Of Aruba’s two active lighthouses, the California Lighthouse draws the most visitors annually, with an entry fee of five dollars to climb its 98-foot stone tower for 360-degree coastal views.
On a clear morning, the metal and stone tower of the California Lighthouse catches the sun before the rest of the island wakes. Built between 1914 and 1916 and named after the British steamship California, which wrecked offshore on September 20, 1891, this lighthouse sits at Aruba’s northwestern tip near Malmok Beach. From the top, you can see the Hudishibana plateau stretching inland and the turquoise shallows of the Caribbean lapping at the coast below. It’s the most photographed landmark on the island, and for good reason.
This article covers three of Aruba’s most interesting lighthouses—the California, Colorado Point, and the lesser-known Alto Vista Chapel Lighthouse—each offering a different mix of coastal history, views, and access. Whether you’re a photographer chasing the golden hour, a family looking for a short outing with a payoff, or someone who likes pairing a landmark with a nearby beach, these three spots each earn a stop on a longer Aruba itinerary.
You can visit all three lighthouses in a single day if you start early, but the California and Colorado Point lighthouses are the most rewarding for views and history. The Alto Vista Chapel Lighthouse is a quick, quiet stop best paired with the chapel itself. Neither the California nor Colorado Point tower is wheelchair accessible, and the California climb involves more than 100 steps.
History buffs
Photographers
Families with older kids
| Spot | Best For | Standout Feature | Time Needed | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California Lighthouse | Panoramic views & photography | 360° views from a 98-foot stone tower | Roughly 45 minutes | Visit around 7:00 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. to avoid the midday crowd |
| Colorado Point Lighthouse | Coastal history & WWII ruins | World War II oil-defense ruins beside the tower | About 30 minutes | Combine with Baby Beach for a swim afterward |
| Alto Vista Chapel Lighthouse | Peaceful cultural stop | Located near the 1750 Alto Vista Chapel | Around 20 minutes | Read the informational plaques for maritime and spiritual context |
Each lighthouse has its own character and logistics. Here’s what to expect at each one.
California Lighthouse
This is the lighthouse you’ve seen in postcards and Instagram feeds. Built in 1916, the California Lighthouse rises 30 metres (98 feet) from an octagonal stone base and is still operational today. The five-dollar entry fee gets you up more than 100 steps to the lantern gallery, where the full 360-degree view of the northwestern coastline, the Hudishibana plateau, and the wreck site of the SS California unfolds. The former keeper’s quarters now house a restaurant where you can book lunch or dinner for two at the top.
Arrive by 7:00 a.m. or around 7:00 p.m.—the midday queue at the ticket booth can stretch 15 minutes, and the heat inside the stone tower builds fast. The sunset light paints the tower and the sea a deep orange.
If you’re still weighing which side of the island to sleep on, this interactive map of Aruba’s hotels and rentals makes it easier to compare spots near Malmok Beach versus the southeastern coast, especially if you plan to visit more than one lighthouse.
Colorado Point Lighthouse (Seroe Colorado)
At the southeastern tip of the island, the Colorado Point Lighthouse has stood since 1881, guiding ships approaching Aruba’s windward side. Its unpainted stone tower and black lantern rise to a focal plane of 51 metres (167 feet), making it taller than the California Lighthouse in elevation, though the tower itself is similar in height. The site includes ruins from World War II oil-defense installations, which add a layer of history that many visitors miss.
The road to Colorado Point is paved but narrow in spots, and the parking area fills by mid-morning on cruise-ship days. If the lot is full, you can park at Baby Beach and walk the roughly 1 km southeast along the coast.
After visiting the lighthouse, many people drive to Baby Beach for a swim or continue to San Nicolás, described as Aruba’s most artistic neighborhood, with street murals and a revived town center. The Colorado Point area also connects to the Stairs into the Sea, a set of natural stone steps carved into the rocky coast, though the stairs can be slippery when wet.
Alto Vista Chapel Lighthouse
This is the quietest of the three lighthouses and the easiest to overlook. Located near the Alto Vista Chapel—a small Catholic chapel built in 1750 and later restored—the Alto Vista Chapel Lighthouse combines maritime heritage with spiritual history. It’s a smaller structure than the other two, and fewer visitors make the detour, so you’ll likely have the site to yourself.
Pairing this lighthouse with the Alto Vista Chapel takes about 20 minutes total. The chapel is a popular wedding venue, and the site’s elevated position gives you a different perspective on the island’s north coast than you get from the California Lighthouse. If you’re driving the northern coastal road, this is a natural 10-minute detour.
Practical Tips for Visiting Aruba’s Lighthouses
The three lighthouses sit on opposite ends of the island, so a little planning goes a long way.
