Located along the northern California coast, Pigeon Point is a hidden gem that captivates its visitors with its iconic lighthouse perched on the cliffs overlooking the ocean.
So, let’s explore how to incorporate Pigeon Point Light Station State Park into a California itinerary and, most importantly, what there is to see in the area to plan your visit effectively.
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History of the Pigeon Point Lighthouse
Built in 1871, the lighthouse stands at a towering height of over 115 feet, making it one of the tallest lighthouses in the United States. The history of Pigeon Point Lighthouse bears witness to the vital importance of California’s lighthouses. Its construction was prompted by numerous maritime tragedies caused by the treacherous surrounding cliffs. Ships that ventured too close risked sinking by colliding with the many hidden rocky outcrops concealed by fog and tides.
Over the years, the lighthouse has undergone various modifications and upgrades, but its role as a maritime landmark has remained unchanged.
If you’re wondering about the origin of its name, it has nothing to do with the well-known birds. Instead, this designation was chosen because in 1853, a ship named the Carrier Pigeon, sailing from Boston to San Francisco on its maiden voyage, crashed into a cliff near Whale Point due to dense fog, resulting in the ship’s destruction. A few years after this incident, the lighthouse was constructed, and in commemoration of the event, it was named after the ship.
Due to its historical significance, Pigeon Point Light Station was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
How to Get There
It’s located in San Mateo County, and the lighthouse’s address is 210 Pigeon Point Road, accessible along Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway.
Here are the travel times from the major destinations in the area:
- San Francisco: approximately one hour
- Santa Cruz: just over half an hour
- Monterey: bout an hour and twenty minutes
Hours and Other Information
Access to the lighthouse area is available every day of the week from 8:00 AM until sunset, and there is no need to purchase any tickets for entry. The Visitor Center is open from Friday to Monday, operating from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
While the parking area isn’t very spacious, it is free of charge. During the weekdays, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding an available spot, but on weekends, you may need to wait a few minutes before parking your car. Alternatively, you can look for parking along the roadside when space permits.
Things to See
At the time of writing this article, it’s not yet possible to visit the interior of the lighthouse, as restoration work has not been completed. If you’re curious about the interior spaces, you can take a look at this virtual tour created for the 150th anniversary of the lighthouse’s construction.
Once you arrive in this area, the best thing to do is undoubtedly to admire the splendid views of the ocean. Not only can you enjoy the beauty of the sea, but if you’re lucky, during certain times of the year, you might also spot whales migrating along the coast.
In particular, from mid-March to the end of May, it’s estimated that over 18,000 gray whales pass by this coastline on their annual journey from the Bering Sea to Baja California.
For more details on other areas in the state where you can observe whales both from the shore and through specialized tours, refer to our article dedicated to whale watching in California.
In the immediate vicinity of the State Park entrance, you’ll find a spacious outdoor area with tables, perfect for taking a break before or after your visit and enjoying a spectacular view of the coast. Nearby, you’ll also see parts of the Point Arena shipwreck on display.
Just beyond this area, you can take a stroll and head towards the panoramic terrace overlooking the ocean. From there, you can spot Whaler’s Cove and the rocky formation known as Prisoner Rock, named so because many sailors would get “trapped” here by high tides. If you want to explore the stretch of coastline below, you can descend a staircase and reach the beach where, during low tide, you’ll have the opportunity to observe many tide pools and perhaps be fortunate enough to see some sea anemones and starfish.
Nearby Attractions
Here are the main attractions you can discover in the immediate vicinity of Pigeon Point Lighthouse:
- Año Nuevo State Park: Located about a 10-minute drive south of Pigeon Point, this state park is home to the world’s largest mainland breeding colony of northern elephant seals, among other natural wonders.
- Pescadero State Beach: Just under a 10-minute drive north of Pigeon Point, you’ll find one of the area’s most beloved beaches, perfect for leisurely walks and picnics while enjoying breathtaking ocean views.
- Downtown Pescadero: After exploring the beach, you can venture into the picturesque town of Pescadero, known for its small shops, antique stores, and delightful bakeries.
- Butano State Park: Approximately a 15-minute drive inland, this state park is especially popular for its nature trails, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of ancient coastal redwood trees.
Places to Stay
In this location, you have the unique opportunity to stay right next to the historic lighthouse thanks to the presence of the Pigeon Point Hostel. The rooms that were once used by the lighthouse staff have been converted into a simple yet welcoming accommodation.
It’s a one-of-a-kind chance to sleep in such a historic and captivating place while enjoying unique ocean views. In addition to the typical hostel-style dormitories, suitable for budget-conscious travelers, the hostel also offers double rooms for those who prefer a bit more privacy.
Check availability at the Pigeon Point Hostel
If you don’t find availability or if the hostel doesn’t suit your preferences, you can click on the link below to explore all the available lodging options in the area.
