Old Point Loma Lighthouse Kitchen Garden

San Diego Sunflowers in bloom

NPS / Carmen Aurrecoechea

To the left of the lighthouse is the garden. When the Israel family lived in the lighthouse, the closest town (now known as “Old Town San Diego”) was a 4-hour horse and buggy ride away. Food, water, and supplies had to be rationed carefully. Due to the location of the lighthouse from the nearest town, supplies were limited and only delivered every three months. Most lighthouses were in isolated areas so the challenges the Old Point Loma Lighthouse Keepers faced were not unique. To supplement the food they got from town, the kitchen garden was planted with seasonal vegetables and herbs providing a fresh source of food and vitamins. In addition to her assistant keeper duties, Mrs. Israel managed to keep tomato vines growing at the lighthouse. There was also a potato patch that was maintained at a site off of the lighthouse property.