Pigeon Point Light Station SHP

This is was our second time here visiting the lighthouse about a month ago, we never stayed at the Hostel but it looks very inviting and this review is not about the Hostel, it is about the Lighthouse and the immediate area, we walked around and then took the side road to see more of the ocean, what spoiled the view was the old man completely naked (yes, old man, you know who you are), yes, completely naked, changing behind his car. Dumb A**, did you ever think for a second that you were out in public and no one wants to see your old junk. He looked very surprised when we approached in our car, come on now, the whole street is filled with cars, certainly you didn’t think you were alone now, did you?
Some people have ZERO common sense, I mean really? Completely naked behind your vehicle? If you want to change-​use a restroom, S**T for brains

Nestled between some of the coolest beaches along the coast youll find the Pigeon Point Light house which also has a detached Hostel all over looking the beautiful North Pacific ocean.
The light house is pretty cool looking, but you arwnt able to go in, or get close to it as its surrounded by a fence. The views from around the light house are dream like with views of the ocean as far as the eye can see. The waves are pretty rough as they rush against the coastal bluffs below the light house and sometimes sprinkle you with ocean water eventhough youre hundreds of feet above it. This feels good year round, but especially during the summer time.
Seals are always in the area and easily sighted most year round, but over the 10 years I have come and gone I have seen 2 whales from pigeon point light house. There is a back deck area to the light house/​hostel that allows you to walk further out on the bluff and experience unobstructed views of the ocean and everything around you. Its something to see/​visit while traveling Hwy 1, and youre likely to see more than you expect while visiting.
Cheers to Pigeon Point Light House.

If you are doing the Highway 1 drive I recommend putting this on your map of places to check out. Its a quick stop but its awesome views and photo opportunities make it worth it. The lighthouse is boarded up and you cant go in but there is some cool spots to go in a check out and learn about the history of Pigeon Point.
Parking is kind of a pain here if there are a lot of people hanging out. If you do a little off roading you can make it work. The water and the rock formations are a beautiful site. At the right time you can see seals playing in the water. If you are a fan of lighthouses and abandoned buildings like I am then check this place out for sure. CHEERS!

Fantastic gem off Highway 1 — even though it is not kept up and therefore you cannot enter the lighthouse, the lighthouse has a mystic aura about it that’s charming and inviting. Must be the epic sunsets from the lighthouse!
If you can, stay at the hostel just below it (between the lighthouse and the parking lot) to capture the mist of the lighthouse in the day and night time.

This is a beautiful spot and I’m surprised I haven’t been here before since it’s somewhat local and I love lighthouses. I got blessed with a good day here as the sky was crystal clear and it was warm. Usually with the coast layers are a must!
If you take a drive here make a day of it. There are several beaches off the road and I really liked the first few on the road going to Pigeon point. The views from the beach and at the lighthouse are stunning so bring a camera.
This place is also a hostel if you want to stay here. I just visited for the day and went to Farmer John’s pumpkin patch and then to Point arena light station and the beach off the road. If you are looking for a good dinner spot with nice ambience. check out Sam’s chowder house.
Great date day!

Another amazing view off the highway 1! It’s under construction but there is still great views! I’ve always wanted to visit a lighthouse & I finally did! Though, you can’t go inside the lighthouse. There’s a deck on the other side of the lighthouse so you can stay out & look out to the ocean. It’s right next to a hostel if you wanna stay there.

