Point Reyes Lighthouse – California

The Point Reyes Lighthouse is located within the Point Reyes National Seashore in California’s Bay Area. This is a remote, rural location and takes quite an effort to get out here, even if you’re staying in San Francisco (it doesn’t look too far on the map!) But visiting the Point Reyes Lighthouse is worth it – it’s a beautiful lighthouse in a spectacular location, especially if you happen to visit on a sunny day. (I have one of my photos from the Point Reyes Lighthouse framed in my house. It’s one of my favorite lighthouses ever!) Let’s review the Point Reyes Lighthouse in California.

Point Reyes Lighthouse Location

Though it might not look that way on a map, this is a long drive out here from San Francisco – nearly a two hour, one way drive. Make sure to check the hours on the website to make sure the lighthouse is open before venturing out here. It took me four trips to San Francisco before I finally had the timing and the weather right to see the Point Reyes Lighthouse.

I highly recommend visiting on a clear, sunny day – you will get the best views here. Again, if you’re visiting from San Francisco, just venturing out here will take up at least half of your day. That’s not to discourage you; it’s just a long way out here and San Francisco is filled with so much to do in the city alone. It took me four trips to San Franscico before I made the jaunt out here, as I wanted perfect conditions and the lighthouse needed to be open.

The Point Reyes Lighthouse is located all the way at the end of Sir Francis Drake Blvd, in the Point Reyes National Seashore. This is about a 45 minute drive once you pass the Point Reyes National Seashore visitor center.

Make sure have enough gas! The last gas station is in Point Reyes Station – make sure you can make a 40-mile round trip drive before venturing any further!

We were staying in downtown San Francisco, in the Fisherman’s Wharf area. We left around 8am and didn’t have any issues with traffic either going out to Point Reyes or coming back. I highly recommend starting out early to avoid getting caught in major traffic jams.

Don’t miss the Point Reyes Shipwreck on your way to or from the lighthouse!

Point Reyes Lighthouse – Quick Overview

Hours: The lighthouse is open Friday to Monday, from 10am – 4:30pm.

Requires a 1 mile round trip hike from the parking area to the lighthouse.

Parking area is small and only allows 38 vehicles. Even though we arrived in the morning, on a Monday, we just barely got a spot.

Handicap parking is available closer, as long as you have the appropriate tags. You will need to open the chained gate to get your car through, and then drive slowly along the service road until you reach the accessible parking lot.

To get up close to the lighthouse, you will need to climb down and up 300+ stairs.

You will want to dress appropriately, even in the summer. Bring along layers – a jacket, sweatshirt, even long pants – it can get very windy and cold here. We lucked out and had an excellent day but it was still a little chilly, even though we visited in July.

Dogs are not allowed on the trail to the lighthouse.

Like lighthouses? Read all my lighthouse posts and reviews here!

History of the Point Reyes Lighthouse

The Point Reyes Lighthouse was built in 1870 on the Point Reyes Headland to warn ships of its dangers as they head into the San Francisco Bay Area. It’s no longer a working lighthouse; it was retired in 1975, and today there are two automated warning lights near the lighthouse that alert mariners to this hazardous area. Today, the National Park Service maintains Point Reyes Lighthouse.

Visiting the Point Reyes Lighthouse:

Once you finally make the long drive out here, you will find the parking area for the lighthouse. At this point, you cannot drive any further and will need to hike 1/2 mile to the visitor center/lighthouse. It’s an easy walk on a service road, and you’ll get nice views of the coastline.

You’ll also pass a home and a few weathered buildings on your way to the lighthouse.

Once you’re there, you’ll find a small visitor center and gift shop. Lots of information on the day’s weather forecast, as well as information on fish found in the national seashore.

You’ll see the stairs going down to the lighthouse. This is actually my favorite angle to photograph the Point Reyes Lighthouse, as I absolutely love the leading lines of the staircase leading down to the lighthouse.

So if stairs are an issue for you, don’t worry, as you can still get epic photos of the Point Reyes Lighthouse from above.

I ventured down the stairs to get a closer look at the lighthouse. Photos from close up just aren’t as compelling, but it was still nice to see it up close. Additionally, you can go inside the bottom area of the lighthouse, but there isn’t much to see inside. You cannot go up the inside stairs.

The National Park Service occasionally closes the stairs when the wind gusts get too high.

Once you’ve had your fill, head back up the stairs. The stairs are marked every 10 steps so you can see how much progress you’re making up those 310 stairs!

Point Reyes Lighthouse – Final Thoughts

This is a beautiful, unique lighthouse in such a gorgeous setting – if you love lighthouses, the Point Reyes Lighthouse should be high on your list. The downside is getting here — it’s a trek, to say the least. It’s going to take up at least a half day of your vacation in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The limited hours and the unpredictable weather are also a factor – even if it’s sunny and clear in San Francisco, it might be foggy out at the lighthouse, so check the weather and make sure it’s open before making the drive out here.