Lawson’s welcome home celebration for Luke Trimble in The Majestic starring Jim Carry.
Today, the Point Cabrillo Light Station no longer hosts a quaint bed and breakfast. The head light keeper’s house is now available as a four-bedroom vacation home rental, instead. Two additional cottages are also available for overnight stays.
*State Park website: Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park
*Here’s a wonderful reference: PointCabrillo.org
*Dillon the Docent Dog spends a lot of time at Point Cabrillo Light Station and the surrounding area. You may want to check out his personal blog!
Merry Christmas from our house to yours!
~~~~~

The Scales of Time said
Point Cabrillo is just one more of the natural beauties and wonder of the State of California, that so many don’t see or know about. There is so much more to California than what people see on TV or at the movies. Thanks for sharing!
Jody said
How kind! You are so right. In fact, this amazing gem seems to be hidden from the standard tourist’s view. You certainly have to look for it! And it’s well worth it!!
The Scales of Time said
There are a number of places like that here in California, part of the reason I am posting the galleries on Old Town Columbia.
Enchanted Seashells said
So beautiful! What a lovely destination for some romance!
Jody said
You’re so right! Posting this article along with these beautiful pictures made me realize (once again) how very fortunate I am!
Barbara said
I love lighthouses, I’m always taking photos of them! Would love to visit this one, it sounds beautiful, although I think it would have been better as a bed and breakfast rather than a rental.
Thanks for the lovely photos
Jody said
Thank you! I think that lighthouses are probably the most photogenic subjects! And you can hardly go wrong with the beautiful sea as a back drop.
Barbara said
True, and they add a focus to the picture, a point to draw the eye.
westseventhfreelance said
This looks like an amazing place!
Jody said
Yes, quite!
Marianne said
Beautiful photos, Jody. It looks like such a nice place to visit.
Thank you for visiting, and a very Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Blessings,
Marianne xo
Jody said
Thank you, Marianne! All the best, Jody
cindy knoke said
Absolutely delightful! Must visit! Merry Christmas to you!
Jody said
Thank you, Cindy! A very Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Sue Read Art by the Sea said
lovely! Not the sort of lighthouse I was expecting, but much cosier.
Jody said
Thank you so much & good point! Point Cabrillo Light is situated on a bluff so I suppose the height of the structure was not as important as the placement. It’s well loved by a fine force of volunteers and staffers.
dillonthedocentdog said
Hi Judy,
I like your pictures a LOT! Thanks for visiting Point Cabrillo Light Station. I am sorry that Dad and I were not there to say hi and welcome you.
Merry Christmas to you too from Dad and I.
Dillon the Docent Dog
History Docent
Point Cabrillo Light Station
Jody said
Thank you, Dillon. It certainly would have been nice to meet you both!
kiwiskan said
Great shots. I love that sunny porch – a great place to curl up and watch the sea.
Jody said
Thank you very much. Believe me, once you settle into that room, day or might, you just don’t want to leave!
Wingclipped said
Seeing the four beacons must be one of those things worth waiting, and positioning yourself, for. Happy Christmas Jody and Greg!
Jody said
Yes, it was very cool! Merry Christmas to you and your lovely family!