Category Archives: lighthouses

Point Reyes Lighthouse and Chimney Rock

2011/07/27 – 03:49

Point Reyes Lighthouse is perched on a steep cliff in the windiest place on the Pacific Coast and the foggiest place in California. Despite the unusual weather, the lighthouse is a favorite destination for visitors. Located on the westernmost outcrop of Point Reyes National Seashore, the lighthouse is also the best location for whale watching from land.

Chimney Rock is a similar outcrop, on the opposite side of the tip of Point Reyes’ peninsula, at Drakes Bay. It is a narrow stretch of land of unbelievable beauty. Surrounded by deep blue and turquoise sea, this small peninsula is vividly colorful during spring, when carpets of wildflowers cover portions of the lush green pastures.

It is not a secret how picturesque this portion of Point Reyes is. Consequently, you will have a lot of competition for your photographs. Despite the large number of visitors, both locations still are exceptional photographic treasures that you shouldn’t miss.

red queen fungus

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Coast, hike, landmark, Marine, National Seashore, Northern California, Point Reyes, Seasonal | Tagged , | Comments (1)

Cabrillo National Monument – San Diego

2011/03/30 – 03:54

Cabrillo National Monument commemorates the arrival of the first Europeans on the West Coast of the United States of America. Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo led the expedition as a reward for his loyal services in the conquest of Mexico. He died shortly after discovering the Channel Islands from a wound he received in a skirmish with native Indians that became infectious.

Cabrillo National Monument, located at the southern tip of the Point Loma Peninsula, has extraordinary views of the bay, the Naval Base with Airport, military and civilian ships, and even migrating whales. Additionally, you will find historic exhibits, two lighthouses, and even tidepools within the National Monument, making it an ideal family photography destination.

Cabrillo National Monument

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Coast, landmark, Museum, National Monument, San Diego, Skyline, South Coast, Southern California | Tagged , | Comments (2)

How to photograph San Pedro

2011/03/02 – 04:03

Labeling San Pedro as Long Beach’s ugly neighbor would be unfair to the busy port city that offers more than a few good photo spots. However, San Pedro is not the first choice of tourists, unless they are heading for one of the cruise ship terminals.

I felt the atmosphere change in the car after we crossed over the Vincent Thomas Bridge from Long Beach into San Pedro. Dani unintentionally became tenser when we drove through some of the economically depressed areas in search for good photo spots. She knows I take my scouting seriously, but I could tell she was wondering why I decided to stop here. Her doubts mounted when I dropped the car in a shady side street, with our belongings in the trunk, to investigate the cruise ship terminals and look for a good place to photograph the bridge. Eventually, we discovered some places that are worth the tour through San Pedro.

Point Fermin, a charming coastal bluffs park, seems to struggle with decay, trash, and overuse in this depressed neighborhood. The Korean Friendship Bell overlooks the city from atop a hill with gorgeous views. These and a view other sights make the trip worthwhile, but the apparent lack of tempting restaurants and hotels inform you clearly to leave before sunset.

China Shipping

By myphotoscout | Also posted in beach, Coast, landmark, Los Angeles, Marine, South Coast, Southern California | Tagged , , | Comments (2)

How to photograph Fort Point

2010/06/02 – 04:51

Located beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Point’s spectacular views are legendary. The civil war fort that once protected the entrance to the San Francisco Bay also boasts historic exhibits and demonstrations and occasionally civil war re-enactments.

Fort Point has endured the times and is now a popular tourist attraction, providing education and exceptional photographic value. Joseph Strauss incorporated the fort into the design of the Golden Gate Bridge in order to preserve this historic site for future generations. From the top of the fort, you can almost touch the bridge arch, spanning across the fort and creating a perfect harmony of semi-modern bridge and historic fort.
Golden Gate from Fort Point

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Bay Area, Coast, Fort, golden gate, landmark, Northern California, NRA, San Francisco, Skyline | Tagged | Comments (2)

How to photograph Point Arena Lighthouse

2009/09/02 – 15:19

Mel Gibson made Point Arena Lighthouse and the Point Arena Headland famous with the tragic ending scene of the movie “Forever young”. The area is tremendously beautiful and should be on your list of places to visit along the North Coast. I often drove past the lighthouse and usually arrived after the early closing hour, until recently when I was lucky enough to gain entrance to the lighthouse grounds.
Sunset near Point Arena Lighthouse

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Coast, landmark, Mendocino Coast, Northern California | Tagged , , , , | Comments (6)

How to photograph Point Cabrillo Light Station

2009/08/27 – 05:00

The dramatic headlands north of Mendocino encompass Point Cabrillo SHP with its photogenic light station and historic light keepers’ residences. After the clipper “Frolic” ran aground at Pt. Cabrillo, the salvage team soon found the ship looted by local Indians. The rich logging prospects caused the men to construct the first sawmill here and soon the wood industry flourished. Construction of the lighthouse started after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and the subsequent surge in demand for Redwoods.
Point Cabrillo Lighthouse

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Coast, landmark, Mendocino Coast, Northern California, state park | Tagged , , | Comments (3)

How to photograph San Diego Seaport Village

2009/07/23 – 05:55

Seaport Village is neither a port nor a village but a 14-acre tourist-shopping district located on a premier waterfront property. Originally designed to resemble a Cape Cod community, the shops and restaurants are rather kitschy but photographically interesting nonetheless. Strolling along the promenade reminds me of the vacations I spent in Spain and Portugal, where time runs slower and people know how to enjoy life.
san-diego-seaport-village

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Coast, San Diego, Skyline, Southern California | Tagged , , , | Comments (6)

How to photograph Point Bonita Lighthouse

2009/07/16 – 15:32

Point Bonita lighthouse is one of three lighthouses marking the entrance to the Golden Gate, the most important trade route during the gold rush of the 19th century. The US coast guard still operates the lighthouse today and the National Park service gives visitors access. The lighthouse is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which boasts to be the largest urban National Park in the United States.
Point Boniat Lighthouse Bridge

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Bay Area, Coast, golden gate, Marin County, San Francisco, state park | Tagged , | Comments (3)

How to photograph Point Pinos Lighthouse

2009/01/20 – 00:22

Point Pinos Lighthouse is a charming museum sitting on a golf ground. Despite the golfers tearing through the landscape I have often seen deer grazing nearby, curiously observing people in pink sweaters relentlessly hitting tiny balls with sticks. Point Pinos is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the west coast, blasting the night sky with [...]

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Coast, Montery Peninsula, Northern California | Tagged , , , , | Leave a Comment
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