Address: 27000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd Ca. 94937
Point Reyes Lighthouse is also known as the Point Reyes Light is located at the westernmost end of the Point Reyes Headlands and Sir Francis Drake Blvd. The Point Reyes Lighthouse was built in 1870 to prevent ships from crashing into the rocky shores and reefs. The Point Reyes Lighthouse is 35 feet tall, shaped like a tapered cylindrical tower, and situated in the Gulf of Farallones. On December 1, 1870, was when the first time the Point Reyes Lighthouse shone its light. Dynamite was used to clearing an area and level a spot for the lighthouse to be situated. Visitors will need to walk through the 313 steps downhill towards the Lighthouse. In the early days, lighthouses reflect light out to the sea by using mirrors which could only be seen at 8-12 miles away. But the Point Reyes Lighthouse used a Fresnel lens from 1870-1975 that could be seen at about 24 miles away. The lighthouse’s lenses and mechanism were constructed in France in 1867. The light was only lit between sunset and sunrise. In 1975, The U.S. Coast Guard put in place an automated light, and Point Reyes Lighthouse was discontinued from service. The ownership of the Point Reyes Lighthouse was transferred to the National Park Service which maintains and preserves the historical lighthouse. The Point Reyes lighthouse also survived the April 18, 1906 earthquake and the lens slipped off its tracks was the only damage.
It took us about 2 hours and 20 minutes (80 miles) to drive from Daly City via US 101 and Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. My family and I enjoyed our fun scenic drive and some winding roads to Point Reyes Lighthouse via US-101. We passed through several beautiful beaches such as the North, South, and Drakes Beach situated along the coast, small local ranches, water reservoirs, small towns, local cheese stores, and many more interesting places to see.
We arrived at the main parking lot of the Lighthouse at around 9:30 a.m. on a weekend and parked at the main parking lot. It was limited parking especially in the afternoon as it gets crowded. We even saw a few cars parked on the side of the road a few yards away from the main parking lot. We walked for about 15 minutes (0.45 miles) from the parking lot to the Lighthouse Visitor Center on mostly an uphill paved road or walkway. We were lucky that it was a clear sunny day with a beautiful view of the ocean and saw a few deers, coyotes in the surrounding area. We passed through the Visitor Center, Lighthouse Vista Point, and finally reached the entrance to the stairs leading down to the lighthouse. There was a warning sign indicating that the ascend going up from the lighthouse is strenuous. The stairs that lead to the lighthouse below are composed of 313 steps equivalent to a three-story building. The inside of the lighthouse is currently not accessible at the moment. There were two viewing decks where you can rest or take pictures from the top of the lighthouse.
The ocean view in the lighthouse area was gorgeous and very relaxing but can be very windy. We also had an opportunity and walked around the outside walkway of the lighthouse. We explored the area and learned about how the lighthouse was built, saw the original 1867 clockworks, and the first-order fresnel lens. The tower has 16 sides and is 35 feet tall. We even saw a few species of birds such as the Pelicans and Falcons flying around the area. After our experience below at the lighthouse, we then went up the flight of stairs and proceeded on to the observation deck located near the stairs. My daughter enjoyed and learned history at the Ocean Exploration Center which is located inside the Visitor Center. Overall, it was a very unique and one-of-a-kind memorable historical experience for me and my family.
Tips: The only gas station in Point Reyes is located in the town of Point Reyes Station 11401 CA-1. The parking lot area is limited and can only accommodate 38 vehicles. We saw a few cars parked a few yards away from the main parking lot but be sure that you are not blocking any part of the road. Please respect and observe all “No Parking” signs. You can’t go inside the lighthouse but can walk around the outside of the Lighthouse. Two public restrooms are available in the main parking lot and near the Visitor Center by the green garages. Always bring a jacket or blanket as the weather is unpredictable and bottled water to hydrate as you go up and down the 313 steps of stairs. No cell phone reception but they have a payphone located near the green garages. No drones are permitted in the area. And lastly, be aware that the stairs are narrow and lots of people passed through them both ways especially during peak hours.
Let me know if you have any questions, comments or what you think about Point Reyes 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.
Click here to find a hotel close to Point Reyes Lighthouse in Marin County.