Getting Around
Renting a car is the most practical way to visit all three lighthouses in a day. The California Lighthouse is at the northwest tip, the Alto Vista Chapel Lighthouse is on the north coast, and the Colorado Point Lighthouse is at the southeast corner. The drive from the California Lighthouse to Colorado Point takes roughly 45 minutes without traffic. Public buses serve the main routes but don’t stop directly at any of the lighthouses, so a car or a guided tour is your best bet. If you’re also planning to explore the island’s interior, consider pairing this route with a visit to Arikok National Park, which sits roughly midway between the two ends of the island.
When to Go
Early morning (around 7:00 a.m.) or late afternoon (around 7:00 p.m.) are the best windows for all three lighthouses. Midday visits mean stronger sun, longer queues at the California Lighthouse, and harsher light for photography. If you only have time for one, the California Lighthouse at sunset delivers the most dramatic scenery, especially if you time it with the golden hour. The Colorado Point Lighthouse is also good in late afternoon, when the light hits the WWII ruins at an angle that makes the concrete structures stand out.
What to Bring
Sun protection, water, and comfortable shoes are non-negotiable. The California Lighthouse climb involves narrow spiral steps, so closed-toe shoes help. A camera with a wide-angle lens is useful for the panoramic views, and a small drone can capture the lighthouse from angles you can’t get from the ground. For aerial shots, a lightweight option like the DJI Mini 4K is easy to carry and doesn’t require registration (under 249g), though you should always check local drone regulations before flying near active navigation aids.
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Which One to Skip if You’re Short on Time
If you can only visit one, make it the California Lighthouse for the views and the restaurant. If you have time for two, add the Colorado Point Lighthouse for the WWII history and the option to swim at Baby Beach afterward. The Alto Vista Chapel Lighthouse is worth a stop only if you’re already driving past the chapel; it’s a 20-minute detour that doesn’t offer a climb or a meal.
Both the California and Colorado Point lighthouses were transferred to the Monuments Fund Aruba in January 2015 and underwent restoration that opened to the public in August 2016. The restoration focused on the towers and the keeper’s houses, which now house restaurants. The sites are active navigation aids, so climbing areas may close during maintenance.
Before You Go: Aruba Lighthouse Questions Answered
Can you climb all three lighthouses in one day?
Yes, if you start by 8:00 a.m. and drive. The California Lighthouse takes about 45 minutes, Colorado Point takes 30 minutes, and the Alto Vista Chapel Lighthouse takes 20 minutes. The driving time between the northwest and southeast ends of the island is roughly 45 minutes.
Are the lighthouses free to visit?
Walking the grounds at all three is free. Climbing the California Lighthouse tower costs around five dollars in cash. The Colorado Point Lighthouse also charges a small entry fee for tower access. The Alto Vista Chapel Lighthouse is not climbable, so there’s no fee.
Which lighthouse is best for sunset photography?
The California Lighthouse, facing west over the Caribbean, is the obvious choice. The Colorado Point Lighthouse faces southeast, so it’s better in the morning. For sunset, the California Lighthouse against the orange sky is the classic shot.
Is the Alto Vista Chapel Lighthouse worth a separate trip?
Only if you’re combining it with the chapel itself. On its own, it’s a 10-minute stop with no climb and no facilities. As part of a north-coast driving route that includes the California Lighthouse, it’s a worthwhile cultural detour.
What’s the biggest downside of visiting these lighthouses?
The heat and the lack of shade at all three sites. The California Lighthouse climb is enclosed and can feel stuffy by late morning. The Colorado Point site has no cover near the tower. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat, and plan your visit for the early morning or late afternoon.
More Than a Photo Op
Aruba’s lighthouses are easy to treat as quick photo stops, but each one tells a different story about the island’s maritime past and its relationship with the sea. The California Lighthouse memorializes a shipwreck that scattered furniture and clothing across Aruban homes. The Colorado Point Lighthouse stands beside the remnants of a world war. The Alto Vista Chapel Lighthouse blends faith and navigation on a quiet hill. If you’re planning a route that covers the island’s coastline, these three towers offer a reason to slow down and look out at the water—and maybe, like Lily did, count the boats on the horizon. For more ideas on what to see along the way, take a look at our guide to Aruba’s Casibari rock formations, another short stop with big views on the north side of the island.
References
Ocean Z Aruba. “Lighthouses in Aruba: The Island’s Most Breathtaking Views.” ↗
Aruba Boardwalk. “The Lighthouses of Aruba Board Walk.” ↗
ibiblio.org. “Lighthouses of Aruba.” ↗
Aruba Buddies. “California Lighthouse.” ↗
If you’re building a longer Aruba itinerary, our posts on the island’s natural pool and rocky coast and the best sunset cocktail spots pair well with a lighthouse tour, especially if you’re planning a full day of coastal sightseeing. And for anyone keen on capturing the scenery, our photography guide for Aruba offers practical tips on gear and timing that work well at all three lighthouse sites.
Explore Places to Stay in Aruba
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