Address: 80 Asilomar Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950
The Point Pinos Lighthouse was built in 1855 and is located on the Northernmost tip of the peninsula in Monterey California. The lighthouse is 43 feet tall, cylindrical concrete tower with a lantern and balcony rising at the center of the keeper’s house. Point Pinos Lighthouse is the west coast’s oldest actively operating lighthouse with its original lens to guide ships on the Pacific Coast and was lit on Feb. 1, 1855. The Point Pinos lighthouse and its scenic 1.3 acres grounds are surrounded by beautiful native plants, deers, and amazing panoramic ocean views. The lighthouse is registered on the “National Register of Historic Places.” Also the small lighthouse is built into an actual house. Point Pinos Lighthouse is open to the public on Saturday-Sunday from 1-3 p.m. only.
It took us about 2 hours (116 miles) to drive from San Francisco to Point Pinios Lighthouse via I-280 South, US 101 South, and CA-156 West. We passed through several beautiful beaches situated along the coast, and small coastal towns. We arrived at the lighthouse at around 1 p.m. and parked on the streets not knowing that there is free parking made up of gravel in front of the main entrance. Point Pinos Lighthouse is surrounded by the Pacific Grove Municipal Golf links. We were greeted by a friendly volunteer docent when we entered the main entrance to the lighthouse. The fee for the lighthouse tour (inside) is $5 for adults, $2 for children ages (7-17) and it’s on a donation basis. Due to time constraints, we opted to just explore the lighthouse from the outside and the surrounding area for free. There were a few friendly and knowledgeable volunteer docents available onsite for any questions about the history of Point Pinos Lighthouse. My family and I enjoyed the beautiful, impeccable landscape surrounding the lighthouse, especially our close encounter with the deers grazing in the grassy area. And the panoramic view of the beautiful ocean from the lighthouse was very relaxing and peaceful on a warm, sunny day.
Since Point Pinos is a snall lighthouse built into an actual house, the docent informed us that the tour inside is comprised of a visit to the kitchen, living room, bathroom, meeting room and upstairs where the ligth is kept but is currently closed and off limits. The lighthouse tour will also educate the visitors about the life of the lighhouse keepers in the earlier days.
Overall, we enjoyed our self guided tour of the property of Point Pinos Lighthouse and learned a few things about the history of the historical Lighthouse. The knowledgeable and friendly volunteer docents answered our questions. It’s a great place to visit with family, friends, couples, history buff and people that love lighthouses. We will surely take the tour inside the lighthouse in our next visit. The lighthouse is a hidden gem in the Pacific Grove area. Have a great day.
Tips: No pets, drones or motorized vehicles allowed. Wear comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing for cold and windy weather. Close proximity to Monterey’s downtown and Lover’s Point Park. Ensure that you pay and take the short tour inside the lighthouse to see and learn more about the history of the lighthouse. Watch out for the deers that may be seen roaming around the property but don’t get too close for your safety. Enjoy the garden area where you can sit and enjoy the incredible view of the landscape and the ocean.
Let me know if you have any questions or what you think about the Point Pinos 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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