- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Pigeon Point Light Station SHP
Rating Details »
Categories: Parks, Landmarks & Historical Buildings [Edit]
210 Pigeon Point RdHwy 1
Pescadero, CA 94060
(650) 879-2120
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
34 reviews for Pigeon Point Light Station SHP
Beautiful beautiful place to visit. I never stayed at the hostel, but stopped to take some photographs on a drive down Highway 1.
The view is spectacular and you can walk down to the beach area just below the lighthouse for even more great views.
If you want a great day trip, drive down 1 and stop at Pigeon Point Lighthouse for a picnic. You will be glad you did!
It was the first time for both us...
We've always seen lighthouses in movies and pictures and magazines but never up close in person. No it wasn't a beautiful day, no it wasn't at sunset or at night with stars...it was a cold windy cloudy day..but it was still beautiful and fun.
We walked down towards that little beach of some sort and took some photos and then walked around the lighthouse and took some more photos. It sucks that the place has a chain link fence but it was still pretty cool.
I cant wait to see more lighthouses now...fascinating buildings that bring light out to the sailors on those foggy foggy nights.
People thought this was:
- Useful (4)
- Cool (4)
PLEASE SOMEBODY PAY THE PARKS DEPARTMENT MONEY TO SAVE THE PIGEON POINT LIGHT HOUSE!
Cuz I don't have any!!
This place is gorgeous. I would have loved to go into the light house had it not been about to topple over. Gorgeous views of the water off of the cliffs.
I've been there only once and it was a dead gorgeous blue sky afternoon. Actually not a desirable setting for photographing. I have seen some amazing photography of this place and they all involve sunrise/sunset + moderate amount of cloud in the sky...
The lighthouse is in disrepair and they're trying to raise money to fix it. It's closed to the public but you can view it from the outside. Parts of the trim have fallen off which makes it a safety issue. The French Fresnel lens are not in use but stored in the lighthouse. No docents to guide you. Just a spectacular view of the ocean on a clear, sunny day. Further down the path, you descent down a small staircase to really see the blue ocean water ahead of you. A train of brown pelicans fly by, the splash of the huge waves and the old building behind you with 2 large black foghorns sticking out on from the back of the building near the roof. There are several hostel buildings on the property and I saw people packing up to leave as their stay was ending.
If they can raise the money, it's going to be really nice just like how they fixed up the Pt. Cabrillo Lighthouse in Mendocino.
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Cool (3)
Beautiful Place. The boardwalk feels very cozy and you can see the beautiful ocean from the other side of the lighthouse. The water just looks amazing as you standover the wooden fence and stare out into it. This is the point where you start to ponder about things without even knowing it.
Whats weird is that there are some people who fish as you look down to the rocks. I dont get how they got down there and if they are even allowed to do that. Its all good. I love how this place doesnt become crowded so the boardwalks are nice to walk on and the benches are available. I wish I took better pictures.
I stopped in here the past two weekends while dropping off & picking up our daughter from camp. The lighthouse is closed for the duration due to the many repairs needed to make it safe. There is a boardwalk that goes out to a viewing platform complete with three pairs of binoculars hanging on the picket fence for patrons to borrow. Look out on the ocean and the rocks to see otters, sea lions, and a variety of birds. In the spring I hear it's a great whale watching site.
There also is a dirt trail that leads out to another viewing platform looking in another direction. Lots of wildflowers in bloom along this trail. Historic photos in a little 'shack' to view. There is a small gift shop with postcards, sweatshirts and the like. Well worth a stop.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
Lighthouses = *swoon
There is something romantic and eerily condescending to me about lighthouses. They stand out there, awash and brutalized by the elements, but they still remain, stoic and upright, a beacon to the many ships floundering out on the sea. Sounds like THE light at the end of many a relationship tunnel.
As I continued this little nonchalant drive down the coast (mind you, my objectives for this day was simply to go down to Pacifica to collect my thoughts) and now I had driven all the way down to Pigeon Point. As a tourist, I might as well do as tourists do. Got out with my camera and took a walk around the grounds.
Unfortunately, the lighthouse is now closed and the chain link fence does a lot in deterring close-up shots. However, at the end of the path is a barn that houses historical information and the such. The only thing, is that it was empty and when I entered, I could hear the echo of my own steps behind me. Eeeeeeerrrrrrrry.
Follow the path around the point and you are rewarded with many the view that sailors probably dove off of in search of that fatal siren call. Ah, to tempt the fate of men at sea for years on end.
The motel here has been turned into a hostel and I found the quarters charmingly cute, although flashbacks from the movie Identity haunted me on my twenty steps back to my car.
