As you travel north from Oranjestad (the capital of Aruba), you will quickly reach the tip of the island. You will not miss the California Lighthouse because it sticks out like a sore thumb in the desert-like terrain upon a hill.
Before you reach the lighthouse, you will pass the California Sand Dunes on your left. Pull over and take a walk through the dunes; the sand is soft and cool and you can find some interesting rock formations.
As you head up to the California Lighthouse, look out to sea, because you can see just how small the island really is. From the base of the lighthouse, you can see down the south coast and the north coast of the island.
Stop at the restaurant located at the lighthouse; it is an open-air restaurant and is absolutely beautiful. We sat at the bar overlooking the Tierra Del Sol golf course and had a mango daiquiri (I recommend this drink). You can also see the capital city of Oranjestad from this point.
We did not go into the lighthouse because it seemed as though it was off limits to visitors, but it does provide a great picture opportunity.
There is no admission to the dunes or lighthouse area.