Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park

Phone Number

(650) 879-2120

Park Hours

Day-Use Area: 8am to Sunset

Visitor Center and Park Store: 
Fridays--Mondays, 10am--4pm

 

Dogs Allowed?

No
Except on leash at Pistachio Beach, north of Pigeon Point.

Driving Directions to Pigeon Point Light Station SHP

On California Highway 1, 20 miles south of Half Moon Bay and 27 miles north of Santa Cruz.

Online reservations are not available for this park.

OVERNIGHT FACILITIES
Lodging
TRAIL USE
Hiking Trails
DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Historical/Cultural Site
Picnic Areas
Env. Learning/Visitor Center
Exhibits and Programs
Fishing
Guided Tours
Interpretive Exhibits
Beach Area
Swimming
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Windsurfing/Surfing
Geocaching

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Visiting Pigeon Point Light Station 

Pigeon Point Light Station Tower ImagePerched on a cliff on the central California coast, 50 miles south of San Francisco, the 115-foot Pigeon Point Lighthouse, one of the tallest lighthouses in America, has been guiding mariners since 1872. Its five-wick lard oil lamp, and first-order Fresnel lens, comprised of 1,008 prisms, was first lit at sunset, November 15, 1872. The lens stands 16 feet tall, 6 feet in diameter, and weighs 2,000 pounds. Now on display in the fog signal building, it sat in a lantern room constructed at the Lighthouse Service's general depot in New York before being shipped around the Horn. Although the original Fresnel lens is no longer in use, the lighthouse is still an active U.S. Coast Guard aid to navigation using an automated LED beacon.

The coastal areas surrounding Pigeon Point Light Station are rich with life. Marine mammals, such as seals and whales, can be seen regularly from shore as they pass by beyond the surf. The intertidal zone along this part of the coast, particularly in the rocky reefs that flank the light station, contains a diverse and numerous variety of plant and animal life.

Lighthouse Closed for Repairs
In December 2001, a section of the iron belt course on the exterior of the lighthouse fell off. The lighthouse will remain closed until the structure can be restored. The lighthouse may still be viewed from the grounds. For more information go to Lighthouse Restoration

Activities
Vist the historic Fog Signal Building, the current home of the original Fresnel lens. and enjoy exhibits that tell the story of the lighthouse and keepers. Look for maritime birds, harbor seals, and whales from our observation deck. Join us on Sundays at 2pm for a guided history of the park grounds.
 

Lighthouse History Walk Registration

Visit Pigeon Point Virtually!

Explore inside the Pigeon Point Lighthouse while it's closed for restoration! CyArk, in partnership with San Mateo County, Coastside State Parks Association, and California State Parks have created a 3D, 360 degree narrated tour of the the historic buildings and grounds at Pigeon Point for the 150th anniversary of the light station.

View the Virtual Tour!

 

Pigeon Point Lighthouse Restoration

The Pigeon Point Lighthouse Rehabilitation Project has started! Read the official press release for all the details.

For more information, photos, and the latest updates visit the Lighthouse Restoration webpage or the image gallery below.

View our guided hikes and other public programs schedule and make a reservation by visiting our Parks Events page!

Looking for your next adventure?

California State Parks Backpacking Adventures offers naturalist-led backpacking trips through the Santa Cruz Mountains each summer, including our NEW "Cars-BA" trip to the Big Basin basecamp! Online registration opens March 1 at 9am. 


Basic Park Information

ROCKY POINT around Pigeon Point lighthouse is closed to all visitors to prevent erosion and protect nesting birds.

DOGS are not permitted on the lighthouse grounds (except for service animals).

ADMISSION & PARKING is free.

SMOKING is not permitted in the park.

DRONES are not allowed in the park. To protect wildlife and cultural resources, and for the safety and welfare of visitors and staff, the park is closed to the use of Model Aircraft, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), and Gliders in flight.

FACILITIES — The park has restrooms near the parking lot and limited picnic tables. A park store is located in the historic carpenter's shop. A small public beach is located 100 yards from the main parking lot.

PIGEON POINT HOSTEL is run by Hostelling International for guests who are interested in staying overnight. For more information and reservations, please click here

WEDDING & SPECIAL EVENT PERMITS: SMPermits@parks.ca.gov or (650) 726-8819

FILM & PHOTOGRAPHY PERMITS: SMFilmPermits@parks.ca.gov or (650) 726-8815


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