«We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.” – Plato
Roosted on a coastal cliff, the Pigeon Point Lighthouse (PPL) has been keeping watch over this section of coastline since 1871. This New England-​style lighthouse stands at 115′ in height, and is the tallest operating lighthouse on the West Coast*. I’ve driven-​by and admired the PPL many times as I cruised Highway 1 (aka The PCH) when I lived in Pacifica, but never stopped to reconnoiter it. So, one fine spring day I brought the family up to see what’s doing.
Parking– There’s a free 25 car lot in front of the PPL, but if that fills up there’s additional parking along Pigeon Point Rd – this is where that AWD you paid extra for really helps.
Admission– Free admission to look around the lighthouse and access the beach, but I highly recommend you donate some money to help restore the lighthouse; you can make a cash donation there, or if you want a tax-​deductible receipt you can go through this website:
and find out more about the restoration here:
Features:
–Unfortunately, the lighthouse and the oil room have been closed off to the public since 2001, when a piece of the iron belt course broke off, but it’s still a beauty to look at – even from afar.
–Beach access and trails up and down the beautiful California coastline. Bring a picnic lunch and make a day of it!
–Check out the massive First-​Order Fresnel lens up close and personal. Comprised of 1,008 individual prisms; the lens stands at 16′ tall; has a 6′ diameter; and weighs over 2,000 lbs! This design can concentrate a beam of light, and throw it out 24 miles!
–The Docents and Rangers we spoke with were easily some of the friendliest I’ve ever met. Be sure to chat them up for lots of cool info.
–Multiple viewing areas for whale watching (April is the best time), or just enjoying the ocean.
–Four Light Station buildings have been converted into a hostel where you can stay overnight, if you choose. Visit here for more info:
–Restrooms and public phones on site, because cell coverage is spotty at best.
–The old Carpenter Shop is now a bookstore where you can buy Nature books, Field Guides (highly recommended!), postcards, souvenirs, etc.
The PPL and it’s surroundings are simply dazzling. I’m sorry it took me so long to come check it out. I honestly thought we’d only be there for a few minutes, but we ended up spending over three hours! Don’t make the same mistake I did; if you’re road tripping on the PCH I highly recommend making it a point to at least stop by and visit – even if it’s just for a «few minutes.» I guarantee you’ll fall in love.
*35^th tallest lighthouse in the US

WOW what a beautiful site and the light house is so sweet towering over the ocean
Seen a whale break water but never came back up but these view where epic if you are driving the coast to san Francisco its a must stop just like big sur just like morrow bay and santa Cruz

The husband and I really enjoyed the views. both of the ocean. and lighthouse… pretty well kept for a Hostel /​lighthouse… this time around there were a ton of flies which were distracting but great place to stop by if you are driving the PCH … easy access and staff and park rangers were pretty cool… saw seals and tons of birds

If you’re ever driving on Highway 1 along the coast of Northern California, there are plenty of picturesque places to stop and enjoy the view. I suggest making a pit stop here: the tallest lighthouse in California is perched on a cliff in central California between Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz. Yes, you can also take a selfie if it pleases you. I don’t do selfies, but if you must, do so at your own risk.
It also doubles as a hostel for those weary travelers in need of a break or a place to slumber under the cool ocean breeze and foggy coast. This lighthouse, although closed, still has a lot to offer. Though her glory years are now behind her, she still stands stoic like a loving mother protecting her cubs. She stands erect beaming with pride and defying Mother Nature by standing her ground facing the wrath of the Pacific Ocean.
She’s stood tall for so many years while facing pelting storms, crashing waves and gale force winds while guiding sailors of yore safely to the shores. Constructed in 1871 and started operating in 1872, she’s guided many mariners safely back with their loved ones. She’s named after a ship named Carrier Pigeon that wrecked here in 1853 to ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself, and she has done a marvelous job.
During the weekends, there are free history walks provided by the State Parks (check for availability) and it’s a popular spot for whale-​watching, picture-​taking and coast side exploration. Best of all, you don’t have to spend a dime to enjoy these things that she has to offer.
The next time you’re driving up or driving down along this area, I suggest you pay her a visit and treat yourself to some magnificent views.

Great location which also has a concrete «Council Circle» area overlooking the cliffs and seashore below. It’s a perfect spot for family and friends to have lunch. Walk down the steps to explore the seashore and pools below. There is plenty of parking too.
Notes: No smoking in the area. One of the Wickies, someone who maintains the lighthouse, really made this point with a European tourist. Avoid using the bathroom at this location.

My main favorite lighthouse! I love this particular lighthouse! It has an amazing view of the pacific ocean! It has a very interesting history!

