Address: Monterey Ca. 93940
The Point Sur Lighthouse was built in 1889 and it is 40 feet tall and 360 feet above sea level. The lighthouse is part of the Point Sur Historic Park. It is situated atop a dramatic Volcanic Rock just offshore in Big Sur. The navigation beacon at Point Sur Lighthouse has warned the sailors away from the craggy shores of the foggy Pacific Ocean. The lighthouse’s lens is about 4,330 pounds of glass and brass that was activated in August 1889. The Point Sur lighthouse and its scenic grounds are surrounded by beautiful native plants, sealions, and relaxing panoramic ocean views. There is also a former Naval Facility situated near the lighthouse and within the Point Sur Historic Park. The famous Bixby Creek Bridge is about 6 miles away (14 minutes drive) from the Point Sur Lighthouse.
It took us about 3 hours (136 miles) to drive from San Francisco to Point Sur Lighthouse via US 101 South, CA-156 West, and CA-1 South. My family and I enjoyed the relaxing coastal scenic drive to Point Sur Lighthouse via Ca-1. We passed through several beautiful beaches situated along the coast, small coastal towns, and winding roads with switchbacks. The tour is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost of the tour is $15 for an adult, $5 for ages 6-17, and below 5 years old is free. As of now, they only allow 40 people per tour group due to Covid restrictions.
We arrived at the lighthouse at around 9:15 a.m. and parked in front of the main iron gate. There were already 4 cars parked ahead of us on the side of the road waiting to get in. The volunteer tour guides opened the main gate at around 9:50 a.m. and guided all the visitor’s cars inside. We were informed by the tour guide about the rules and regulations prior to driving our car inside. We then drove slowly for a few minutes on a long dirt road that led us to the parking area at the bottom of the hill. There were about 20 of us in our tour group and were greeted by friendly volunteer tour guides. We had to descent on an uphill paved pathway to the top of the lighthouse. The walk or hike to the top of the hill is about half a mile and slightly steep. The tour guides stopped for about 4 times on our way up the hill and educated us about the history of Point Sur lighthouse. Each stops gave us some time to rest, take pictures, enjoy the view and drink some water. The volunteer tour guides even showed us where all the sea lions hang out to bask in the sun.
Our first stop was the Point Sur Lighthouse which we had the opportunity to go inside and explore the lighthouse. We were excited especially my 12 years old daughter as it was our first time exploring the inside of a lighthouse. We had to climb all the way up to the top where the lighthouse lens is located using the original spiral staircase. The best part was when the tour guide opened a small door that led us to the outside of the lighthouse with a gorgeous view of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding beaches. After the lighthouse, we head into the Museum where we saw all the displays of historical facts and items. My daughter even tested the foghorn that was used in the lighthouse. We then proceeded and climbed a 61 steps stairway that led us to the Carpenter/Blacksmith shop that had all the antiqued and preserved carpenter’s tools displayed. The next building we visited is the head keeper’s and assistant keeper’s quarters. All the room’s old interior designs were preserved, even some of the furniture and household items. My favorite part was that every room in the house has a view of the Pacific Ocean through the windows especially in the bathroom. And lastly, we visited the gift shop where they sell all kinds of souvenirs and paid our admission fee.
At the end of the tour, we were given a few minutes to take pictures and use the public restrooms before our descent to the bottom of the hill. Overall, we enjoyed our 3 hours tour and learned a lot about the history of the Point Sur Lighthouse. The knowledgeable and friendly volunteer tour guides answered all our group’s questions. We will definitely visit the former Naval Facility on our next visit which is also located inside the Point Sur Historic Park. Have a great day.
Tips: There are ample free parking available on a dirt road at the bottom of the Lighthouse. Portable Public restrooms are available near the parking area on the bottom of the hill and near the Head/Assistant Keeper’s quarters. Wear comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing for cold and windy weather. Try to arrive at the gate at least 30-40 minutes earlier as it is on a first-come, first-serve basis. The Point Sur Lighthouse tour is only available on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. You may bring bottled water but there is no food allowed.
Let me know if you have any questions or what you think about the Point Sur Lighthouse after your visit in the comments below. And kindly share our family travel blog site with your friends and family. Or even include our travel blog website address when you post your pictures on social media. Have fun and stay safe. Thank you.
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