Considered a photographer’s mecca, it’s no secret that California’s coastal beauty regularly attracts visitors from all over the world. There are tons of great photo ops to be found along our breathtaking coastline including hidden beaches, clifftop parks, and tons of historic lighthouses. In fact, we may just be home to the most photographed lighthouse in the country: Pigeon Point Lighthouse. It’s likely you’ve seen photos (or taken one yourself) of this popular lighthouse, and it’s no wonder why. Located in the most beautiful setting, this historic lighthouse makes for a pretty wonderful sight!
Located on a rocky promontory south of the San Francisco Bay, Pigeon Point Lighthouse is probably one of the most picturesque lighthouses on the entire West Coast–not to mention the tallest.
At 115-feet tall, Pigeon Point is tied with Point Arena Light as the tallest lighthouse on the West Coast. Seeing it with your own eyes should definitely be on your bucket list, especially since its location next to the highway makes it easy for visitors to access.
The lighthouse and the land surrounding it are located within Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park. Built in 1871, the lighthouse remains active in aiding the Coast Guard to this day, an amazing 150 years later.
Ships today are guided using an automated LED beacon, but back in the day, the lighthouse used a five-wick lard oil lamp and Fresnel lens. The lens, standing at 16-feet tall and 6-feet in diameter, was first lit at sunset on November 15, 1872. Nowadays, it's on display in the fog signal building.
The lighthouse tower has been closed to tours since the collapse of supporting brickwork in December 2001. However, the lighthouse can still be viewed from the grounds where visitors can explore by themselves or on a half-hour guided history walk (available upon request and staff permitting.)
The lighthouse is definitely a man-made wonder worth marveling over, but the surrounding scenery is what makes it a destination to remember. The coastal area around Pigeon Point is comprised of gorgeous reefs, rugged cliffs, and colorful wildflowers. Typical wildlife seen in the area includes seals and whales.
Admission is free to the park and facilities include restrooms, picnic tables, and a park store. The next time you feel like soaking up some coastal beauty, visit the equally beautiful and historic Pigeon Point Lighthouse. And don't forget your camera!
