Increasing shipping traffic, dangerous reefs, and several tragic shipwrecks all combined in the mid-19th century to prompt the construction of a series of lighthouses along the California coast. One of the most impressive of these was the original Point Arena Light, which began operation in 1870. Located at the tip of a narrow peninsula, it guided ships faithfully for 36 years until it was destroyed by an earthquake.
In April of 1906 a devastating quake struck San Francisco. The movement of the earth was even more powerful near the town of Point Arena, 130 miles north, which was nearly destroyed. The brick and mortar lighthouse was fractured so badly that it was ultimately condemned and torn down. The once ornate Keepers' residence was also damaged beyond repair. Only the wood framed Fog Signal Building survived.

Construction of a new tower soon began. The government contracted with a company specializing in factory smokestacks to design a quake proof structure. The result was the first steel reinforced concrete lighthouse in the United States. The new 115 foot lighthouse made use of the salvaged iron spiral stairs and lens room from the original light, and began operation in January of 1908. The original residence was replaced by four new homes.

Through the years many changes took place at the Point Arena Light Station. The Lighthouse Service was eliminated and the Coast Guard took over the task of maintaining the light. In 1977 the Coast Guard automated the light by installing a rotating beacon on the tower balcony, and the 2 ton crystal and brass First Order Fresnel lens went dark. Automation also signaled an end to public access as staff was reduced at the station. The lighthouse remained inaccessible for many years until a group of local enthusiasts approached officials with the idea of allowing public tours. In 1982 this group became a non-profit corporation known as the Point Arena Lighthouse Keepers, Inc.
The Point Arena Lighthouse is open for public tours every day of the year except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and weekdays in December and January. A modest site admission fee is required for entry. A museum, located in the Fog Signal Building, includes displays of historical equipment and pictures, Coast Guard and ship wreck artifacts and charts, geographical maps and information on the area, and examples of local plants, birds, and whales. Additionally, the work of local artists and photographers is displayed, with occasional special art exhibitions. Tours of the lighthouse tower and museum are conducted by professional docents. Nature tours and bus and school tours are available with advance reservation.

Maintenance and development of the Point Arena Light Station is funded by admission fees, memberships, and lodging fees. The Lighthouse Keepers have total financial responsibility and have never received government assistance or tax dollars. To aid in financing the project, the three Keepers' homes on the property have been renovated and are available year round to the public as vacation lodging. They offer an unusual opportunity to stay at a working Light Station and to enmesh oneself in the history and natural wonders of the site.

Point Arena Lighthouse hosts over 30,000 visitors annually. It has been featured in two films (Treasure - 1982, and Forever Young with Mel Gibson - 1992), as well as numerous television commercials. Located on a magnificent peninsula with fantastic scenery, the location is a natural draw for whale watchers, bird watchers, ocean watchers, and lighthouse enthusiasts.