Point Vicente Interpretive Center050

The Point Vicente Interpretive Center, adjacent to the Pt. Vicente Lighthouse, houses exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the Palos Verdes peninsula, with a special emphasis on the Pacific gray whale.

A premier whale watch site, the center provides spectacular opportunities for viewing the annual migration between December and April. During the season, whale watching volunteers are here daily, eyes pinned to the horizon, recording every whale sighting and announcing it for onlookers.

The lighthouse is part of the adjacent military base and in daily use, lighting ships to Catalina. Like any good lighthouse, this one has an interesting history and a resident ghost. The local landmark is on the National Registry of Historic Sites.

The tower is open to visitors on the second Saturday of each month between the hours of 10am and 3pm. Children younger than age seven are not allowed to attempt the 78 steps up the tower, and pets are not allowed on the Coast Guard grounds at all.