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San Francisco, California / Landmarks

Pigeon Point Lighthouse

Standing 115 feet tall, this iconic West Coast beacon guides mariners along the rocky California coast. Explore its maritime history, visit the original Fresnel lens, and watch for migrating gray whales.

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Pigeon Point Lighthouse
www.parks.ca.gov, og_image_www.parks.ca.gov

What is Pigeon Point Lighthouse known for?

It is one of the tallest lighthouses in America at 115 feet and is tied for the tallest lighthouse on the West Coast of the United States.

How much does it cost to visit?

Admission and parking at the park are free.

What are the hours?

The park is open daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

Can I go up into the lighthouse tower?

No, the tower has been closed to tours since December 2001 due to collapsing brickwork and structural repairs.

What activities are available for visitors?

Visitors can tour the Fog Signal Building to see the original Fresnel lens, attend guided history walks on Sundays at 2 pm, and explore educational exhibits at the visitor center.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Pigeon Point Lighthouse is a towering landmark on the central California coast, tied with Point Arena Light as the tallest lighthouse on the West Coast of the United States. The station was established to prevent maritime disasters, with its lamp first lit at sunset on November 15, 1872. The area takes its name from the clipper ship Carrier Pigeon, which wrecked 500 feet offshore on June 6, 1853. The site is rich with human history, including the stories of its keepers. For example, Richard H. Fairchild served as the head keeper from 1873 to 1875, having originally arrived in the country via an oxen-pulled wagon train. Today, the original keeper's housing has been repurposed as a hostel for adventurous travelers, while the Fog Signal Building houses the original Fresnel lens and educational exhibits. Although the 115-foot tower has been closed to public tours since December 2001 due to collapsing brickwork, it continues to function as an automated beacon. To restore the structure to its former glory, a $16 million rehabilitation project began in early 2024 and is expected to last two years. The station was officially recognized for its importance when it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. Beyond its architecture, the park is a destination for nature and science. Astronomy enthusiasts gather here annually to witness solar eclipses and meteor showers. Additionally, the park serves as a wildlife haven, where visitors frequently spot migrating gray whales between December and April.

Visitor tips

  • Visit between December and April for the best chance to see migrating gray whales from the shore.
  • Check for guided history walks, which are available on Sundays at 2 pm.
  • If visiting with children ages 7–12, look for Junior Ranger programs during the summer months.
  • Parking and admission to the park are free.

Nearby context

Located at 201 Pigeon Point Rd in Pescadero, the lighthouse is situated about 20 miles south of Half Moon Bay, offering a secluded escape along the rugged coastline.

Sources

Evidence and links