The Picturesque Lifeguard Towers of California

California’s iconic lifeguard towers stand guard over our beaches and have been the subject of many photos by tourists and pros alike. They come in a variety of different shapes and colors, although most are painted the standard pastel blue. Some are uniquely designed like the tower that extends out over La Jolla Shores Beach. Many are movable and can be dragged to the back of the beach when not in use, but often they are left in place.

Especially in the off season when the towers are not manned and the crowds are thin, they stand tall as reminders of how dangerous the ocean waves can be. Here are some of our favorite lifeguard tower pictures from up and down the California coast.

Lifeguard tower with a colorful sky during the sunset.Silhouette photo at sunset

Lifeguard tower at Newport Beach, CaliforniaNewport Beach Tower 68

Santa Monica beach lifeguard tower in California USASanta Monica State Beach

Avila City Beach by Pier California apr17 Bryce (7) (Large)Avila Beach

Life Guard TowerLa Jolla Shores Beach

Blue lifeguard hut on Leo Carrillo state beach in Southern CaliforniaThe tower at Leo Carrillo State Park from South Beach

Lifeguard tower in La Jolla in CaliforniaWatching over Wipeout Beach in La Jolla

Life Guard Hut At Marina Del Rey Beach, Los Angeles, Usa.Mother’s Beach on Marina Del Rey

bigs-Venice Beach with 7 Lifeguard-Houses-Sun shining through-E1 (Large)Inactive lifeguard towers at Venice Beach

Lifeguard Tower by Cliff at SunsetA fixed tower next to the bluffs at Torrey Pines State Beach

LOC Huntington Beach Lifeguard Tower and Pier HBNext to the Huntington Beach Pier

girl on a lifeguard tower in Newport Beach at sunset CaliforniaA lifeguard watching the sun set at the end of the day