Winter sunrise, Walton Lighthouse, Santa Cruz, California

© Jeff Lewis/Tandem Stills + Motio

A magic hour indeed. Walton Lighthouse, Santa Cruz, California, USA

Step to the western edge of the United States, where Walton Lighthouse, also known as the Santa Cruz Breakwater Lighthouse, serves as a guiding beacon for passing ships. Built in 2002 in Santa Cruz, California, this 12-metre-tall modern maritime structure replaced a more modest lighthouse. The Walton Lighthouse got its name from Charles Walton, a businessman who generously contributed towards its construction costs in memory of his brother Derek Walton, a merchant seaman who tragically lost his life at sea during World War II.

Santa Cruz has been a busy port city since the mid-1800s when ships would unload lime, redwood and other agricultural products. These days, Santa Cruz Harbour is home to a commercial fishing fleet as well as being a popular place to rent kayaks, boats and paddleboards.