On to the next eye candy on this wonderful highway lining our beautiful coast.
People thought this was:
- Useful (7)
- Funny (5)
- Cool (7)
Pigeons = suck.
Pigeon Point Light Station = gorgeous.
A definite place to go see if you're in Pescadero or roundabouts for a day trip.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (2)
Amazing views.
I love lighthouses. And I am surprised that I have lived over ten years here in the Bay Area and the only lighthouses I knew about were Point Reyes and Point Bonita in Marin. On our drive along the coast yesterday from Santa Cruz to Pescadero, we discovered Pigeon Point Lighthouse. We loved it. Gorgeous views.
On a sunny day, drive along Highway 1 and check out the breathtaking views of the coast and the lighthouse. It is amazing! All you need is a car and a tank of gas. Everything else is free.
Highly recommended.
Pigeon Point Light Station is a place that will be forever ingrained in my memory banks.
Over two years ago, when the SO and I first started dating, he brought me to this quaint lighthouse that sits alongside the very scenic Highway One. We took a few photos together with the awesome views and the cute white picket fence surrounding us. While making our way back to the city, I couldn't help but notice that he kept throwing glances and flashing his endearing eyes at me. It kinda weirded me out, considering that we had only been dating for about a month. I just shook it off, but it all made sense to me when he professed his love to me only a couple hours later.
Fast forward a couple years and a couple months later. And it just so happens to be Valentine's Day too. We just had spent an amazing afternoon driving through the Santa Cruz mountains and wine tasting in Felton. On our way back, I dozed off and after what seemed like a very short nap, I was awoken by the SO asking to take a walk. I saw that we were back at the same lighthouse where we shared many photos together over two years ago. In a grumpy mood, I refused to step out of the car to be blown away by the high wind gusts and the oncoming storm. After much coaxing, I persistently refused to get out of the car and closed my eyes to continue my nap.
But there was no way I could go back to sleep, because the SO placed a box in my hand and asked for my hand in marriage, at the same place he had known he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me that one day, almost two years and three months ago to this day.
Pigeon Point Light Station is a place that we will definitely return to, as it is now a place that will always be so special to us.
People thought this was:
- Useful (22)
- Funny (17)
- Cool (22)
Serene, but scary. Gorgeous, but ugly. I am conflicted on this one. Our destination for Sunday morning drive is one that many in the Bay Area have visited, and it was much like I remember it from 8-9 years ago. Except for the big fence surrounding the lighthouse and the gate which nearly fell on me.
Let's talk beauty first - the view of the ocean from here is spectacular, and the waves crashing on the intricate rock formations on the shore is amazing. The entire family oooohed and ahhhhed for 30 minutes just looking at it.
Let's talk scary next: has anyone else noticed the number of former viewing points that have fallen into the ocean? They did not give me the warm fuzzies about standing 50-100 feet out above the big rocks below. Also, in a sad display of parks dilapidation, when we entered the gate to walk down to the viewing area, it literally fell off its hinges, crashing to the ground with an impressive thud. I am delighted it missed my foot, and the ranger was very cool about it. The lighthouse is closed due to earthquake damage, and it surrounded by an ugly chain link fence. Oh well - you barely notice it against the otherwise-amazing vista.
This place makes a perfect launching point for a lunch at Duarte's Tavern in Pescadero, which I do recommend wholeheartedly.
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (2)
This place is amazing if you can manage to get a bed, especially in a private room. It is so peaceful and heavenly for a romantic break and only a little over an hour of a breathtakingly gorgeous drive from SF.
The best part of it all? They have a private hot tub on the cliffs overlooking the ocean. You can reserve 30 minute time slots for something like $7 if you are staying at the hostel.
You have to reserve a private room months in advance though. If it doesn't work out, Costanoa down the road usually has great midweek deals.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
Driving North on scenic Highway 1 between Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay brings you to one of the tallest lighthouses in the US. Not only is it one of the tallest but it also happens to be one of the most picturesque lighthouses on the Pacific coast. The lighthouse towers 115 feet above it's ocean side location on what is known as Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park. This place is old and it looks it. Built in 1871 it looks exactly like what I have pictured a lighthouse to look like. Currently there are no tours of the lighthouse due to a collapse of brickwork supporting the outside access walkways on the top portion of the tower. But you can do a self guided tour of the grounds. The lighthouse itself is fenced in but it's right on the edge of the rocky ocean with amazing panoramic views. The wind was insane on our visit but that didn't deter us. The Fresnel lens on the lighthouse is no longer in operation but once a year on the Saturday closest to November 15 it is lit. Apparently this is a big deal and people come from far away. Donations are accepted and their plan is to restore the tower. We thought this place was cool. So much history to it and for a minute you're taken back to the late1800's when life must've been much simpler.
parking - free
self guided tour - free
gift shop - buy a shirt!
small whale info center on the wood deck
lots of photo opp's here
*The lighthouse keeper's housing was restored and it now operates as a Hostel.
