Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park
*HEAT ALERT: With temperatures set to exceed 110 degrees throughout much of the state this week, California is urging everyone to take extra precautions as they celebrate the Fourth of July. Governor Newsom has directed the Office of Emergency Services to activate its State Operations Center. Read about how California is preparing for this heatwave. The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for parts of California from 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 2, through Sunday, July 7, at 8 p.m. PDT. Please be sure to take extra precautions when heading outdoors and know before you go by checking the park’s webpage ahead of time. Visit our safety tips webpage and get the latest on the weather at weather.gov.
The Park is currently OPEN.
Park Facilities
Lodging
Visiting Pigeon Point Light Station
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Perched on a cliff on the central California coast, 50 miles south of San Francisco, the 115-foot Pigeon Point Lighthouse, one of the tallest lighthouses in America, has been guiding mariners since 1872. Its five-wick lard oil lamp, and first-order Fresnel lens, comprised of 1,008 prisms, was first lit at sunset, November 15, 1872. The lens stands 16 feet tall, 6 feet in diameter, and weighs 2,000 pounds. Now on display in the fog signal building, it sat in a lantern room constructed at the Lighthouse Service's general depot in New York before being shipped around the Horn. Although the original Fresnel lens is no longer in use, the lighthouse is still an active U.S. Coast Guard aid to navigation using an automated LED beacon.The coastal areas surrounding Pigeon Point Light Station are rich with life. Marine mammals, such as seals and whales, can be seen regularly from shore as they pass by beyond the surf. The intertidal zone along this part of the coast, particularly in the rocky reefs that flank the light station, contains a diverse and numerous variety of plant and animal life.
Lighthouse Closed for Repairs
In December 2001, a section of the iron belt course on the exterior of the lighthouse fell off. The lighthouse will remain closed until the structure can be restored. The lighthouse may still be viewed from the grounds. For more information go to Lighthouse Restoration
Activities
Vist the historic Fog Signal Building, the current home of the original Fresnel lens. and enjoy exhibits that tell the story of the lighthouse and keepers. Look for maritime birds, harbor seals, and whales from our observation deck. Join us on Sundays at 2pm for a guided history of the park grounds.
Lighthouse History Walk Registration
Junior Rangers!
Starting Sunday, June 16
Welcome Junior Rangers! Each program will last about 45 minutes and consists of a mini-tour of the lighthouse grounds and a hands-on activity. While children of all ages and their parents are welcome to participate in the activity and tour, only kids aged 7-12 are able to become Junior Rangers and earn badges.
June 16 - Pigeon Point Pit Stop - 11:00am-11:45am
Have you ever been on a road trip with your family? Did you drive without stopping or did you take breaks? Birds and whales need places to stop on their migrations, just like we do on our vacations. Learn about the importance of pit stops like Pigeon Point for migrating whales and birds.
June 23 - Thar She Blows!- 11:00am-11:45am
Every year hundreds of whales migrate past Pigeon Point! Conduct a mini-experiment and explore how different whales use teeth or baleen to eat their favorite foods.
July 7 - Kids at Pigeon Point - 11:00am-11:45am
Would you want to live at a lighthouse? After chores and homework were done, what kind of games would you play? Come play a popular children’s game from the 1800s and make your own craft to take home with you.
July 14 - Nautical Knots - 11:00am-11:45am
Sailors relied on lighthouses like Pigeon Point to guide them safely to port. Tie some of the knots used by lightkeepers and sailors. Learn how sailors communicated with special signal flags and create your own signal flag message!
July 21 - How Do Lighthouses Work? - 11:00am-11:45am
How do you shine a light 20 miles out to sea? Come learn how Fresnel lens changed lighthouses forever and helped ships navigate the dangerous waters of the California coast. Conduct your own experiment and see if you can save the ship!
July 28; August 11 - Maritime Measurements - 11:00am-11:45am
Do you have what it takes to be a lightkeeper? Learn about the job of a lighthouse keeper and create your own logbook based on your observations and measurements of the world around you.
August 4 - How Do Lighthouses Work? - 11:00am-11:45am
How do you shine a light 20 miles out to sea? Come learn how Fresnel lens changed lighthouses forever and helped ships navigate the dangerous waters of the California coast. Conduct your own experiment and see if you can save the ship!
August 11 - Maritime Measurements - 11:00am-11:45am
Do you have what it takes to be a lightkeeper? Learn about the job of a lighthouse keeper and create your own logbook based on your observations and measurements of the world around you.
August 25 - Thar She Blows!- 11:00am-11:45am
Every year hundreds of whales migrate past Pigeon Point! Conduct a mini-experiment and explore how different whales use teeth or baleen to eat their favorite foods.
Visit Pigeon Point Virtually!
Explore inside the Pigeon Point Lighthouse while it's closed for restoration! CyArk, in partnership with San Mateo County, Coastside State Parks Association, and California State Parks have created a 3D, 360 degree narrated tour of the the historic buildings and grounds at Pigeon Point for the 150th anniversary of the light station.
Pigeon Point Lighthouse Restoration
The Pigeon Point Lighthouse Rehabilitation Project has started! Read the official press release for all the details.For more information, photos, and the latest updates visit the Lighthouse Restoration webpage or the image gallery below.
Volunteers Needed at the Lighthouse!
Are you interested in history? Do you like sharing stories and meeting new people? California State Parks is looking for volunteers interested in working at one of the tallest lighthouses on the west coast – the historic 115-foot tall Pigeon Point Lighthouse! Call (650) 879-2120 or email pigeonpoint@ports-ca.us for more information or to sign up.
View our guided hikes and other public programs schedule and make a reservation by visiting our Parks Events page!
Looking for your next adventure?
California State Parks Backpacking Adventures offers naturalist-led backpacking trips through the Santa Cruz Mountains each summer, including our NEW "Cars-BA" Family Camp at Big Basin! Online registration is open now!
Basic Park Information
ROCKY POINT around Pigeon Point lighthouse is closed to all visitors to prevent erosion and protect nesting birds.
DOGS are not permitted on the lighthouse grounds (except for service animals).
ADMISSION & PARKING is free.
SMOKING is not permitted in the park.
DRONES are not allowed in the park. To protect wildlife and cultural resources, and for the safety and welfare of visitors and staff, the park is closed to the use of Model Aircraft, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), and Gliders in flight.
FACILITIES — The park has restrooms near the parking lot and limited picnic tables. A park store is located in the historic carpenter's shop. A small public beach is located 100 yards from the main parking lot.
PIGEON POINT HOSTEL is run by Hostelling International for guests who are interested in staying overnight. For more information and reservations, please click here.
WEDDING & SPECIAL EVENT PERMITS: SMPermits@parks.ca.gov or (650) 726-8819
FILM & PHOTOGRAPHY PERMITS: SMFilmPermits@parks.ca.gov or (650) 726-8815
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