Point Sur Lighthouse

Point Sur Lighthouse, a California State Historic Park on the National Register of Historic Places, sits on a volcanic rock 361 feet above the Pacific Ocean. Erected in 1889, this Big Sur lighthouse has stayed in continuous operation since, and is the only complete lighthouse of its era open to the public in California.

A very popular Big Sur attraction, Point Sur Lighthouse is a unique part of California history and can be seen on scheduled guided tours.

WALKING TOURS

Walking tours of Point Sur Lighthouse are held year-round as one of the most popular Big Sur attractions. There are 3 hour walking tours on Saturdays at 10am and Wednesdays at 1pm. Arrive early and park north of the entrance gate at the side of Hwy 1 (19 miles south of Rio Rd). In April 2022, Point Sur Lighthouse will add a Sunday 10am tour. Cost is $15 adults; $5 ages 6 to 17; 5 and under are free. Tours are first come, first served, so make sure to arrive early!

There is also a Saturday 10:30am walking tour (2 hours long) at the adjacent Naval Facility, where you can get the inside scoop on the secret work that took place there during the Cold War. Cost is $10 adults; $5 ages 6-17: 5 and under are free.

The walk to Point Sur Lighthouse is a half-mile, with a 360-foot rise in elevation and two stairways between 40 and 60 steps high. Call 831-625-4419 for tour information, or refer to the Point Sur website for a tour schedule.

OTHER MONTEREY COUNTY LIGHTHOUSES

If you're a fan of historic lighthouses, don't miss Point Pinos Lighthouse, just 27 miles north in Pacific Grove.

DIRECTIONS

From Rio Road in Carmel, drive 19 miles south on Route 1. From points south, drive 1/4 mile north of the Point Sur Naval Facility. You will see Big Sur's lighthouse just off the coast.