Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park

Maritime Day at Pigeon Point Light Station

Saturday, May 17

12pm - 4pm

This is a chance to celebrate Pigeon Point’s maritime heritage and the sailors who relied on the light to travel safely along the coast. Visitors will be able to join a historic shipwreck tour to learn more about the tragic events that led to the construction of the lighthouse. In keeping with the theme of shipwrecks, local historian, JoAnn Semones will be there to answer questions and sign copies of her local history new books. Of course, the whole day won’t be focused on tragedy. Local Sea Scouts will be there to lead visitors in traditional nautical activities. Finally, the braver visitors will have a chance to try traditional swanky, often described as 19^th century Gatorade.

Visiting Pigeon Point Light Station 

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 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.

In December 2001, a section of the iron belt course on the exterior of the lighthouse fell off. The lighthouse is closed until the structure is fully restored. Restoration started in February 2024. The lighthouse may still be viewed from the grounds. Read the official press release and visit the Lighthouse Restoration page for more information on the restoration progress.

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.

ACTIVITIES — Drop in to visit the historic Fog Signal Building, the current home of the original Fresnel lens, and enjoy exhibits that tell the story of the lighthouse and its keepers. Guided history walks of the park grounds are available on Sundays at 2 pm. Junior Ranger programs, for kids 7-12 years old, are available in the summer. Visit the Park Events page for more information and to register for a walk or program. 

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