People thought this was:
- Useful (4)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
My friend and I drove here yesterday; if you love the twisties, take 280N to 84W, then 1S to get here.
Just be careful of bottoming out...
It's very quaint here. There's a nice white picket fenced outcrop that heads over the breakers leaving you with a view of infinity (do watch the sun set here). The lighthouse itself stands as a beacon in time (and I mean it too, it can be seen from 22miles away), and the tiny museum accompanying it is novel but, well, hollow.
You get 3 stars because as I was leaving the museum, the narrative was mentioning how far out the lighthouse could be seen...
and then the pirate voice came on, "Arrrrrgh! That be a mighty lighthouse indeed!"
and that's when I left.
These are a few of my favorite things..
twisty white beach fence
diamonds on the sea
old timer foghorn
big ERECT lighthouse
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (6)
- Cool (5)
Oh what a fantastic little gem this lighthouse is. Right in the middle of nowhere of Highway 1, you would never expect this to be there but slowly you can see this appear from both sides of the road (going towards half Moon Bay and towards Santa Cruz). It is so beautiful and you can park your car and walk around the lighthouse. (No going inside since a big piece fell off a couple of years ago though)
It was getting pretty bad until the State took it over and since that crazy motel plan fell through. Could you imagine someone building motels here? Like destroying the Mona Lisa.
The best thing is to walk all the way around to the back until you stand on a little catwalk so you can peer down onto the rocks, the moss and the ocean. Very scary but safe.
There is also a hostel in front that visitors can't visit for around $20.00 or 25.00 a night. What a steal!
Oh and one time we were driving along Hwy 1 at night and you could see the beam on and shining way out into the ocean. It was magical. We parked the car a couple of miles away and just watched in silence. I'll never forget that.
What's turning out to be a mini-hobby for my fiance and myself, Pigeon Point is the second lighthouse on the CA coast we have visited. It's beautiful here with great views.
There was a baby whale jumping in and out of the water just off the coast which made the trip entirely worth it. The drive up the coast to get here is breathtaking as well.
There is a Hostel that advertises 20 dollar a night stays. I think they are old coast guard barracks. We didn't stay but I don't think you will find a better value anywhere. They looked neat and clean from the outside too.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Cool (1)
There isn't much to say here that hasn't already been said. The views are breathtaking and incredible, and if you can make it for the annual re-lighting of the fresnel lens, you're in for a real treat. If you're ever headed in or out of Santa Cruz and want to take the scenic drive up HWY 1 instead of cruising on major Highways, this is a fabulous stop to make.
The light station is located about 30 miles north of Santa Cruz, perfect for a stop on your way to or from Pescadero or La Honda. There's even a little picnic table area if you want to enjoy a snack as the waves crash at the point.
I wanted to do our engagement photo shoot here, but it proved too far away, but man, if only...
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
Did you know that one of America's tallest lighthouses is just down the coast a bit from San Francisco? Yep. It's true. Just a bit south of Ano Nuevo.
And it still has its first order fresnel lens, which is over 7 feet tall and was originally lit with lard oil!
There are a few trails to walk around on and appreciate the views, and there's a hostel there. I think they give tours as well, but I thought the really cool part was that you can park down the road that runs along the beach and go check out the beach with all the little tide pools and rocks to climb on.
Visiting the park is FREE, but unfortunately the lighthouse is now falling apart due to lack of maintenance funds, so if you go, please drop off a donation, will ya? History geeks like me will thank you.
Oh, and for you dog owners--dogs are allowed on the beach only, not in the park. I took a borrowed one to the beach and we had a great time.
People thought this was:
- Useful (6)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (7)
I'm so glad the National Parks Service has agreed to take over funding and control of the Bay Area's lighthouses. I have a wierd thing with lighthouses (I will be ignoring any Freudian references) probably due to my summertime trips to Cape Cod as a child, or just reading too many books. There's something mystical and romantic about lighthouses and this particular location is very reminiscent of coastal New England....without leaving the 650!
The lighthouse was closed last time I stopped here due to lack of funding and repairs. In back there is a look-out deck surrounded by a wooden picket fence and blue ocean as far as you can see. On a clear day, this cannot be skipped.
