Santa Cruz Harbor, which is located at the northern end of Monterey Bay, serves as a port for fishing and other vessels.
It is located on the western pier and has served as the entrance to the port for forty years.
Right next to the harbor is Walton Lighthouse, which has a live camera.
The lighthouse’s original lantern was of a box-shaped design and served from 1964 to 1996, after which it was replaced by a cylinder, which was nicknamed the “water heater” and was used from 1996 to 1999.
Then, from 1999 to May 2002, a new lantern was installed at the lighthouse, indicating the way to the harbor. In 1998, the Santa Cruz community, led by Bill Simpkins and Jim Toits, proposed replacing the old harbor light with a lighthouse with a classic design to add more character to a community known for its character.
Fundraising began in earnest, and thanks to donations from many people, including a major donation from Charles Walton, the Walton Lighthouse was built.