Point Sur Lighthouse in Big Sur, California
Located between Carmel and Big Sur, the 48-foot high sandstone Point Sur lighthouse stands duty, warning ships approaching the treacherous coast. Point Sur, a National Historic Landmark, is the only complete turn-of-the-century light station open to the public in California. The lighthouse was originally fueled by whale oil, lard oil, and kerosene before becoming electric in 1948. It used a Fresnel lens invented by Augustin Jean Fresnel, a French physicist, until the 1970s. It is still in use today, operated by the U.S. Coast Guard.
During its history, Point Sur has been home to four lightkeepers and their families. Beginning in 1899 up until 1974, these lighthouse keepers and their families lived in isolation in this remote and desolate place. Supplies were brought every four months by ship. It is hard to imagine what life must have been like for these folks, without the modern conveniences that we take for granted and so distant from the rest of the world. To live at Point Sur clearly required grit. Point Sur could originally be reached only by boat, as it was an island. Now, it is reached by walking a little less than a mile from the parking lot below.
Despite a light that could be seen for 23 nautical miles and a coal-powered fog horn, the Point Sur lighthouse still witnessed its share of shipwrecks. If you are interested in ghosts and haunted places, you may enjoy the Ghost Hunts and annual Halloween Tours. Nature lovers may also enjoy the Whale Watch Tours. Gray whales are often seen on their migration route during the winter and during the summer you may see humpback and blue whales.
Tours last approximately three hours and are led by docents. It can be very cold and blustery so bring a jacket or sweater to be on the safe side. You will also have to do a great deal of walking, so sensible footwear is advised. You have to climb almost a mile with a 360-foot elevation to get to the lighthouse. There is a picnic area surrounded by a cute picket fence so bring a lunch and enjoy the amazing views! If you are planning on visiting the lighthouse and have questions regarding parking, fees, and tour schedules, call 831-625-4419 or see Point Sur Lighthouse
- September through March Tours are Saturday and Sunday at 10:00 am and Wednesday at 1:00 pm
- April through August Tours are Saturdays and Wednesdays at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, Sundays 10:00 am, and only in July and August, Thursdays at 10:00 am
- For regular tours, adults are $15, ages 6-17 are $5, and children 5 and under are free
- Moonlight Tours in 2018 are Sunday, August 26 and Monday August 27 at 6:45 pm, and Monday, September 24 and Tuesday, September 25 at 6:00 pm
- For Moonlight tours, adults are $20, ages 6-17 are $10, and ages 5 and under are free
- Arrive early; first come, first served (reservations are not accepted)
- Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover are accepted
- No visitors may remain in their vehicles
- No pets ( even left in cars), large motorhomes or campers, baby strollers, or smoking is allowed
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