Pigeon Point Lighthouse

Pigeon Point Lighthouse is much taller than the squatty Point Montara Lighthouse. This piece of land was originally called Punta de las Bellenas, Point of the Whales. The new name has nothing to do with the prevalence of pigeons.

It was renamed after a newly constructed clipper ship, the Carrier Pigeon, sailed around the tip of South America from Boston. It never made it to San Francisco and was shipwrecked at this location along with several other ships over the years.

Pigeon Point Lighthouse is tied as being the tallest in California at 115 feet, matching the Point Arena lighthouse. The area surrounding the lighthouse is beautiful and is now a state park with its own private beach.

The original Fresnel lens, made in Paris, is on display in one of the outbuildings on the property. The most recent lighthouse restoration should soon be completed. There were tours of Pigeon Point lighthouse as early as the 1880’s. Very scenic and a nice addition to a drive along the San Mateo coast.

This lighthouse is also a youth hostel and has small private rooms in the buildings that are nearly on the cliffs overlooking the ocean. They have larger accommodations for families. Small cottages can be rented from Hosteling International and can handle groups up to 15.

Having stayed here with my children, expect the accommodations to be very basic, but the location makes up for the simple amenities. The drive from the Montara Lighthouse to the Pigeon Point Lighthouse is a beautiful 28 miles with recommended stops in Princeton by the Sea, San Gregoria, Bean Hollow Beach, Pescadero, and Harley Goat Farm. Montara Lighthouse and Pigeon Point Lighthouse are the only two lighthouses between San Francisco and Santa Cruz.