Point Sur Lightstation State Historic Park

Jutting out into the Pacific Ocean from the spectacular Big Sur Coast, the Point Sur Lightstation stands as a silent sentinel to a by-gone era. Point Sur is the only complete turn-of-the-century lightstation open to the public in California and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

From 1889 until 1974, families lived and worked in the buildings atop Pt. Sur. Now the lightstation is part of Pt. Sur State Historic Park and is being preserved for future generations. The unique stone lighthouse still guides ships with its light, though it is now totally automated. Restoration has been completed on many buildings; the rest fend off rain and wind as they have for 117 years.

Access to Point Sur is by guided tour only.  The number of people allowed into Pt. Sur is limited, both to preserve the sense of isolation and drama, and for safety.

Your group will meet in the parking lot at the base of Pt. Sur’s giant moro rock formation, where a docent will lead you on a leisurely uphill walk to the lighthouse, a half mile away. Your group will have plenty of time to climb the lighthouse tower for a look at the light itself, and to take a turn around the catwalk outside the light tower.

Along the way you may:

  • See whales on their ocean migration route (January through May) and others throughout the year
  • Watch pelicans fly in formation below you, maybe glimpse eagles, perigrine falcons, hawks or even California condors
  • Look down on rocks and crashing surf; look back on the Big Sur Coast
  • Feel the fog, the wind or the sunshine on your skin (often in the same tour)
  • See incredible spring wild flower displays
  • Hear about the “ghosts” of lightkeepers past (Moonlight Tours)

After a walk past the lightstation buildings, and a stop at the Visitors’ Center, the group will return to the parking lot. You will have experienced life on a remote lightstation, if for only a few hours.

For specific details, times, pricing, and group information.Click Here.