Pigeon Point Light Station
Pescadero, CA
One of the tallest lighthouses on the West Coast, on a rocky point beside Highway 1. The tower is closed to climbing, but the grounds and whale-watching bluff are open daily; parking is small.
Pigeon Point Light Station stands on Highway 1 (SR 1), about 8 km (5 miles) south of Pescadero. The white masonry tower is 35 m (115 feet) tall and was built in 1871; its light was first lit in November 1872. Together with Point Arena it is regarded as the tallest lighthouse on the U.S. West Coast. The original first-order Fresnel lens was removed from the tower in November 2011 and is on display in the fog signal building; the light is now an automated beacon.
The tower has been closed to visitors since December 2001 because masonry under the outer walkways collapsed. State Parks is carrying out a restoration, and according to the hostel the construction work takes place during the day (as of October 2026). The grounds are mostly accessible, but the area right next to the tower is fenced off. In spring you may be lucky enough to spot gray whales from the bluff. A hostel (Hostelling International) occupies the restored keepers' houses. One hour is enough for a stop.
- Nearest town
- Pescadero, CA
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 37.1818, -122.3940
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March–April and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Ben Ries CampgroundCampsite4 mi from Pigeon Point Light Station
- Huckleberry Flat Dog CampgroundCampsite8 mi from Pigeon Point Light StationDogs allowed
- Half Moon Bay RV ParkMotorhome stopover18 mi from Pigeon Point Light StationMotorhomesElectricityToiletsWaste disposal
- Santa Cruz Redwoods RV ResortMotorhome stopover21 mi from Pigeon Point Light StationMotorhomes
- Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park CampgroundCampsite22 mi from Pigeon Point Light Station · 113 pitchesTentsCaravansDogs allowed
- Pillar Point RV ParkMotorhome stopover23 mi from Pigeon Point Light StationMotorhomes
All campsites in California · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Pigeon Point Light Station?
Pigeon Point Light Station is in Pescadero, CA, at GPS 37.1818, -122.3940. It is about 9 mi from Big Basin Redwoods State Park.
Can you camp near Pigeon Point Light Station?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Costanoa, about 3 mi away; within 25 mi there are 64 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Pigeon Point Light Station?
Pigeon Point Light Station is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Highway 1 south: San Francisco to Santa Cruz and Monterey.
What is there to see near Pigeon Point Light Station?
Places worth a stop nearby: Año Nuevo State Park (6 mi), Natural Bridges State Beach (24 mi), Battery Spencer Overlook (45 mi) and Monterey Bay Aquarium (47 mi).
When is the best time to visit Pigeon Point Light Station?
The most pleasant months are usually May–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March–April and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)