Bright Point of View

Point Reyes Lighthouse

Here's a way to brighten your day: Head to Point Reyes Lighthouse. Originally constructed in 1870 to help warn mariners of the navigational hazard that we now call Point Reyes, the lighthouse was handed over to the National Park Service after serving for 105 years.

This historic site is no drive-by affair. It’s a short hike, just shy of 1.5 miles (round-trip) on a paved trail—including 313 steps—to reach the lighthouse. And it’s worth it!

Point Reyes Lighthouse

Park in the lot and head up the road through a tunnel of cypress trees on one side and boulders on the other. Towards the end, make your way past the green building on your right and stop at the Lighthouse Visitor Center for exhibits on the lighthouse, whales, seals, sea lions, and birds.

Point Reyes Lighthouse

Then make your way to the top of the stairs to start your descent to the lighthouse, and make your way around its catwalk.

Point Reyes Lighthouse

On clear winter days (which happens a fair bit in this area) the ocean and coastal views are simply breathtaking. Keep an eye out for whales in the rich waters below. Depending on staffing and weather conditions, on Saturdays through Mondays from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. you can also go inside the lighthouse to look at the Fresnel lens.

TIP: Check the weather conditions by calling the park to ensure that the lighthouse will not be socked in with fog: (415) 464-5100.

The lighthouse is at the end of Sir Francis Drake Blvd. and can be found by following the signs posted throughout the park. The stairs from the observation deck to the lighthouse are open Saturdays through Mondays, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. High winds may close it. In very wet weather use caution on stairs. No dogs.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Hiker in the forest at Mount Sutro in San Francisco

    San Francisco's Middle Earth

    No need to travel to New Zealand to visit Middle Earth. San Francisco’s Mount Sutro Open Space is practically Hobbiton—a hidden “shire” in the middle of the city. Okay, maybe not quite as magical, but still an incredible place to take a hike in city limits.

    View
  3. A group of people clamored around the summit marker at Mission Peak in the Bay Area

    Your Mission Is Less Crowded

    Mission Peak is one of the Bay Area’s most popular mountains, with many hikers climbing every weekend. Skip the crowds with this 6-mile loop up the less-traveled southern route.

    View
  4. Hike top Angel Island Mount Livermore San Francisco Bay

    Good Heavens

    The 4-mile hike to the top of Angel Island offers Bay-mazing scenery. Some people claim you get a five-bridge view: Richmond-San Rafael, Bay, Golden Gate, San Mateo-Hayward, and Dumbarton bridges.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Bear Hug

    This 5.5-mile loop through Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park explores one of the newest segments of the acclaimed Bay Area Ridge Trail, one redolent with trees ranging from madrone and manzanita to buckeye and blue elderberry (with a bubbly post-hike bonus).

    View
  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  3. Bikers and walkers on the Bay Area Ridge Trail with the Golden Gate Bridge behind them

    National Park City Walk

    See San Francisco the way locals do by hiking the Presidio, a national park right in the city! Wooded trails, secluded beaches, and epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge feature on this 5.5-mile out-and-back on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It’s a lovely slice of the City by the Bay.

    View
  4. Woman hiking down the stairs to Coast Royale Beach in Orange County

    Secluded Royale

    Panoramic coastal views and a killer leg workout combine on this 2.7-mile (round-trip) out-and-back hike to secluded Coast Royale Beach in Orange County

    View