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California Lighthouse Aruba Is Finally Open For The Public

One of Aruba’s landmarks, a stone tower, better known as California Lighthouse Aruba, has been completely refurbished.

The watchman for ships is standing tall and proud!

Let’s look how the renewing of the lighthouse took place and what you can expect from the grand opening…

Restoration of California Lighthouse Aruba

The restoration of the California Lighthouse started in 2015 and took one year to complete. The initial idea to restore it was, because of the 100th year anniversary since it was first constructed.

The renovation of the California Lighthouse was realized by Monumentenbureau,National Restauratiefonds Netherlands and Aruba Bank.

The California Lighthouse Aruba is now considered a preserved monument.

Grand Opening of The California Lighthouse Aruba

The California lighthouse Aruba has been closed for decades.

When the doors were closed, you could only wonder as to what inside looked like. And how the view would be from the top…

But those days, are long gone. Because on 26th of August 2016 the lighthouse has been officially opened!

The California Lighthouse doors has been re-opened for the first time by the Minister of Tourism and Aruba’s Governor.

The press (and other special guests) were there to witness the grand opening.




California Lighthouse Aruba Tour

The lighthouse is now open for tours (tickets cost 8$.)

The money goes towards maintaining the lighthouse in tip top condition.

The tour includes a historical description of the California Lighthouse. And the best part of all, a climb up the stairs to the highest lookout point of the lighthouse! 

You’ll have 360 degree views of Aruba’s north coastline and surroundings.

If you’re interested you can book a VIP tour for private viewing.

I experienced the lighthouse before and after its restoration. It’s worth it to see what’s new!

Are you going to make your first inaugural climb at the California Lighthouse?

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Everything You Need To Know About California Lighthouse Aruba

The California Lighthouse Aruba was made to warn ships away from Aruba’s coastlines. Now it attracts visitors like a magnet. 

Before I tell you everything you need to know about the California Lighthouse Aruba sign up to the Vacations By Aruba Newsletter. I share the best tips about travelling to Aruba and news only with my subscribers.

California Lighthouse Aruba History

So, what’s the tale behind this magnificent structure?

It all began over a 100 years ago. When a boat shipwrecked on the northern coastline of Aruba.

Because of this incident the lighthouse was constructed.

Isn’t it a beautiful building?

The shipwrecked boat was called California so they named the lighthouse after it.

A gentleman from Curacao, Jacob Jacobs, was the first to be responsible for the California Lighthouse. 

The last person in charge of the lighthouse was an Aruban called Federico Fingal.

Today there’s a restaurant adjacent to the lighthouse. Back then this was the home of the person in charge of the California Lighthouse.

About The California Lighthouse

The lighthouse was designed by a French architect. The construction started in 1914 and was completed in 1916.

The colossal tower, made out of stone blocks, stands on an elevated terrain, about 10 meters above sea level. 

The lighthouse is about 30 meters high.

It’s been closed for years, due to lack of maintenance.

However, good news is, it’s been refurbished since July 2016.

Read about the renovation of the lighthouse here.

California Lighthouse Aruba Surroundings

An arid landscape surrounds the lighthouse. Cool trade winds. The area is dotted with cactus, trees and sharp rocks near the edges of the hill.

You can see nearby sand dunes from the lighthouse. 

If you get hungry, you can buy something to eat at one of the local snack trucks parked in front of the lighthouse.

They sell delicious shaved ice here.

On weekends, I like to drive around the island, visit the lighthouse. Take some pictures. Buy shaved ice from one of the snack trucks and enjoy the view of Aruba from the lighthouse.

Location of The California Lighthouse

The California Lighthouse is located in the northern part of the island. This part of Aruba is better known as Hudishibana.

California Lighthouse is best reached by car (or taxi).

You can also take the bus, but it doesn’t go all the way to the lighthouse. The last bus stop is Arashi Beach.  So you’ll need to walk about a kilometer further and climb the hill!

It’s worth the walk, that’s if you like to hike.

Are you going to visit the California Lighthouse?

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