Background

Point Pinos Lighthouse: A Beacon of History

Explore California's oldest continuously operating lighthouse, offering maritime history and stunning views of Monterey Bay.

4.5
A question is required

屹立在太平洋格罗夫的皮诺斯角灯塔，自1855年以来一直照亮着西海岸，是该地区最古老的持续运营的灯塔。游客可以探索其历史意义，欣赏原始的菲涅耳透镜，并欣赏蒙特雷湾的壮丽景色。

A brief summary to Point Pinos Lighthouse (1855)

  • Monday 1 pm-3 pm
  • Thursday 1 pm-3 pm
  • Friday 1 pm-3 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-3 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-3 pm

Local tips

  • Check the operating hours before visiting, as they vary depending on the day.
  • Bring a jacket, as the coastal winds can be strong and chilly.
  • Explore the tide pools along the rocky coastline near the lighthouse.
  • Visit the nearby John Denver Memorial, located near the lighthouse.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Driving

    From Highway 1 in Monterey/Pacific Grove, take the Pebble Beach/Pacific Grove Exit (Highway 68 West). Highway 68 becomes Forest Avenue. Stay on Forest Avenue and turn left onto Lighthouse Avenue. Turn right onto Asilomar Boulevard to access the lighthouse. There is ample free parking available near the lighthouse.

  • Public Transport

    Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) routes #1 and #2 serve Pacific Grove. From Monterey, take the MST bus to Pacific Grove. From the bus stop on Lighthouse Avenue, it is a short walk along Asilomar Avenue to the lighthouse. A single ride on MST costs $3.

  • Walking

    From Cannery Row in Monterey, follow Lighthouse Avenue west to the intersection with Asilomar Boulevard. The walk is approximately 2 miles and should take around 45 minutes. Turn left onto Asilomar Boulevard, and the lighthouse will be on your right.

Unlock the Best of Point Pinos Lighthouse (1855)

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

q

Discover more about Point Pinos Lighthouse (1855)

Point Pinos Lighthouse, located in Pacific Grove, California, stands as a sentinel of maritime history and a testament to the enduring importance of lighthouses in guiding ships along treacherous coastlines. Established in 1855, it proudly holds the title of the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast of the United States. Its beam has shone nightly, warning ships away from the rocky California coast. Originally, the point was named Punta de los Pinos (Point of the Pines) in 1602 by Spanish explorer Sebastian Vizcaino. In 1852, Congress allocated funds for the construction of six lighthouses along the California Coast. Construction began in 1853, and Point Pinos Lighthouse was first lit on February 1, 1855. The original light source was a whale oil lantern. Over time, the light source was converted to lard oil in 1880 and then electricity in 1919. Visitors can explore the lighthouse and discover its rich history through exhibits maintained by the City of Pacific Grove. The lighthouse still uses its original third-order Fresnel lens, manufactured in France in the 1850s. A larger, second-order lens was intended for the tower, but it was installed at Point Pinos instead. The lighthouse has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1977. Besides its function, Point Pinos Lighthouse was a social hub. Lighthouse Avenue was built in 1874 to ferry supplies to the lighthouse. Over the years, Point Pinos has been home to many keepers and their families. Emily Fish, a lightkeeper in 1893, was known as “The Socialite Lightkeeper” for hosting parties at the lighthouse. Today, Point Pinos Lighthouse is still an active aid to navigation.

Popular Experiences near Point Pinos Lighthouse (1855)

Popular Hotels near Point Pinos Lighthouse (1855)

Select Currency