Day-use Area 8am to Sunset
Visitor Center and Bookstore:
June 12-Labor Day: Open 7 days/week from 10am-4pm
Winter Hours: Thursday-Monday from 10am-4pm
Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park
Contact Information
(650) 879-2120
Park Hours
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.
Upcoming Park Events
No events scheduled at this moment.
Visiting Pigeon Point Light Station
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Perched 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 a Vega Marine Rotating 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
Seasons/Climate
The weather can be changeable; layered clothing is recommended. Afternoons can be very windy.
Facilities
The park has restrooms near the parking lot, a pay phone, and limited picnic tables. A park store is located in the historic carpenter's shop.
Also located within the park, Hosteling International runs the Pigeon Point Hostel for guests who are interested in staying overnight.
A small public beach is located 100 yards from the main parking lot.
Activities
Tours
Half hour guided history walks around the lighthouse grounds are available daily at 1pm, staff permitting, or upon request by calling 650-879-2120
Restrictions
Dogs and are prohibited at all times
Smoking is not permitted.
Social Feed
Available Activities and Facilities at Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park
OVERNIGHT FACILITIES
Lodging
Lodging
TRAIL USE
Hiking Trails
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
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