The lighthouse is accompanied by a quaint hostel with rooms starting at $20/night. There is also a hot tub and yard area (with view) and access to the wildlife reserve. The next time I need a truely *relaxing* weeked get-away, I'm comin' here!
I was there for the 135th lighting too, with our little familia.
We were cold, but powered through with the help of cookies and cocoa. When the starburst hit, it was like magic.
MAGIC, I tell ya.
the only obnoxious thing was the bozos cuddling up near the lens blocking the rays. They were not only obnoxious, they were oblivious. I secretly hoped the iron band would give and plunge them, but not really because I am not Damien.
Seriously, this is a beautiful lighthouse, the fresnel lens is special and particularly glorious for the 2 hours a year it is allowed to do its thing. If you visit, make sure to drop some dough for donations to restore the structure and get it retrofitted. The California Parks Foundation has been doing great work raising money, but they are still 1.5 mil short of seeing it all getting done properly. It would be such a shame if this gem fell into the water during the next big quake...
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (2)
We have been here many times. Walk out to the end and stand at the overlook. Watch the sea lions and what ever else it out there. It's gorgeous. My Mother always makes us take her there when we go for drives along the coast.
Never stayed at the hostel, but have heard the hot tub there is amazing at night with all the stars and the ocean. Might be worth it to just stay there one night to find out.
If you find yourself driving along Highway 1 at sunset (especially the kind where there's some clouds and you can see the sun rays coming through), take a few minutes to stop in at the Pigeon Point lighthouse. Perhaps no other spot captures the blustery beauty of the Pumpkin Coast better than right here. Especially if it's cold and windy (which it probably will be). Most people will be content to contemplate the scene for a few minutes before running back to their cars and dashing home for a hot chocolate. But if you really want more, there just so happens to be a hostel here (those things show up in the strangest places).
Also, note that there is a great view of the lighthouse (and/or the sunset) from the nearby Wilbur's Watch trail. Just go south on Highway 1 a half mile from the lighthouse and turn inland on Pigeon Point road, then take a right into the trailhead parking lot. The trail goes uphill 1 mile to an overlook but you can get good views after only a few hundred yards.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
Nice facility and great beach. The furthes south beach is covered in shells, great for kids.
One of my favorite places south of SF. On one of my visits we saw whales heading north. Go in May to see them. A postcard perfect photo waiting to happen.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (1)
This is a beautiful spot. The overlook offers a perfect place to see whales and seals. I was fortunate to see both yesterday. The historical photos were interesting and exhibit about the light house was informative.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
I love this place.
Lighthouses connote some kind of ethereal cool, as a remnant of bygone days, and because they are such a rare sight of our urban world. This particular lighthouse can be found on the beautiful PCH drive, north of Santa Cruz, and shortly south of Pescadero. It makes for an awesome day trip from the bay area, for sure. The grounds can be explored via walkways, though the actual lighthouse itself is fenced off due to its unstableness--I think that it is on the verge of crumbling to pieces! What makes Pigeon Point cooler than most lighthouses is that a hostel is part of its grounds, located in former headquarters of those manning the lighthouse. How awesome is that? You can stay overnight, at the base of a lighthouse, right next to the ocean for dirt cheap. Quarters appear dingy and old, but the experience is one to add to your to-do list.
who wouldve thunk it?
a real life light house you see in the movies, right here in california, right in the bay area. heck inside an hour and a half from you.
this aint the smaller shorter stout kind like the one at surfers museum, nothing personal, surfers museum peeps. instead this is of the 115' taller variety for you folks out there thats in it for the..ahem..size.
youll find it after traveling up north on highway one between santa cruz pacifica and half moon bay. this is one of the most beautiful places on earth.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (3)
Couldn't get inside the lighthouse. It was closed for reconstruction, but its a great place to visit none the less. I look forward to the day when they're done restoring that old light house. In the meantime the cliff side view and the gardens surrounding the light house are enough to keep me delighted.
I'm a sucker for lighthouses... or at least trying to photograph them. I was down there for the 135th Annual Relighting - my first time - and it was foggy! I guess the relighting is a big thing, because there were quite a bit of people, even when they shut the light off again at 8pm. I had fun in the hour and a half I was there, but will definitely come back during the day, or maybe a less foggy night.
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
Beautiful lighthouse on the San Mateo County coast surrounded by a tidal reserve. Lots of great deck views of the rocky crags and tide pools. There's also a hostel there.
a great great place to stop! beautiful old lighthouse with well taken care of grounds. a neat point that it sits on with a magnificent view both north and south. a very well educated staff who can answer all types of questions. Very cool stuf in the gift shop. you cna't say all that about most places.