Nice lighthouse to visit while driving on Highway 1. I stopped there today and loved the experience. There was charming live music being played. There’s an information center. Lighthouses are old-​fashioned and of no use today with GPS, but they are indelible to the American landscape. I recommend stopping by this lighthouse.

Such a wonderful place to stop along Highway 1 near Pescadero. Unfortunately the actual light house is closed but they have done a nice job with the visitor’s center (free). You get to see the actual glass of the light house which is massive, a bit hard to explain and full of rainbows! (phew) There are a few spots that you can stand and take in the ocean. Just a beautiful spot even if it gets a little busy at times. A must see if you are passing through.

Found this gem on my drive up US 1 driving to SFO I didn’t have enough time to spend here I would of loved to have watched the sunset from this location but time didn’t allow. I didn’t even have time to climb the stairs and have a look at the ocean crashing against the rocks this was the most disappointing thing. It’s was an unexpected find along the stretch between Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay. It’s one of the most amazing stops between Carmel and San Francisco you’ll find along the Pacific Highway.
It’s very rustic with a gravel parking lot and few amenities but a must stop if you’re in the area and well worth bookmarking if your planning to drive down the coast. I will definitely spend more time here my next trip through the area.

Parking was free but rather limited. I only made a quick stop for a few nice photos of the lighthouse and its surroundings, but I spotted a couple relaxing nearby and soaking it all in.

You can’t beat looking at someone’s old job, that had to deal with climbing a huge spiral staircase to a magnificent Fresnel lamp. I’m partially envious of his wonderful butt burner this individual had to go through. Getting paid to look good from the behind!!!
To us present day people, you can snoop around and get a feel for the grounds. If you happen to be someone who is staying at the hostel, you have an upper hand, because you can use the cliff side hot tub. Oh yeah!!! My favorite item aside from the lighthouse was viewing the lamp itself. The lamp put out really pretty rainbow images on the walls.
The day we went there was a particular volunteer in the gift shop, filled us with tons of seaside humor. Keep an eye out for that slippery fellow.

Very nice lighthouse. The views from around this property are really nice and there is a Hostel here as well. The lighthouse is closed so you cannot go inside but they are trying to raise enough money to perhaps open it up again one day. There is a little gift shop and a wooden walkway past the gift shop out to the edge by the water. You can get some good photos out here and/​or sit on the bench and just watch the ocean and birds etc. This is for sure a nice little pitstop on your way up or down the coast. I didn’t see any «real» bathrooms but there are a few bathroom stalls without running water in the parking lot.

The Pigeon Point Light Station is probably one of the most beautiful and scenic lighthouses in the United States!
Located just off of a remote section of Highway 1 between Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay, the Pigeon Point lighthouse has been our favorite stop on the road.
Every photograph can be a postcard! The ocean, rocks, lighthouse, buildings, flowers, dunes and surrounding mountains and hills provide an ethereal backdrop that can make even amateur photographers create masterpieces with their cameras!
Some of the reviews claim that the place gets crowded. That has rarely been our experience (even on the weekend). In fact, there have been numerous times where we were the only people around.
We often travel here to enjoy a picnic. We can sit on the benches behind the lighthouse — providing a magnificent view — and watch the whales, elephant seals and sea lions swim by.
It offers wonderful tranquility… as well as a fantastic experience for those with a sense of discovery. Hint: There is LIFE located on the rocks rising from the water. You will see vivid starfish, sea anenomes, crabs and other interesting creatures.
*IMPORTANT: You will want to bring your jacket. Even during the summer, the temperature here is often no warmer than the low 50s.

This is my absolute favorite spot on the 1 for a weekend drive and photography site. I went this past weekend and we were all lucky enough to see a whale in the distant waters. The surrounding grounds of this place is beautiful. All the flowers are in bloom and soooo many different views that are breathtaking. I miss being able to climb the stairs of the lighthouse because that view is also amazing.
The grounds does have a few scattered picnic tables and benches to relax, so packing a light lunch would be a great idea.
Highly recommend for anyone local or visiting. It’s only 20 or so miles north of Santa Cruz. Perfect weekend drive.