Pt. Sur Light Station
Big Sur CA
Driving south on Hwy 1 just north of Big Sur sits an obvious large rock just west of the Highway. I’m sure you’ve noticed it. Many people do, in fact, it’s hard to miss as you wind your way along the scenic coastline. A place fenced off from the public, or is it? Situated atop that big rocky point sits Point Sur Light Station, a California State Historic Park, that offers guided tours providing insight into its rich history and stunning coastal views. Now you can go beyond the fences and take the guided tour providing insight into Point Sur’s rich history and take in it’s stunning views.
📍 Situated approximately 19 miles south of Rio Road in Carmel, California, Point Sur’s official address is 44350 Highway 1, Big Sur CA, 93920. Access to the tour begins along Highway 1 at the large turnout just north of a cattle gate on the west side of the Highway, pictured above and linked here.
❗️The tours are generally offered on Wednesdays and weekends. Arrive early, about 30 minutes early, as the tours are first come, first served and fill quickly. Volunteer docents will meet tourists at the gate, greet them one by one and provide information and direction preceding the tour. The tour is three hours, no leaving early. Can you commit to that? It’s $15 per person, cash or card, paid at the visitors center at the conclusion of the tour. No pets are allowed. Snacks and water are recommended as it’s a three hour tour. The tour is a walk, about two miles round trip on a paved road, unlike what the first light keepers were used to. It is also fairly steep, about 460’ of elevation is gained from the parking lot to the Visitors Center on top of the rock. The pace is slow as the docents take many stops along the way to tell some of the history of the Light Station. The docents warn that it is cold and WINDY on the rock, even on a clear sunny day. Take their word for it. Dress in layers and hold onto your hats…it’s WINDY, about 50 mile and hour gusts the day I took the tour.
Point Sur Distance and Elevation
If you’re good with all of that, they invite you to drive to the parking lot, park your vehicle off the roadway, use the restrooms provided and get ready for the tour.
The guided walking tour begins with a walk up the access road to the light station. The docents provide stories of the rich history and seldom known facts about the light station and its surroundings. You learn about the lives of the first lighthouse keepers, their families, how they constructed and maintained the light station and its role in maritime safety.
Established on August 1, 1889, the Point Sur Lighthouse was constructed to aid navigation along the treacherous Big Sur coastline, notorious for shipwrecks due to its rugged terrain and frequent fog. The lighthouse remained operational with resident keepers and their families until 1974, when it was automated.
You’ll visit the lighthouse tower, climb up the spiral staircase to the original lightroom, visit the lighthouse museum, learn about the construction, the light, the lens, the horn and other historical facts about the Point Sur Lighthouse and how it is used today.
The tour continues up a few stairways to the blacksmith shop, barn and residences, all restored to reflect their historical significance. Your last stop will be the visitors center. You can view more historical artifacts and learn more of the crash of the U.S.S Macon, a fascinating story, in the theater room. You’ll also pay for your tour and gather outside for an easy walk back down to the parking lot where you’ll be lead out to Hwy 1 and on your way.
All-in-all the tour is fantastic! The docents are seasoned professionals. Two of the three docents on my tour each had more than 12 years experience leading this tour. They have a rich knowledge of Point Sur and the surrounding area and are right on time. The tour was complete and I was driving out of the parking lot at three hours, just as they said.
The tour schedule is as follows:
- Wednesdays 1:00 pm
- Saturdays 10:00 am and 2:00 pm
- Sundays 10:00 am (from April through October)
Please note that tour times may vary, and special moonlight tours are occasionally scheduled between April and September. It's advisable to call ahead to confirm current schedules. You can find much more information about the tours and history of the Point Sur Light Station by visiting the following links.
Point Sur State Historic Park Light Station and Former Naval Facility
