Aruba’s California Lighthouse: History, Views & Coastal Charm
In 1915, with no roads, no trucks, and only a donkey trail connecting Aruba’s northern tip to the rest of the island, cargo donkeys hired from Figaroa di Noord hauled poles and cement along the beach to Westpunt. Those materials built the California Lighthouse, a 30‑meter tower that has guided ships past this rocky coastline since 1916. Today it’s one of Aruba’s most visited landmarks — not for its maritime function, but for the 360‑degree views, the sunset crowds, and the half‑day loop of rugged coastal stops that surround it. This guide covers the lighthouse itself, the best nearby